It is March, which means the frozen grasp of winter is finally (we hope) thawing, and spring is looming with its own challenges. The prospect of warmer temperatures can feel like a relief after a long and cold winter, but the increasing daylight creates unrest in the atmosphere and can lead to wild weather scenarios. Whether the result is rain, hail, tornadoes, or blizzards, each spring is sure to come replete with challenges for the electrical utility industry. As linemen are painfully aware, unpleasant circumstances are part and parcel with the need for emergency response. Experienced linemen know what is coming, and now is the time to make sure you and your crew are prepared.

The major reality for much of the country during spring is the prospect of rain. Showers and thunderstorms lead to soft ground and flooded work areas. But the first are of concern should be a lineman’s own protection.

Rain Gear

Tallman Equipment carries a selection of rain gear suitable both for keeping linemen dry in the elements but also for hi-visibility and arc flash protection purposes. Combine a jacket with a pair of pants/trousers/cover-alls/bibs to ensure you have adequate coverage. There is nothing worse than trying to work in the elements, with freezing wet clothes. It is not just a comfort concern either. Wet clothes can drastically bring down body temperature, and given the volatility of spring weather and temperatures, this can result in dangerous situations where hypothermia is a real concern. Ultimately, staying dry can be the difference between a successful job and a disaster. Stay dry to get the job done.

Mud Shovel

Shoveling dirt is hard enough as it is. When it gets wet and muddy, it becomes downright backbreaking. Fortunately, the Hisco Mud Shovel offers a simple and elegant solution to an inelegant task. The holes in the blade offer two major improvements over regular shovels when it comes to dealing with muddy soil and clay: first, the holes allow water to simply pass through while the dirt and mud stays on the blade. Second, the holes reduce the surface area of the shovel blade and make it easier for mud and clay to release from the shovel. For anyone who has ever shoveled sticky mud, it is a gamechanger to have the dirt release cleanly from the blade. The result is a shovel that can be used to clear out muddy holes without excess exertion.

Mud Bucket

Sometimes the job calls for removing water and mud from deeper holes at an angle which would render a shovel impractical. Enter the DDIN Mud Bucket: an easy-to-use tool that removes mud, gravel, water, or other debris from deep holes. Great for cleaning holes prior to setting a pole. The bucket is made from 11 gauge cold rolled steel and can hold up to a gallon. The handles are made of durable, lightweight fiberglass that telescopes from 6′ to 12′. The duel handles and bucket ensure that each scoop makes it out of the hole, regardless of the angle. No more scoops sliding back into the hole.

Stick Transfer Pump

Oftentimes, water itself is the obstacle when trying to work on underground utilities. Whether it’s a utility vault or a flooded trench, the Milwaukee M18 Stick Transfer Pump makes for a convenient way to move water. The Stick Transfer Pump can move up to 25 gallons per minute and up to 1000 gallons per charge when using an HD12.0 Battery. Equipped with HYDROPASS™ filter technology, its 360° filter maximizes flow in heavy debris, minimizing downtime caused by clogging. With a 48” submersible reach, this stick transfer pump provides the extension needed to reach water at the bottom of trenches and difficult-to-reach areas.

Ground Protection Mat

If there’s one thing you can be sure of in the spring, it is that the ground is going to be soft and turn into a muddy mess as soon as utility trucks and heavy equipment start driving all over it. Ground Protection Mats protect not only the ground but also you, from the headache of getting stuck in the mud. The EnviroMat ground protection mat provides a durable, non-slip surface for vehicles and pedestrians. Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the EnviroMat withstands the heaviest of loads without breaking, cracking or de-laminating. Highly portable, strong, ground protection mats to quickly create temporary roadways and vehicle trackways. These HDPE Ground Protection Mats are surprisingly lightweight, with convenient handles for ease of placement. The mats can be joined together for modular site layouts. The raised pattern on the mats offers additional slip protection for linemen as well offering additional grip for tires in wet and muddy conditions.

Outrigger Pads

Outrigger pads are a must to keep on utility trucks, especially in the spring. Soft ground makes for a lousy support for the outriggers on a utility truck. Ensure the extra stability for your bucket truck or other heavy equipment so you can have peace of mind knowing that there is a rock solid foundation beneath you.

Bucket Covers

The last thing a lineman wants to be dealing with when climbing into an aerial bucket is 6″ of water in the bottom of the bucket. Keep the insides of your aerial buckets dry with Tallman’s selection of aerial bucket covers. A well designed cover will not only keep the inside of the lift bucket dry, but it will prevent water from pulling on top of the cover so you don’t inadvertently dump a puddle of water down your front when removing the cover.

Stay Dry and Trust Tallman

For over 70 years, Tallman Equipment has been supplying the utility industry with the best tools and equipment for linemen, and our tool experts have years of experience and can help you find the right equipment for your job. With our years of experience, our team has the knowledge and knowhow to find you the right line tools and equipment for whatever job your team is facing.

For more about Tallman Equipment, read up on The 1952 Society here, learn more about Tallman’s history, and check out how our rental department can help you.