Hey Gary. Boy, you got me good, this is a picture of our new M85 model (85' working height, non-CDL) that we took to a tradeshow in Vegas. We dropped by YESCO to snap some pictures of the new model in use...they don't own the truck, it just made a great backdrop.
Also, thanks for the welcome note, I hope that I can help on future forays, particularly on topics like the 2014 OSHA regulations, used equipment, etc.
As for crane courses, most are designed to generate a profit for the training company (of course)....and in fact, they're so profitable that the aforementioned 2014 OSHA regulations will make it mandatory by law that all installers using a crane over 2,000 lb crane capacity must obtain a crane license...a license that's paid for by the employer. Regulate your way into profit!
In your industry, every $ is important, and it's unfortunate that these courses are so darn expensive...I guess you have to pay to play. I think that as the law progresses in 2014, you'll see these costs go down.
One option for anyone with an Elliott in their fleet...if you don't use the main winch often, we offer a derating package now that brings the rated capacity of the boom winch down from 5,900 or 14,000 lbs to 2,000 lbs, bypassing the need for a crane certification to operate the aerial device.
I hope this helps....good question though.