Things to consider when outfitting a mobile service truck
In years past, a company might build a mobile service (lube) truck at its own facility using 55-gallon drums secured to a truck bed. Today, in order to meet state and federal regulations, it is recommended that companies work with a professional, licensed lube truck or a truck body manufacturer.
Some truck builders have generic units available, but most lube trucks are customized to meet the buyer’s specific requirements.
When outfitting or upgrading a mobile service truck, there are several factors that should be considered:
- The customer must analyze their fleet to determine what fluids are necessary to accommodate different vehicles.
- It is important to know whether the lube truck will be used to “top off” vehicle fluids or if it will be performing complete fluid exchange. This will help to determine the necessary tank capacity of the lube truck. If the lube truck will be servicing vehicles at a remote site and won’t be able to be refilled frequently, it would be wise to specify higher-capacity tanks.
- What is the required flow rate for the intended application? For example, vehicles used in mining have large reservoirs, so a higher flow rate would be preferred.
- Climate also should be taken into account. If the lube truck will be used in a colder environment, it would be beneficial to select an enclosed, heated lube body so that fluids remain at an appropriate temperature for ease of transfer and maximum flow rate.
- While in the planning stage, consideration should be given to appropriate storage areas for new and used filters, tools and other essential service items. If the truck will be used at night, ensure that there will be sufficient lighting on board.
- Specify an appropriate compressor to provide adequate volume for pumps, air tools and filling tires.
HOSE REELS
Typically, lube trucks use spring-rewind hose reels. Hose reels should be rated for outdoor use.
Standard hose length is 50 feet with 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch diameter hose for most fluids. Fuel and used fluid evacuation reels use 1-inch to 1-1/2-inch diameter hose.
The operating environment needs to be taken into consideration when selecting hose reels. The harsher the environment, the more important becomes durability and reliability.
Lincoln, by way of example, powdercoats its reels to make them resistant to water, dirt and oils.
These are just a few factors to be well-thought-out when outfitting or updating a mobile service truck. If the lube truck is manufactured with the customer’s applications in mind, it will provide years of service in maintaining its vehicle fleet.
Steve Kornet is western regional manager for Lincoln Lubrication Systems’ PESD (Petroleum Equipment Service Distributors) operation. Lincoln provides the industrial and automotive industry with lubrication equipment, fluid control systems, pumping products and technical service. www.lincolnindustrial.com.
