23 OCTOBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Staying Productive No Matter the Jobsite Adapted from Information by Terramac Based in Rocklin, California, Hickman Utility removes and sets power poles, underground enclosures, and splice boxes, often in remote locations with inhospitable conditions such as steep and muddy terrains. “Every job is unique, and that’s what I like about what we do,” said President Dan Hickman, who has done heavy equipment work his entire life and started Hickman Utility in 2016, with his wife Shannon. “We have what we describe as normal everyday jobs, but we really enjoy working in extreme areas and challenging conditions.” To meet the challenges head on, Hickman Utility relies heavily on purpose-built and customized Terramac crawler carriers, including an RT6 and an RT9 with digger derrick and pole setter attachments, as well as an RT7U with an aerial device attachment. Hickman Utility utilizes the RT6 and RT9 rubber-tracked crawler carriers to remove and set poles, screw in anchors, auger holes, and compact soil around poles with the built-in tamper system. The company uses the RT7U compact utility crawler carrier with a two-man bucket and a jib boom to replace transformers. “We are often on sites that have been affected by storms, so there are trees down and mud, in addition to the normal terrain, which can be rocky and steep,” said operator Josh Hattrup. “You have to be able to navigate without having a clear shot to the job. The Terramacs are powerful and give us the ability to get almost anywhere. If these machines can’t get you there, you most likely need a helicopter.” Hickman recalled doing a lot of research on tracked utility equipment to meet their requirements, read a lot of reviews, and Terramac stood out as the right choice. “I contacted Terramac’s sales team about the RT6, gave them a list of what our specific needs were, and they were able to accommodate everything. The size of the job and the location usually dictate which unit we use on a particular job. They all have low ground pressure, which is great for handling the challenging and sensitive conditions we encounter with minimal ground disturbance. I also like the climate-controlled enclosed cabs and the overall functionality of the machines.” CONST For more information, call 480-609-3993 info@mountainstatesgroundwater.com mountainstatesgroundwater.com \ Seminars \ Exhibits \ Raffles \ Networking Opportunities \ Buck Lively Scholarship Auction
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