Renovating a three story house proved to be more work than I originally thought it would be. Adding two bathrooms to the upper levels with beautiful garden tubs seemed like a great idea on paper, but when it came down to getting the tubs up to where they needed to go, we ran into several problems. The contractor suggested that we consider renting a crane to get some of the heavy stuff lifted to the upper levels - that was a brilliant idea. If you are considering a project such as this, read through my blog to find out how heavy construction equipment can make the impossible possible.
When purchasing a new or used service body for your work truck, there are several key features that you should consider. The following questions can help you determine what type of design you need depending on how you plan to use it and what your security needs are.
Should you consider an open or closed body?
There are two primary designs, with infinite variations upon the two. An open body is flanked with storage areas on the sides with the center open, while a closed body may either be roofed in over the center or completely enclosed.
An open center is only necessary if you sometimes need to transport large items, such as poles, ladders, yard clippings, or certain long tools. If theft is a concern, opt for an open center with the closed sliding overhead roof. A completely enclosed unit is best if you only need places to stow compact tools and supplies, with no need for a heavy haulage area.
Does your service body need to integrate any automated equipment?
It's much easier to select a service body that fits all your initial needs as opposed to trying to retroactively fitting it out. You can purchase bodies equipped with compartments to permanently hold items like welders, air compressors, or generators. These are already hooked up to the truck's power source, effectively making them plug-and-play with no setup time needed. You may also need an open area in your body to mount certain types of equipment, such as a small crane or ladder rack. Make sure the body is manufactured with the proper installation mounts for the type of equipment you need.
Are the compartments suitable for your needs?
Service body compartments come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Drawer-style compartments work great for holding hand tools and parts, while cabinets are better for larger equipment items like saws or drills. Cabinets with wall-mounted cord or hose storage can also come in handy, depending on the tools you need to pack. If you carry ladders, then a ladder rack may be necessary. There are also racks available for a variety of purpose, from carting window glass to lawn care tools. You may also need a tank compartment to hold compressed air, water, or fuel. Make sure all drawers and compartments are equipped with secure locks so your equipment is safe when the vehicle is parked and unattended.
For more information, contact Koenig Body & Equipment Inc or a similar company.
Share21 January 2016
