R1115 - Power and telephone line construction incl. maintenance and removal other than Government of Saskatchewan or Saskatchewan Power Corporation

Operational Details
Powerline and telephone line businesses construct lines in rural areas by initially clearing right-of- ways, or removing underbrush and small trees along the survey lines, so that poles may be erected and wire strung.

Caterpillar tractors, power saws, and tractors are used in the right-of-way activity. A truck or caterpillar mounted radial arm auger is used to drill the holes for the poles. Then the machine picks up the poles that have been dropped off along the survey line and sets them into pre-drilled holes. A bucket attachment is also used to lift men up to the top to string the wire. However, individuals may also climb the poles, using special spurs.

With heavier transmission power lines, a truck mounted auger or nodwell that has cat tracks may be used in swampy or muskeg areas to drill holes for the poles. A manlift may be set on the platform of the nodwell and this allows workers to string the wire in tough to reach places.

Tractors or trucks with power winches are used to pull and tighten the wire from pole to pole. In urban settings, lines may need to be placed in established areas, and some trees will require pruning or removal to complete the project. (Dismantling involves a similar process to erecting.)

SIC Codes
000000643 - Power/telephone line const.