A key component of any construction fleet, today's field service trucks are light-years ahead of their toolbox-equipped pickup truck predecessors. What was once the domain of a few hand tools, a bucket of oil and maybe a paper work order is now a high-tech, fully equipped workspace featuring onboard electricity, compressed air, lubrication dispensers, crane booms, and laptop computers that can store lifetime service records for every vehicle and piece of equipment in a contractor's fleet.

Just around the corner for service trucks will be hybrid drive technology. Not only will the hybrid technology reduce the service truck's own fuel and maintenance requirements, but the same hardware is also capable of providing on-site electrical power without a separate generator unit, and battery-driven PTO power to operate hydraulics and other accessories.

Advancements in the service bodies include better compartment sealing and positive air pressure to prevent dust intrusion when driving through unpaved job sites, as well as isolating crane mounts to prevent lifting forces from being transmitted into the compartment panels where they could potentially wreak havoc with door hinges and latches. Speaking of cranes, suppliers are now offering smaller capacity electric units to meet the needs of contractors who can't justify the cost of the larger hydraulic units.

For those contractors whose field service needs are on the minimal end of the scale, there are new options for upfitting the traditional pickup, and for those who wish to avoid dedicating a truck to the service task, enclosed utility trailers are becoming a popular alternative.

Top choices among service equipment to install on the truck, after the service body and crane boom, are air compressors, lubrication equipment and air compressors.

Here's a look at some of the newer options for streamlining your field service tasks:

Freightliner Hybride PTO System

Freightliner recently introduced a proof-of-concept hybrid prototype truck and discussed the company's plans to bring medium-duty hybrid vehicles to the market. The prototype vehicle, a Class 7 Business Class M2 106, is an example of how engine, powertrain and other vehicle functions can be integrated with environmentally responsible technology.

The prototype is a full-parallel hybrid, similar to hybrid electric cars, with regenerative braking that recharges the batteries and electric launch functionality. It has an integrated electric motor in line with the engine and transmission, enabling operation with electric or diesel power, either separately or in combination. The truck launches with electric power and the diesel engine provides additional torque as required.

Of special interest to construction fleets, the prototype vehicle integrates the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system with electric power takeoff (EPTO) operation. On a job site, the engine remains off for the majority of the operation with PTO loads being run by batteries. When the batteries get low, the engine automatically turns on to recharge them. This takes approximately five minutes and, when the batteries are fully recharged, the engine automatically turns itself off. Work is not interrupted during this process.

Besides the significant fuel savings, this prototype vehicle features additional advantages. Because of the ePTO operation, field mechanics will be able to perform their duties with significantly less engine idling, meaning lower levels of noise, heat and exhaust emissions. And, because the batteries are charged by regenerative braking, brake shoes will receive far less wear, extending their life and reducing maintenance costs.

Auto Crane Titan-70 Crane Body

Auto Crane of Tulsa, Okla., recently introduced its Titan-70 crane body. This 14-foot body, packaged with the new 14005H hydraulic crane, is capable of lifting up to 7 tons. The Titan-70 incorporates a one-piece side design, double-panel 10-gauge doors, an integrated crane box, along with internal stainless-steel hinges. Together, this body allows for the full capacity of the crane to be used throughout the entire lifting radius; effectively eliminating any need to de-rate the crane when conditions require a lift from the side.

Service Trucks International 2252

Service Trucks International (STI) of Sioux Center, Iowa, has enhanced its 2252 Eagle Pro II service body and its 6541 Tiger Crane. A re-designed, full thru, unobstructed workbench is now standard on the 2252. Other standard equipment on the 2252 includes a wrap around stainless steel chip guard, hydraulic outriggers and cabinet pressurization. The 6541 Tiger Crane features 6,500-pound lift capacity, 21-foot power reach, over-sized indicator lights, wireless remote and fast line speed.

IMT Electric Telescopic Cranes

Iowa Mold Tooling (IMT) of Garner, Iowa, now has a complete line of electric telescopic cranes — the 2003i, 3203i, 4004i, and 6006i — which are specifically designed for lighter lifting applications in the construction market. The electric telescopic cranes range in capacity from 2,000 pounds (7,000 foot-pounds) to 6,000 pounds (36,000 foot-pounds) and are compatible with the IMT Dominator field service vehicles and Diamond Series crane body. The line can be configured into a total of 12 unique cranes to fit any lighter lifting need.

The four crane models come with an advanced electrical system that provides efficient application of power by featuring an extended on-time motor, solid-state control circuit, arc suppression, and anti-two block system. The mechanical and hydraulic systems on IMT electric telescopic cranes also have advanced design that features an electric planetary winch and a stronger, all-steel gear rotator, a low flow hydraulic system, larger cylinder/lower system pressure, and a hose break cartridge in the cylinder ports.

The four models have a maximum reach ranging from 7 feet to 22 feet and feature manual and power booms, manual and power rotations, and 12V DC and 24V DC power sources.

