BONNER SPRINGS, KS — Terex Utilities sponsored the Hurtman Rescue competition at the International Lineman’s Rodeo, held in Bonner Springs, Kansas. The event, which focuses on highlighting safe work practices, draws the most skilled journeymen and apprentice lineworkers from around the world.

During the Hurtman Rescue, workers demonstrate how to quickly and safely lower an unconscious worker from the top of a pole. For the contest, Terex Utilities provided two Optima HRX55 units, one Optima HR55, and one TL48.

“We congratulate Georgia’s Jackson Electric Membership Corporation and Omaha Public Power District of Nebraska for achieving first place,” said Joe Caywood, Director of Marketing.

The journeymen who made up the Jackson EMC team were Jeff Sutton, Kaleb Chapman, and Jeremy Adams. They beat out more than 120 other teams with a finish time of 1:41:81. Apprentice Ted Gyhra of Omaha Public Power finished the task in 48:69 ahead of more than 180 other apprentices.

The Optima Series of distribution trucks delivers responsive boom speeds, maximum side reach, and low ground access. Both units have working heights of 60 feet and 42.8 feet non-overcenter side reach at 116 degrees lower boom angle. Optima HRX55 features X-Frame outriggers and HR55 has A-Frame outriggers.

The TL48 Telescopic Aerial Device, introduced earlier this year, features side reach and material handling capacity. It achieves 53-foot working height on a Super-Duty class vehicle, while maintaining vehicle payload and jib capacity.

During the conference and trade show that preceded the Lineman’s Rodeo competition, Terex Utilities displayed a BTA Spiral auger tool and a Commander C4047 digger derrick in custom pink colors. The equipment, which traveled from the Utility Expo in Louisville to Kansas, was used to promote breast cancer awareness. Visitors were invited to sign a banner to help raise funds for breast cancer research. For every signature collected, the company will donate $2 — up to $5,000 — to Susan G. Komen, Great Plains chapter in South Dakota.

“The International Lineman’s Rodeo is very much a family affair," said Greg Adler, Regional Account Manager, Auger Tooling. "Spouses and children often travel with contestants, and their support of the Drilling for a Cure campaign was overwhelming."