We have previously discussed how to optimize your mechanic service truck, and what considerations should be taken when purchasing a new one. However, there is one decision that can drastically affect the price tag of your new vehicle, regardless of manufacturer: crane or no crane?

Mechanics Trucks: Business Needs

When assessing the needs of your business and situations that may arise, it is easy to lean towards the assumption that you are better safe than sorry. If you err to the side of caution, it may be best to go ahead and equip your mechanic truck with a crane.

This can come with a dramatic price hike that may be avoidable if you take an inventory of work orders that have been processed within the past business year. By auditing your work orders, you can determine if the upgrade to a crane is necessary, or worth the additional cost.

The simplest way to perform this audit is to assess how many instances within the past business year have required the use of a crane at the job site.

If this number is less than 10%, it may be in your best interests to avoid upgrading to a crane. It does not make sense from a business perspective, especially if the bulk of your business is roadside assistance to non-commercial vehicles. More on this later.

When A Crane Is The Best Option

Obviously, if you are a mobile mechanic that works on diesel engines, heavy equipment, or tractor-trailers, a crane may be more pivotal to your day to day operations. You must make an honest assessment as to how often you need lift strength to accomplish your work.

Remember, you are not operating a towing service, you are a mechanic. That is unless, you also offer a towing service in addition to mechanical wizardry, in which case, good for you, dude. You are winning. But this article isn’t for you, if that is the case, so keep on keeping on. (Fist bump).

Performing An Honest Business Audit

As we mentioned before, for the mechanic servicing non-commercial vehicles, a crane may not make sense. It takes a substantial audit to make this determination.

What you will find may influence your decision to opt for a utility or service truck option instead. This will come as a benefit to you, and allow you substantially more space to equip compressed air, welding equipment, tool storage, etc. It will also create an energy efficiency that is just not possible when toting a crane on the back of your work truck.

Don’t get us wrong, we love cranes. We think they are majestic and lift weights that would make Arnold Schwarzenegger blush. In that same sentence, we pride ourselves on providing the best solutions for the hard-working people saving the day on the side of the road.

Conclusion

We implore you to audit your work orders, and decide if a crane makes the most sense for you and your business.

If a crane generates revenue, giddy-up and put the telescoping boom on the saddle of your mechanic service truck. A truck with a crane for a “just in case” scenario, will probably be more of a burden than an added value to your next utility truck purchase.