DiamondBack Commercial Truck Covers

For smaller operations where a dedicated service truck may not be a practical option, the Commercial Series truck bed system from DiamondBack Truck Covers of Philipsburg, Pa., offers an entry-level alternative to upgrade a standard pickup truck. The DiamondBack truck cover is constructed from aluminum alloy that is a full 1/8-inch thick. The load-bearing surface is capable of sustaining up to 1,600 pounds on top of the cover (within the load limit of the vehicle).

The three-panel design allows for quick installation or removal of the cover. Front and rear panels allow access to both ends of the truck bed, while offering the ability to fold back one panel to open a portion of truck bed space for hauling. Truck bed contents are kept clean and dry as a result of integrated features like center-panel water channels, and a full compression seal. All external hardware is stainless steel and all internal hardware is zinc-plated steel for maximum strength and rust-resistance.

The Commercial Series system includes the truck cover, ladder rack, side rails, extension (for the ladder rack), cab guard, tailgate protector, and two side tool boxes. The ladder rack is 12 feet long with seven-gauge, powder-coated steel base plates providing a load rating of 500 pounds. The ladder rack cab guard protects the window during hauling while maintaining visibility with an expanded metal screen. The side tool boxes are available for both long and short bed trucks.

SST — Stahl Service Trailer

Another alternative to setting up a dedicated service truck is the SST Service Trailer from Stahl Manufacturing of Wooster, Ohio. The SST, available in 12-foot and 16-foot models, combines the features of a cargo/utility trailer with a service body. It's open interior cargo space and organized side compartment storage provides better access to equipment and supplies. The exterior compartments also position tools and equipment for easy access from the exterior or from the interior work space. The cargo area features a translucent roof that highlights the interior full-height workspace. Optional features include rear ramp doors, interior workbenches, generator compartments, compartment lighting, and ladder racks.

IMT Lubrication Skid

The lubrication skid from Iowa Mold Tooling (IMT) enables field-service vehicle operators to deliver oil, coolant, water, and fuel to job sites. The lubrication skid fits in the back of field-service vehicles and consists of tanks with hoses to top off engine fluids. The lubrication skid was designed as a way to provide smaller to midsize companies a happy median between a dedicated mobile lubrication vehicle and the antiquated method of using 5-gallon buckets to fill fluids.

The lubrication skids come in several different sizes in order to fit various service truck configurations, with dimensions of under 4 feet wide, ranging from 6 feet to 12 feet long. They are custom built to fit in the back of any service body, and they feature either reel stands or cabinets for operators to store oil filters and other accessories. The lubrication skid can also be built with salvage tanks in order to perform complete service jobs.

The spring-mounted product tanks incorporate Z-type interior baffles for optimal fluid control. There also is a half-inch space at the bottom of the tanks to allow air to circulate and water to drain, enhancing tank longevity and simplifying cleaning. One of the biggest benefits of a lubrication skid is it enables the mechanic to unload it from the truck leave it for on-site use. In addition to being powered by air the service truck, the lubrication skid can also receive power from an IMT standalone compressed air system.

Ingersoll Rand Below-Deck Compressor

Ingersoll Rand Onboard Power Solutions offers several options for moving a service truck's air compressor out of the bed. Referred to as "Below-Deck" or under-chassis installations, these compressors are driven off the truck's PTO, so in addition to freeing up space, they also eliminate the weight of the engine used in a standalone compressor. The compressors are an oil-flooded, rotary screw configuration, with system capacities ranging from 30 cfm to 240 cfm. Additionally, the system can include a generator, welder and jump starter.

Ingersoll Rand offers an electronic throttle control system that controls the truck's engine speed based on air demand. The system is compatible with current electronic-throttle equipped gas and diesel engines. For non-electronic throttle vehicles, a pneumatic/mechanical throttle control system is available. The electronic throttle control can also regulate the engine speed for generator operation.

Miller Electric Bobcat And Trailblazer Welder/Generators

With 23-horsepower Kohler and 22-horsepower Robin engine options now available, the Bobcat and Trailblazer gas powered welder/generators from Miller Electric of Appleton, Wis., now feature additional horsepower to provide stronger welding output for running larger diameter wires and stronger generator power for sudden, heavier loads, such as motor starting.

Other new enhancements include: a low-fuel shutdown on all diesel models that shuts down the engine before the fuel runs out (eliminating the need to re-prime the engine), new maintenance displays including an oil change countdown that clearly shows the time remaining until the next oil change, and an engine rpm display on the Trailblazers for easy diagnostics.

Both Bobcats and Trailblazers provide multi-process welding capability (MIG, FCAW, Stick, TIG) with simultaneous generator and welding capabilities. The Trailblazer models have separate generators for welding and auxiliary power so neither circuit affects the other. All models also have large, 12-gallon fuel tanks and high-impact protective armor with covers to protect them on the job site and during transport.