> UTE News > UTE – Keeping Fleets Working for Over 40 Years

UTE – Keeping Fleets Working for Over 40 Years

VST52MHI

In 2026, Utility Truck Equipment, Inc. marks 40 years in business.

Since 1986, UTE has focused on one thing: keeping utility and contractor fleets working. The equipment has changed. The technology has improved. The expectations have only gotten higher. But the goal has stayed the same—reduce downtime and support the people responsible for getting work done in the field.

Four decades later, that focus hasn’t wavered.

Built on Aerial Equipment Expertise

From the beginning, aerial equipment has been at the center of UTE’s business. Bucket trucks, digger derricks, and specialty utility equipment remain core to how we serve customers every day.

Today, UTE supports fleets through:

  • New and used aerial equipment sales
  • Short- and long-term rentals
  • OEM and aftermarket parts support
  • Preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs

Our customers don’t need sales talk. They need equipment that works and support that shows up when it matters. That’s what has kept long-term relationships in place for decades.

Expanding Beyond the Midwest

While UTE is rooted in Ohio, our footprint has grown well beyond the Midwest.

We’ve recently expanded our Versalift equipment sales and support across North America. Utilities and contractors in these regions face many of the same challenges as fleets here—uptime, parts availability, and service reliability. UTE’s experience with aerial equipment and fleet support translates well, no matter the geography.

That expansion reflects steady, deliberate growth. Not growth for growth’s sake—but growth that allows us to better support customers who rely on UTE equipment in demanding environments.

Investing in Hydraulic Repair Capabilities

One of the most significant improvements in recent years is the expansion of UTE’s hydraulic repair operation.

The hydraulic shop allows UTE to handle:

  • Cylinder repair and rebuilding
  • Hose fabrication
  • Component diagnostics and repair

This capability shortens turnaround times and keeps more repairs in-house. For fleet managers, that means fewer delays and more control over maintenance schedules.

Hydraulic systems are critical to aerial and utility equipment. Having that expertise under the same roof strengthens UTE’s ability to support the full lifecycle of the trucks we sell and service.

Focused on Service, Parts, and Real Support

As UTE looks ahead, the priorities are clear:

UTE President, Rod Hill, who has been guiding the company’s growth, puts it simply:

“We’ve worked hard to grow our footprint without losing what matters. Better service, better product lines, and the ability to support customers wherever they’re working. The goal is steady improvement—making it easier for our customers to keep their trucks in service.”

That mindset has shaped UTE for 40 years and continues to guide how we invest in people, facilities, and equipment.

Looking Ahead

Reaching a 40-year milestone is important, but it’s not the finish line.

UTE will continue to focus on aerial equipment sales, rentals, parts, and service. We’ll keep investing in capabilities like hydraulic repair that directly reduce downtime. And we’ll keep expanding carefully, making sure service quality keeps pace with growth.

Thank you to the customers, partners, and employees who have been part of the last 40 years. We’re looking forward to the work ahead.

If you need support with aerial equipment, hydraulic repair, rentals, or parts, contact UTE. We’re here to keep your fleet working.

Contact the UTE team here.