Summit Unveils New 829 Hydraulic Crane and Next-Generation ASE Phase 5 Control System at Utility Expo 2025

Power meets precision as Summit's customer collaboration process delivers an all-new crane design and evolved ASE-integrated control system, engineered for usability, performance, safety and ROI .

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Summit Truck Bodies introduced its high-performance 829 Hydraulic Crane and Advanced Safety Electronics (ASE) Phase 5 Control System at a press conference at Utility Expo 2025. The fully integrated solution represents Summit's commitment to advancing technology, designed to upgrade the experience of operators in the field through enhanced equipment performance, and streamlined to improve jobsite safety.

With its 29-foot maximum horizontal reach, the 829 Crane delivers a 48,000-foot-pound rating and an 8,000-pound maximum lifting capacity, making it Summit's highest-capacity crane in its 7 Series truck profile. Despite increased strength, the crane weighs 30 percent less than previous models while providing 37.5 percent greater strength through advanced engineering and high-strength steel construction.

"These innovations continue to improve the overall experience for operators in the field," said Chris Walter, plant manager at Summit Truck Bodies. "Our mission is to engineer the best service trucks and truck-mounted equipment that any operator can have, and we believe the new 829 and ASE Phase 5 meet our objectives and then some."

Walter emphasized Summit's collaborative development approach. The process starts with the feedback that Summit's sales and service department receives from customers, which is then conveyed directly to the company's R&D team and ultimately to every department in its plant.

"The 829 Crane and ASE Phase 5 incorporate significant technological advancements that elevate the operator's experience and overall jobsite efficiency," according to Christian Glascock, product development engineer at Summit. "Our engineering team focused on creating the lightest and strongest crane possible, using an optimal, manufacturable configuration with high-strength steel and a new profile."

Key innovations include a fully proportional control valve that enables seamless movement of all functions simultaneously. "It gives users the ability to command multiple functions at once, and to increase their positioning speeds by as much as three times," Glascock explained.

The crane features a redesigned rotational assembly that weighs over 100 pounds less than its predecessors and allows for continuous rotation. "The new design enables us to reduce the overall height and weight of the truck while also incorporating the continuous rotation feature," said Glascock. "This provides incredible flexibility, allowing users to deploy the crane quickly and stow it just as fast after completing a job. Additionally, it seals the compartment from water, dust and road chemicals, protecting the valuable assets inside."

A relocated winch and the lowered crane height, provide customers access to more locations. Added user safety is provided by the new anti-two-block system, requiring zero adjustment and featuring modular components for easier maintenance.

With its updated and intuitive screen, the ASE Phase 5 offers enhanced customization, ease of use and access to diagnostic capabilities encompassing all devices within the truck's electrical environment. "The new system supports greater user customization capabilities, allowing increased maintenance and event logging and tracking for fleets or operators, and saves them up to 150 percent in replacement part costs," Glascock noted.

The updated ASE Phase 5 Control System features a dedicated maintenance menu that enables operators to track service intervals and access diagnostic data directly through the main control interface. The system also features an integrated vehicle alarm that provides theft deterrence when equipment is unattended. An enhanced wireless remote enables users to operate key crane functions such as auto-deploying, auto-retracting of outriggers and auto-stowing of the crane without returning to the truck, thereby improving efficiency and jobsite safety.

"Summit's new crane and next-gen controls address key features requested by our customers and the industry at large," said Dan DeAces, national sales manager at Summit Truck Equipment. "Power truly does meet precision with our newest crane offering."

"The system provides significant and measurable ROI for fleet managers, helping to protect assets from damage and technicians from injury," DeAces said. "We have a simple but profound motto at Summit: 'Start safe. Work safe. Stay safe.'"

"Summit's unique factory-direct sales model starts with our sales team working directly with customers and our engineers to design and deliver the right truck for their needs," DeAces explained. "Once that truck is in service, customers have a direct line to our factory parts and service professionals, who can troubleshoot in real time and ship parts directly from our warehouse. Summit also supports every customer with training, detailed documentation and true 24-hour availability."

The 829 Crane and ASE Phase 5 are byproducts of Summit's direct and intimate understanding of its customers, the environments they work in and their specific needs. "We are in a position to hear firsthand the pros and cons of how equipment performs in the field," said DeAces. "Our customers' work is challenging and changing daily, and they deserve a partner willing and able to change with them."

The 829 Hydraulic Crane and ASE Phase 5 Control System will be available for purchase beginning in early 2026. The technologies represent the foundation for broader product line enhancements, with plans to integrate many of the related innovations across Summit's entire hydraulic crane lineup. For information call (866) 985-3100 or visit summitbodies.com. 

To access high-resolution images of Summit's new 829 Hydraulic Crane and ASE Phase 5 Control System, please visit https://summitbodies.com/summit-829-crane-ase-phase-5-launch/.

About Summit Truck Bodies
Summit Truck Equipment and Summit Truck Bodies, part of the Transwest Inc. family, work together to deliver high-quality, custom-built service and lube truck solutions nationwide. Summit Truck Bodies designs and manufactures durable, innovative truck bodies, cranes and equipment tailored for industries such as construction, utilities, mining, oil and gas, and equipment dealers. Summit Truck Equipment provides sales, distribution and support directly to customers, ensuring a seamless factory-direct experience from design through service. The result is superior service, performance and safety in every truck body. For more information about Summit Truck Bodies and its latest innovations, including the 829 Hydraulic Crane and ASE Phase 5 Control System, visit summitbodies.com.

SOURCE Summit Truck Bodies