Development of load balanced arm work method

The authors have been shifting distribution line maintenance work from direct live line operation to indirect operation with manipulators and hot sticks for the sake of improving safety and the working environment of workers. The load balanced arm work method (Super-Arm II WorkMethod) is inexpensive but effective in saving labor. It offers the convenience of a manipulator and the maneuverability of hot sticks. The load balanced arm featuring this work method is a single insulated multi-joint arm installed on the bucket of an aerial work platform. This multi-purpose arm, having eight joints, gives workers the feeling of the direct handling of weightless tools. This work method has wide applications other than live line working.