Productivity-Enhancing Features to Incorporate into Your Mechanic Truck

08.07.24

Productivity is paramount in the world of fleet support, and a mechanic or service truck can be the key to maximizing the work your crew and equipment is able to do. From preventative care to the first line of defense when equipment breaks down on a jobsite, these specialized trucks bring the shop to the jobsite, minimizing the downtime that could set projects back and impact a company’s bottom line.

Mechanic trucks are versatile trucks that can be configured to address the unique challenges of your business. Check out some of our favorite must-haves, designed specifically to enhance productivity where it matters most – on the jobsite.

Ideal Storage Solutions to Meet Your Needs

You want your toolbox system to work as hard as you do. Materials built for rugged use ensure durable performance for the most demanding worksites. Look for a toolbox system constructed of steel or heavy-duty aluminum construction. You won’t have to worry about plastic components that can break under pressure.

For easier usability, consider bale-style pull handles, which make it possible to open drawers by grabbing the handle from either above or below. Easy-to-use, ergonomic features come in handy, particularly when you don’t have a hand to spare.

Stellar Mechanic Trucks also make it easy to combine workspaces. For example, the new workbench bumper drawer allows you to organize multiple tools that are often left to bounce around, such as long bars, chains and shovels. Imagine the time saved by having the tool you need, exactly when you need it.

Heavy Lifting

The most surefire way to maximize your mechanic truck productivity is to add a service crane. Service cranes vary in type and size, but all accomplish the same crucial task: lifting heavy parts and equipment.

The ability to lift, move, reposition or remove heavy parts and equipment on the jobsite vastly improves productivity. Choosing the right crane for your mechanic truck, however, takes careful consideration. Factors like reach, capacity and duty cycle are important when adding to or replacing a crane on your mechanic truck. Understanding the similarities and differences can help you make an informed decision for your specific needs.

• Electric Cranes: Electric cranes operate with an electric winch and an electric pump to run the self-contained hydraulics on the crane. An electric crane is a cost-effective option when a smaller crane with a lower duty cycle is needed to operate at one set speed.
• Electric-Hydraulic Cranes: Electric-hydraulic cranes, like electric cranes, don’t require a PTO and pump to be installed on the chassis. The difference is that electric-hydraulic cranes use an electric pump to operate a hydraulic winch and other crane functions. These cranes typically give the operator more precise control over the speed of operation.
• Hydraulic Cranes: Hydraulic cranes offer a versatile solution with increased lifting capacities and duty cycles. They are often favored for heavy-duty applications where maximum lifting capacity is critical. These cranes are proportionally controlled and optional remote control systems typically provide additional features and functionality.

Remote Control Crane Operation

Increase your productivity even more with a crane remote control system. With remote control technology, you can control, power and monitor your service crane from a safer distance with improved visibility. Handheld, ergonomic controls ensure precise operation with LED easy-view screens and toggle switches for operator ease.

Consider the CDTpro^™, which provides key information, such as load capacity, weight on the crane, remaining weight the crane can lift, maximum distance with the current load, current radius, current boom angle, boom extensions, warnings and more.

The CDTpro also utilizes Range Finder^™ Technology, which allows you to create a lift plan without ever having to unstow the crane. Just park the truck, walk to the load and let the remote calculate the crane’s lifting capacity.

All the Accessories

Tailoring your mechanic truck to your specifications allows you to tackle the unique challenges you face with onsite repairs. Consider these additional enhancements that can add functionality to your mechanic truck.

• Single-Stage, Two-Stage, and Rotary Screw Air Compressors help you complete diverse jobsite tasks with ease, including powering pneumatic tools, inflating tires or operating machinery. An onboard air compressor can provide the pressure you need to complete jobs swiftly.
• Lube skids can enhance the overall efficiency on the jobsite by turning your mechanic truck into a hub for dispensing and storing oil, grease and other lubricants that are necessary for maintaining equipment.
• Auxiliary power units (APU) deliver power when you need it most. Opting for an emission-free version? Check out the Hybrid Power Source — a 100% emission-free system that can supply hours of quiet operation on a single charge.

Customizing your truck requires knowledge of all the available options to ensure it is specifically tailored to your needs, built to the highest standards of quality and designed for ultimate productivity to maximize your investment. For personalized guidance and assistance making informed choices, contact us or find a distributor.

This article was originally published for Work Truck Online.