Renting Heavy Construction Equipment for Added Profits

If you are the manager of a truck fleet for a construction company, then you know that service bodies are a great way to improve the versatility of your vehicles. They not only allow workers to store and arrange tools and spare parts, but also provide a platform for heavy equipment such as cranes and cherry pickers. One key decision regarding the acquisition of service bodies is whether steel or fiberglass is the better material for these useful add-ons. The following article takes a closer look at this issue. 

Weight  

The weight of the service body can play an important role in how much cargo your fleet can carry. A lighter material will typically allow your truck to carry more weight. This could prove to be crucial if your truck is going to house heavy equipment such as cranes. A fiberglass service body is usually lighter than a comparable steel body. For example, an 8 foot-fiberglass unit might weigh about 590 pounds compared to a comparable steel service body that weighs 1,000 pounds or more, according to the National Truck Equipment Association. 

Price 

If your budget for purchasing service bodies is a key issue, then of course the costs of each material is crucial to your choice. As a rule, a steel service body is going to be less expensive than a comparable fiberglass unit. The price difference might vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the types of units involved. 

Endurance 

Another point to consider is how long each service body material is likely to endure. Fiberglass units usually have the advantage in this regard. They are designed to last more than 20 years. Steel units have more vulnerability to damage from corrosion, which can limit their lifespan to only several years in some instances. This vulnerability can be minimized, however, if the steel is treated with a corrosion-resistant coating. 

Maintenance 

As a fleet manager. Maintenance and repair will always be a critical consideration when making purchase for your vehicles. Steel service bodies are easier to maintain and repair in most instances, because steel is relatively easy to bend back to it's original shape in case of damage. This fact could be especially important if your vehicles are used in situations where body damage is common. 

Both fiberglass and steel service bodies have various advantages and disadvantages. Only you can determine which one is best for your company's needs. Contact a service body company like Koenig Body & Equipment Inc or a similar location for more info.