Opinions Solicted - Heavy Equipment Service Truck

[PHPaul]

I'm planning to build a heavy service truck.  I got the AMT International Paystar 5000 dump truck as a basis because I like the no-nonsense, brawny look of that style of truck.  I'll scratch-build a service body.

The question is, would a 10 wheel service truck be realistic?  I don't recall ever seeing one, but I've led a sheltered life...

The alternative would be to build the Paystar as a 6 wheeler and modify/shorten the frame accordingly.  Does that seem reasonable?

[BK9300]

Is this something you might consider? (there are 24 pictures on the auction site)

https://bid.repocast.com/lots/646153

Edited September 16, 2024 by BK9300

[PHPaul]

I can certainly use the pictures for detailing the Paystar, thanks!

I'm planning a service body with a welder, air compressor, generator, fuel tank and crane among other things.

[Oldriginal86]

I don’t think it would be unusual to have a large service truck with a big crane and outriggers. The tires on a mine haul need a crane to be installed as well as other components. I say go for it and post plenty of pics.

[Warren D]

I think a 10 wheeler is fine.  We have a few large construction companies left (most have gone the way of the dodo bird) and I seem to recall seeing a 10 wheel service truck.  I would think mostly engine oil, hydro oil and grease.  Antifreeze and the things you already listed and you're getting pretty heavy for a single axle. 

[Firebuilder]

I saw this service truck on a site when I was searching for another project. Hope it helps.

 

Dom

[BK9300]

Similar to Dom's, with some additional pics of service body

https://boltcustom.com/western-star-4900-with-brand-new-crane-body-for-sale-189900/

[yh70]

 Paystar will look great. i have plans on doing one something like this. if you dont want to scratch build the Crane Cults sells the file to a very nice one. i have not put mine together yet that come with the service bed i got to put on a 5500 Chevy but im guessing its around 6 1/2 -7 inches long. you can buy the file just for the Crane. if you want more info message me..

[Chariots of Fire]

It's not wrong to suggest a 10 wheeler but the question to ask (IMHO!!) is what is its function.  Most rigs of this type are built to service a certain thing.  Some are built to service over the road big rigs.  Others are built to service contractors who have trucks or other vehicles that do a specific thing and the service vehicle has to be built to support them.  Most service vehicles I have seen are 6 wheelers and have a good variety of equipment for a particular mission.  

What to do?  Ask what the mission will be, set some standards, and then build to fulfill the mission.  ?

[PHPaul]

2 hours ago, Firebuilder said:

I saw this service truck on a site when I was searching for another project. Hope it helps.

 

Dom

That's almost EXACTLY what I have in mind.  Thanks!

[PHPaul]

1 hour ago, yh70 said:

 Paystar will look great. i have plans on doing one something like this. if you dont want to scratch build the Crane Cults sells the file to a very nice one. i have not put mine together yet that come with the service bed i got to put on a 5500 Chevy but im guessing its around 6 1/2 -7 inches long. you can buy the file just for the Crane. if you want more info message me..

Lots of good stuff there,  Thanks!

[PHPaul]

10 minutes ago, Chariots of Fire said:

It's not wrong to suggest a 10 wheeler but the question to ask (IMHO!!) is what is its function.  Most rigs of this type are built to service a certain thing.  Some are built to service over the road big rigs.  Others are built to service contractors who have trucks or other vehicles that do a specific thing and the service vehicle has to be built to support them.  Most service vehicles I have seen are 6 wheelers and have a good variety of equipment for a particular mission.  

What to do?  Ask what the mission will be, set some standards, and then build to fulfill the mission.  ?

I'm thinking large construction equipment - excavators, bulldozers, haul trucks, etc.  As @Warren D mentioned, any significant quantity of the basic fluids - fuel, hydraulic oil, DEF - will add up quickly, weight-wise.  A 10 wheeler is starting to make a lot of sense.

I just hope I'm up to the challenge.

[gotnitro?]

Watching for sure !! 

[Chariots of Fire]

Give it a whirl,Paul!  Let's see what you come up with.

[PHPaul]

This will be a Winter project.  I'll start a build thread when I start the build.  I'm just laying in supplies and gathering ideas at the moment.  

[Aaronw]

Another thought, for an independent operator they may buy a second hand chassis, and then mount the desired body on it. Similarly a company with a fleet of trucks may also choose to pull an older truck out of service and repurpose it.

Second hand you kind of take the best deal you can find which may mean buying a 3 axle truck, when you really only needed two.