Best Service Trucks and Truck Cranes

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Automotive

Overview of Service Trucks

  • Service trucks, also known as mechanics, work, or utility trucks, are heavy-duty vehicles with custom cabinets designed for versatile jobs.
  • They can be equipped with compressors, welding gear, generators, and cranes for lifting cargo.

Key Features of Service Trucks

  • Customizability: Trucks can be outfitted with components like cranes, compressors, fluid stations, welding gear, and auxiliary lights.
  • Chassis Considerations: Weight support, length, and price are crucial for selecting the right chassis for your needs.
  • Material Choices for Truck Bodies:
  • Steel: Durable but heavy; prone to corrosion.
  • Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant; improves fuel efficiency.
  • Fiberglass: Strong, lightweight, and corrosion-proof but difficult to repair.
  • Crane Features:
  • Types: Electric, hydraulic, or hybrid.
  • Specifications: Lifting capacity, reach, placement, and foot-pound rating.
  • Use Cases: Hydraulic cranes for heavy lifting, electric cranes for lighter jobs.
  • Protecting Your Investment:
  • Warranties: Covers truck components.
  • Insurance: Includes additional equipment and cargo.
  • Maintenance: Regular cleaning and fluid checks extend truck lifespan.

Types of Service Trucks

  • Service Body Trucks: Basic models with customization options.
  • Classifications:
  • Light-duty: Utility work.
  • Medium-duty: Construction.
  • Heavy-duty: Mining and forestry.
  • Severe-duty: Long-haul and extreme conditions.
  • Specialized Designs:
  • Turnkey Trucks: Pre-equipped for immediate use.
  • Enclosed Bodies: Offer added security and workspace.
  • Dump Bodies: Enable heavy-load dumping.
  • Platform Bodies: Ideal for construction and landscaping.

Types of Cranes

  • Telescopic Cranes: Extendable hydraulic arms for heavy lifting.
  • Articulated Cranes: Lightweight, maneuverable \"knuckle-boom\" cranes for tight spaces.
  • Aerial Cranes: Buckets or platforms for high-access tasks, like utility work.

Applications of Service Trucks

  • Construction: Transport tools, power generators, and compressors.
  • Car Mechanics: Mobile tool and equipment transport.
  • Plumbers: Store and haul heavy-duty plumbing supplies.
  • Electricians: Haul wire spools and tools for on-site jobs.
  • Welders: Mobile welding setups for expanded business reach.
  • Highway Maintenance: Equipped for spreading asphalt, salting roads, and lifting heavy loads.

Financing Options

  • Free Quotes: Get cost estimates based on customization.
  • Financing: Set up payment plans for affordability.
  • Used Trucks: Save money but expect limited warranties.
  • Rent/Lease: Ideal for short-term or temporary needs.

Choose the right truck and crane setup to maximize efficiency and ensure your investment is tailored to your work requirements.


The Top Service Truck and Crane Brands

1. Ford

  • History: Known for its customizable service truck chassis and upfit services.
  • Best for: Service truck fleets and general utility needs.

2. International Trucks

  • Specialty: Medium-, heavy-, and severe-duty trucks.
  • Terrastar: Basic utility trucks for commercial use.
  • Durastar: Versatile medium-duty trucks for multiple industries.
  • Workstar: Heavy-duty trucks for construction and rugged terrains.
  • Best for: Truckers, construction workers, and utility services.

3. Tiger Cranes

  • Products: High-quality electric, hydraulic, and hybrid cranes (2,000 - 14,000 lb capacity).
  • Features:
  • Anti-Bounce Technology for stability.
  • Free online manuals for all models.
  • Best for: Adding cranes to existing utility trucks.

4. Venco Venturo

  • Crane Options: Wide range of hydraulic and electric cranes.
  • Exclusive distributor of Ferrari Articulating Cranes.
  • Accessories: Air compressors, pumps, and custom crane bodies.
  • Best for: Medium-duty service trucks with custom crane solutions.

5. Terex Corporation

  • Specialty: Heavy-duty cranes for construction, mining, and utility jobs.
  • Boom Trucks: For lighter lifting with job site mobility.
  • Green Solutions: Hybrid systems to reduce pollution.
  • Best for: Rugged terrain and heavy lifting.

6. STAHL

  • Truck Bodies: From light-duty (Challenger) to medium-duty (MDST).
  • Cranes: Telescopic models with capacities of 2,000 - 8,000 lbs.
  • Best for: Standard and medium-duty service truck needs.

7. IMT (Iowa Mold Tooling)

  • Crane Bodies: From light-duty (12,000 ft-lb) to heavy-duty (95,000 ft-lb).
  • Propane and Articulated Cranes: Specialized for hauling and construction.
  • Best for: Construction, propane hauling, and industrial projects.

8. Altec

  • Truck Bodies: Made from steel, aluminum, or fiberglass with customization options.
  • Telescopic Boom Cranes: Lifting capacities of 18 - 45 tons.
  • Best for: Utility services, tree trimming, and construction.

9. CASECO

  • Products: Master Mechanic truck bodies, flatbeds, and uplift services.
  • Customization: Pre-built and custom-built truck bodies.
  • Best for: Consumers needing uplifted or custom truck bodies.

10. Stellar Industries

  • Service Trucks: Light (TMAX) to heavy-duty crane trucks.
  • Hooklift Hoist Systems: Popular in mining and construction.
  • Accessories: Air compressors, lube stations, and drawer systems.
  • Best for: Construction, mining, and light-to-heavy utility services.

Key Attachments and Features

Crane Options

  • Electric Cranes: Cost-efficient for lighter lifting (up to 3,000 lbs).
  • Electric-Hydraulic Cranes: Hybrid options for medium loads (up to 6,500 lbs).
  • Hydraulic Cranes: Heavy-duty lifting (up to 14,000 lbs).
  • Articulated Cranes: Flexible for tight spaces.
  • Telescopic Cranes: Compact, with extended reach for higher capacity jobs.

Applications of Service Trucks

  • Construction: Hauling tools, compressors, and materials.
  • Utilities: Electrical repairs, tree trimming, and road maintenance.
  • Mechanical Services: Mobile repair and welding services.
  • Specialized Jobs: Propane hauling, mining, and forestry.

Financing and Purchase Options

  • Quotes: Request free estimates based on customizations.
  • Financing: Flexible payment plans and leasing options.
  • Used Trucks: Save money but with limited warranties.
  • Rentals: Ideal for short-term needs.

Service trucks and cranes are versatile solutions tailored for industries requiring mobile functionality and heavy lifting. Explore the best brands to suit your job-specific needs!


Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
If you liked all this, consider supporting us by checking out Tiny Skills - 250+ Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy

The Success Manuals


The Career Advice Bible

100+ Most Important Career Questions
Finally Answered

318 Pages | $5 | PDF & EPub, Kindle Ready

250 Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy

The First & Only Encyclopedia of Self Help,
Self Improvement & Career Advice

250+ Easy-to-Follow Guides
5000+ Proven Tips

13 Types of Essential Skills Covered
Get The Value of 100+ Best Books in 1 Book.

502 Pages | $5 | PDF / EPub, Kindle Ready