It is no secret that a mechanic truck can help to level up your fleet. Rather than needing to tow broken-down equipment to a specialty repair shop, which can not only be hard to come by, but can often be quite costly, mechanic trucks can be relied on for fast on-site repairs. By quickly getting operations back up and running while also increasing productivity and efficiency, the time and money savings that mechanic trucks bring to a worksite are immeasurable. These trucks help to maximize uptime.
However, how can you feel confident your mechanic truck is always ready for the job? Taking care of the vehicle that takes care of everything else can sometimes get overlooked, especially when considering small yet mighty teams that are already operating well above capacity. That is why a thoughtful truck build and regular maintenance are critical to making sure you are getting the most out of your mechanic truck.
These tips below are a great place to start.
CONSIDER ALUMINUM
When choosing a body for your mechanic truck, consider the use of an aluminum body to help reduce the overall weight. With a lighter body in use, you will be able to put those extra pounds to work by adding the tools and parts you need to get all the jobs done. Along with better payload management, a lighter body will also help limit the wear and tear on the truck.
Aluminum is also a great option when considering ways to reduce rust and corrosion. This means environmental factors no longer need to be a stress, and you can feel confident that your truck will withstand the test of time whether it is battling extreme temperatures, salt, humidity, or anything else.
In addition to aluminum bodies, consider equipping your service truck, and other vehicles in your fleet, with aluminum work truck accessories. This can include elements such as aluminum lube skids and aluminum storage systems. By choosing aluminum for these additional accessories, you can increase the amount of weight reduction, and general longevity of the truck.
MEET YOUR NEEDS
Understanding the diverse range of customization options available for a mechanic truck not only enhances the functionality of your truck but can allow you to tailor it to meet your unique needs to tackle the challenges of on-site repairs. From cranes, toolbox systems and compressors to lube skids and power units, the way you customize your truck is essential to maximizing what that truck can do for you.
Let’s Talk Service Cranes
When it comes to ways to improve productivity and widen the range of jobs your mechanic truck can accomplish, adding a service crane is often a smart choice. Adding versatility, a service crane facilitates the movement of heavier equipment, expedites equipment servicing by lifting heavy parts and can allow for precise placement or removal of materials in tight spaces.
Depending on your specific needs, and the weight requirements of your truck, you can find a service crane that works for your business. If you’re looking for a cost-effective crane for smaller one-off jobs, an electric crane might be right for you. If you’re looking for a robust, versatile solution with increased lifting capacities and durability, a hydraulic crane might be the right choice for you. Regardless of the crane you select, you can expand the jobs your mechanic truck can perform.
Let’s Talk Toolbox Systems
A well-organized toolbox system is essential when it comes to maximizing efficiency for your mechanic truck, ensuring that every tool has its designated place to streamline workflow and minimize time spent searching for equipment. Specific considerations such as size, material and handle options should be considered to enhance the functionality and accessibility of your toolbox system. The toolbox systems in mechanic trucks can often feature drawers that are rated up to 500 pounds per drawer to ensure long-term durability.
Like the body of the truck, considering toolbox systems that are constructed from aluminum can help contribute to the longevity of the truck, but many times manufacturers will also offer steel options to ensure the system can handle the weight of the tools being thrown inside. It’s best to find a system that has both. Steel internal components with an aluminum face will help ensure your toolbox system can withstand the weight of the tools you need, while also withstanding the test of time when it comes to environmental factors.
Everything down to the handle of the toolbox system can be a critical part of making sure your service vehicle delivers on strength and reliability. Be sure to work with your distributor or manufacturer closely to choose quality materials that make sense for your business.
Let’s Talk Air Compressors
Outfit your truck with on-board air to make life easier by allowing for air on-demand, wherever you are. Air compressors provide the power needed to operate various pneumatic tools, clean debris, and offer inflation. They can be hydraulically driven if the chassis has a PTO and pump or driven by a small horsepower engine. Compressors can also use either rotary screws or pistons to compress the air.
Most service vehicles can accommodate a wide range of air compressors. Selecting the right one for your business can help provide a versatile and reliable way for you to operate any essential air tools you need to get the job done.
Let’s Talk Lube Skids
Permanent mounted and mobile lube skids are a popular addition to a mechanic truck because of the added efficiency they can bring to the operation. Lube skids provide a centralized, convenient solution for dispensing and storing new oil, waste oil, grease, and other lubricants, allowing your service vehicle to become a true mobile hub for equipment needs. Choosing a skid that provides you with options in terms of what liquids you can carry, and capacity amount can help ensure you’re prepared for any situation.
Let’s Talk Power Sources
You may want to consider using an auxiliary power unit (APU) with an integrated compressor to help increase efficiency on your service vehicle. An APU can be an alternative to a PTO and pump to power equipment. These self-contained units can power hydraulic systems, electric tools and even offer welding capabilities. They are driven by a small horsepower engine but some run on their own battery power. By incorporating one into your truck, you can run the equipment without having to run the truck, helping to save on fuel costs and wear and tear on the truck itself.
Additionally, you may want to consider a hybrid option for your power source. Utilizing battery-powered technology in your service vehicle can be a smart investment in the long term as more regulations around vehicle compliance emerge. As an added benefit, these power sources are typically quieter, and they reduce your carbon footprint while still bringing down fuel consumption and truck maintenance costs.
REGULAR SERVICE
Productivity is all about uptime, and nothing is worse than having a piece of equipment down when a job needs to be done. It is important to prioritize regular maintenance efforts for all your equipment. Why would your service vehicle be treated any differently? Regular maintenance not only improves longevity, but it also ensures that your vehicle is always running at peak performance. For that reason, it’s important to stick to the preventative maintenance and inspection schedules provided by the manufacturers of all aspects of the truck, from the chassis to the service body.
Regular maintenance check-ups are easy to integrate daily. Something as simple as a walk-around can provide you with the confidence that your truck is operating to its full potential. Additionally, following the recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes and filter checks is important when it comes to your service vehicle. When you follow a preventative maintenance routine, you control the schedule, don’t risk your truck breaking down when you need it most.
YOUR VALUABLE TRUCK
Whether you’re making the switch to aluminum components, customizing your truck to fit your exact needs, or stepping up your day-to-day maintenance, it’s essential to be looking to get the most out of your mechanic truck. A proper mechanic truck can be a significant investment, but the right one is well-equipped to handle any situation. Therefore, take the time to do things the right way when it comes to your mechanic truck, and rest easy knowing that your on-site service needs are taken care of.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tyler Havens is the product manager at Stellar.
