Buying a used service truck

Sadly, many bodybuilders generate a considerable disservice to those hardworking mobile tool-smiths of the road when it comes to service trucks, with a plethora of one-size-fits-all service truck vehicles.

But there is some good news, and you don’t need to spend a fortune or compromise on body features when it comes to selecting a suitable service truck for your application. It’s all about planning. Equally, spending some time researching a used service vehicle might just land you a bargain too.

Five key points to look for when selecting a use service truck:

The application the service vehicle will typically operate should significantly determine the vehicle’s suitability to your needs. For instance, some service vehicles have built-in racking to provide for the carriage of long items such as pipes or lengths of timber. Other trucks will have lockable storage and tool chests.

If you’re a plumber or builder, you might consider a service vehicle that can carry long lengths of pipe or timber. Conversely, a mobile mechanic might opt for a service truck with lockable tool chests.

It is worth considering the amount of driving the driver of this vehicle will be doing too. If it is only used for short runs and works in a dirty environment, then a robust basic interior may be a better option. However, if you’re required to travel long-distance or use the cabin as a mobile office, you might consider up-specking to a better class interior with a few more creature comforts.

When searching for the ultimate service truck, driver-assistance features are one aspect worth consideration for enhancing vehicle safety, especially blind-spot monitoring, lane assistance, and collision avoidance systems.

Although the hidden savings from tailored safety features on service trucks is one area that is often overlooked, no one wants to consider worst-case scenarios or think about lost-time accidents. Yet, in the mobile service game, they are a genuine risk.

However, preventative measures through custom safety features that are tailored to your typical job-site conditions greatly enhance the workflow process and minimise lost time from injury.

A simple thing such as a step ladder or stairs to facilitate safe and easy access to the work area at the rear of the service vehicle certainly make life easier for the works.

A large service truck will consume far more fuel than a smaller service vehicle, so particular consideration should be given to selecting a vehicle that will provide economical fuel usage.

Having a crane on a service truck can be a great asset for mobile mechanics, especially if heavy machine components require lifting and fitting. But the question is, what sort of crane will best? Again, customisation is vital for allocating your preferred area to locate a crane, along with the crane specifications that best suit your application and your business.

Five used service trucks worth a look at:

2018 Hino 300 Series 4x2 Service Truck (low kms)

If you’re after a late model no frills service truck with low kilometres, then this unit comes kitted up ready to work with large storage compartments, Peerless Air Compressor, vice, 6 x retractable hose reels, Graco pumps, Metered hand triggers and Quick fill oil reservoirs.

2012 Isuzu NPR400 MWB premium auto – service truck with FASSI F50 crane

If you in the market for a work truck with a wide range of storage compartments and the decent size crane then this truck certainly ticks the boxes.

Safety wise it has built-in steps for access onto the tray and comes complete with a sizable crane. Keep in mind though, it’s an older truck with close to 300,000kms, so factor this into your purchase consideration.

2010 Mitsubishi Canter 170,823km

This neat little service truck has a sound service history. Truck has heaps of tool boxes and space. Hiab crane and pilot compressor also in sale. Vice and mount.

UHF in the cabin. Updated stereo with Bluetooth. Rear number boards in working order. LED work lights and beacons. Tool boxes also have LED lights. Tow bar fitted and black duck seat covers.

2004 Isuzu N Series NQR 45 with Palfinger PC2300 crane

If you’re into servicing fixed plant, or onsite construction equipment, then this older service truck with low kilometres might be just what you’re looking for.

It comes complete with a service body, Palfinger PC2300 A crane and 2 x hydraulic extensions, a large diesel storage tank with hose on reel and dispenser gun, various other hoses on reels including dispenser guns but no storage tanks.

There is a Pilot K30-P air compressor powered by an 11hp Honda GX340, a 1000W power inverter, an in-built body access step, a small water tank and 4 x amber beacons.

2012 Fuso Fighter 1024 - EX-GOVT – Service truck with Maxilift ML110.2 crane

This ex-government service truck, has 240hp 7.5 litre turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission with 167,000kms on the clock.

The service body includes integrated toolboxes with some with shelves and draws. At the rear is a Maxilift ML110.2 crane with 2 x hydraulic extensions. Access to the rear body is via, rear mounted pull-out steps. It inlcudes 2 x amber beacons, 2 x work lights. Also fitted with a pintle hook towbar (8000kg rated), a Hayman-Reece towbar (3500kg rated).