Feature
PAL Pro Mechanics Truck models from PALFINGER North America are available in 9- to 14-foot lengths with crane capacities ranging from 20,000 to 86,000 foot-pounds.
Game Changers
Service Cranes Turn Mechanic’ s Trucks Into Mobile Maintenance Facilities
By Seth Skydel
Time is money, they say, and on jobsites that means every minute saved on maintenance and repairs translates into operational uptime and cost savings. That’ s why, for farm equipment operators and service providers, mechanic’ s trucks fitted with service cranes have become indispensable for handling both routine requirements and more challenging tasks.
“ Service cranes and bodies are designed for the application and needs of a mechanic,” said Caleb Boullion, work truck operations manager at Altec.“ Their layout is developed for convenience, and so the mechanic can be safe and efficient by making it easier to move around or on the truck.”
Clint Weckwerth, product manager, service cranes & mechanics truck bodies at PALFINGER North America called service cranes and mechanic’ s bodies workhorses.
“ Uptime is critical to the operator, so these vehicles are designed to be durable in all kinds of conditions, across all kinds of terrain,” he said.“ They deliver consistent performance over the lifespan of the unit so they can be used to reliably and efficiently get another piece of equipment up and running.”
A key feature of today’ s mechanic’ s trucks, according to Brian Christ, product management specialist at Knapheide, is that they can be customized.
“ Tailoring these trucks to the needs of the user transforms them into rolling shops,” he said.“ A fully equipped service vehicle greatly reduces the chances of having to return to the shop for a tool or part, saving time and money for everyone involved.
“ Features such as drawers and storage bins maximize efficiency on the jobsite,” Christ continued.“ They keep tools and parts in their proper location, eliminating searches. Items such as exterior task lights, and interior compartment lighting also help create a safe work environment.”
April 2025 | www. FarmersHotLine. com | 17