Choosing the Right TMA Size and Type
The best attenuator truck is the one matched to your road, your speed, and your boards. A short framework keeps you from over- or under-buying.
There is no single best TMA. There is the right one for the work you do. Buy too little truck and you leave the crew exposed; buy too much and you pay for capability you never use. A few questions settle it.
Start with speed
The posted speed sets the test level. TL-2 handles work zones up to 45 mph. TL-3 covers 50 mph and above, crash-tested near 62 mph, with optional testing to 70 mph for higher-speed roads. This is the first decision because it rules out anything under-rated for your work.
Then weight, attenuator, and boards
- GVWR at or above roughly 26,000 lb to prevent underride on impact
- Scorpion non-blade or the 12-blade Blade, matched to your test level
- 15-lamp or 25-lamp arrow board sized to the closure and speed
- A message sign if your work needs detour or advisory messaging
From there, decide whether to buy, rent, or lease. Steady year-round work favors owning; seasonal work often favors renting at about $2,100 a month. We can walk the spec with you and match it against our inventory.
Write down the road speed, the traffic control plan, and how many months a year you will use the truck. Those three answers point to the right unit.
Need a truck spec'd or serviced?
Tell us the job and we'll help — to buy, rent, or lease.
