How Ascendum Transformed Its Fleet With the EnPak® A60

Traditional power takeoff (PTO) systems drive up costs and frustrations  

As Ascendum’s service fleet increased, so did the operational challenges. Emissions-related downtime, excessive idling and rising fuel and maintenance costs were taking a toll on productivity and profitability. Traditional PTO-driven systems required trucks to idle on jobsites, accelerating wear on engines and increasing emissions-related failures. These issues accounted for over 60% of maintenance costs. 

“Idle time has been a curse for years,” says Patrick Overstreet, director of service operations.  “We had to idle because it was the only way to get the power to the crane and compressor, but it’s no secret that idle time on jobsites is a huge issue with modern emissions systems and DPF systems on trucks.” 

Technicians were in need of more reliable, ergonomic and efficient service trucks that could support a wide range of tasks — from diagnostics and welding to crane operation and compressed air delivery — without compromising safety or uptime.  

As a result, Ascendum’s service fleet faced mounting concerns:

• Excessive idle time: Idling was necessary to power cranes and compressors but was increasing wear on diesel engines and emissions systems as well as fuel consumption.
  
  
• Shortened chassis life: The mismatch between the lifespan of the truck chassis and the service bed was creating costly inefficiencies and premature replacements.
  
  
• Cumbersome equipment layout: Climbing in and out of the cab to operate different systems was wasting time and furthering risk of technician injury.
   
• Limited onboard power and air: The lack of integrated power systems in older trucks was making it difficult to run laptops, charge tools or power lights and welders.
  
  
• Inconsistent equipment reliability: Technicians didn’t always have the dependable systems they needed to avoid delays and ensure repairs could be properly completed to get customers back up and running.
  
  
• Complex maintenance logistics: Traditional setups were requiring multiple vendors for different components (e.g., PTOs, compressors, welders) and complicating service and support. 

To address these grievances, Ascendum began to reassess its current work truck setup and seek out ways to optimize and improve it. The team also turned to Miller to determine a possible solution, and the outcome of those conversations was to proceed with an equipment trial run to assess its effectiveness out in the field.

A smarter, integrated solution improved work truck efficiency and productivity

Ascendum partnered with Miller to pilot the EnPak® A60 all-in-one power system in a yearlong field study comparing an EnPak-equipped truck to a traditional PTO-driven model. The EnPak replaced multiple standalone components with a single integrated unit delivering compressed air, electric power, hydraulics and welding capabilities without requiring the truck engine to idle. 

Throughout the course of the year, technicians praised the positive impact the EnPak had on daily service calls, which included the following improvements:

• Weight savings: The all-in-one machine reduces truck weight by up to 500 pounds, allowing technicians to carry more tools and parts to service calls.
  
  
• Reliability: On-site equipment performance and consistency surged, minimizing downtime, delays or the need for follow-up calls.
  
  
• Noise reduction: A quiet Kubota engine that replaced the traditional diesel option, reducing noise fatigue, made it easier to facilitate conversations with customers.
  
  
• Safety and ergonomics: Centralized controls improved workflow, allowing technicians to operate all major systems from a single panel located in a side compartment. This reduced the risk of falls and saved time by eliminating the need to repeatedly walk around the truck or climb into the cab.
  
  
• Crane performance: Fast, precise hydraulics allowed for on-demand crane operations. 

For Jeff Wilbanks, field service technician, efficiency and intuitiveness are key on the jobsite. “All the controls a technician needs are conveniently located in a single, well-marked compartment, eliminating time and energy spent searching around the truck. With the Miller EnPak, essential functions are easy to access and service, no climbing or extra steps required. This streamlined design allows technicians to focus on effective, cost-efficient repairs while also enhancing safety and productivity on the job.”

From an operational and financial perspective, the results were impressive and made the EnPak a clear winner to help improve fleet performance. Across each EnPak-enabled truck, Ascendum experienced:

• Fuel savings of 1 to 1.5 mpg
  
  
• Anticipated ROI in under two years
  
  
• Extended chassis life, lower maintenance costs and fewer emissions-related repairs resulting from reduced idle time

The powerful technician testimonials, paired with the impressive financials, spoke volumes, leading Ascendum to standardize EnPak units across its fleet of over 100 service trucks. The integration with Summit Truck Bodies — custom-designed with technician input — further enhanced reliability, safety and tool accessibility. EnPak units are considered standard equipment on all new trucks that enter the fleet. 

The EnPak® A60 sets the standard for service excellence

When Ascendum technicians arrive on-site, the presence of a truck equipped with an EnPak unit signals professionalism and preparedness. That strong first impression boosts customers’ confidence that technicians have the necessary tools to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently, which means getting back to business faster.  

“In putting the EnPak on our trucks, it sets the standard that we’re investing on our side and providing a premium for our customer,” says Jeffrey Taylor, senior field service technician. 

Overstreet added, “In choosing Miller, we’re not just buying the equipment, we’re buying the whole experience. We engage where we know there’s going to be an ongoing relationship, where both parties bring problems and solutions to the table and equipment is continuously improved as a result.” 

Equipment that turned promise into performance

Between the quality of the Miller® equipment and the ongoing support, Ascendum has been able to maximize its commitment to excellence and reliability for its customers. Thanks to the results of that initial test, Ascendum has transformed its fleet into an efficient and technician-friendly service force. The result? Lower costs, higher uptime and a stronger foundation for delivering exceptional service to Volvo Construction Equipment customers. 

By giving technicians the tools they trust to work safer, smarter and faster, Ascendum is able to deliver on its brand promise of Expect More — no matter the job at hand.