Terex Utilities debuts new digger derrick generation

Terex Utilities’ new generation of digger derrick is the General 65 MAX

Terex Utilities broke figurative ground with the release of a new generation of the General 65 digger derrick, the General 65 MAX, for utility transmission applications.

According to the manufacturer, the new model, which can lift 22,260lbs at a 10-ft radius and fully retracted, boasts increased capacities through all boom angles.

“Whether the transmission crew needs low boom angles for digging holes and pulling a full auger flight of dirt or unloading pad mount transformers at high boom angles, the General 65 MAX has superior lifting capacity in all positions,” said Joe Caywood, director of marketing for Terex.

Customers can get the optional X-Boost, which increases lifting capacity to 25,000 lbs at high boom angles – 26% more power than its predecessor.

“The General 65 MAX has the most competitive capacity ratings in the market,” Caywood said.

Terex said that operators can experience the highest work zone capacity when digging holes, even in the 5 Max can still life almost 2,000 lbs, an 80% increase at that angle according to the manufacturer.

“It is important that a digger derrick can dig a hole, lift a full flight of dirt on the auger and set the pole from one truck setup to keep crews productive,” Caywood said. “Out and down, as well as radial outrigger configurations, provide the best load chart for lifting capacities.”

The General 65 MAX includes several Terex design features such as trapezoidal dual hydraulic cylinders, which stabilize the boom during digging and rotating, as well as a retractable rectangular boom and a filament wound fiberglass third boom section.

The new digger derrick model also comes with standardized Terex controls.

Last month, Terex Chairman and CEO John Garrison announced the company would be closing its manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City in early 2022 to move its telehandler production to Mexico.