What is the most common method used to set poles?

The most common method used to set poles is with a truck-mounted derrick. This equipment provides the necessary lift and reach to safely and efficiently position utility poles into place. The truck-mounted derrick is designed specifically for this purpose, enabling workers to set poles in various locations without requiring extensive manual labor or complex setups.

Utilizing a truck-mounted derrick is advantageous because it ensures stability and safety while lifting heavy poles, especially in challenging terrain. The controlled environment and maneuverability offered by the truck-mounted equipment allow for precise placement, reducing the risk of accidents or errors in aligning the pole.

Other methods mentioned are less practical or not commonly used in the industry. For example, using a catapult system is not a reliable approach because it lacks the precision and control needed for such critical tasks. Manually lifting poles is not feasible for larger poles due to the weight, posing risks to worker safety. While electrical machinery can assist in the process, it is not typically the primary method for setting poles, as the derrick system is specialized for this specific application.