Heavy-Duty Lifting Made Easy: Meet the Ford Super Duty Crane Truck

When you’re out in the field, you don’t always have the luxury of calling in a massive piece of heavy machinery just to lift a generator, position a pipe, or pull an engine. Sometimes, you need your truck to do the heavy lifting for you.

Here at TS&S Ford in Madras, Oregon, we specialize in commercial vehicles that get the job done right. If your crew is regularly handling heavy equipment or performing on-site repairs, it’s time to talk about the ultimate powerhouse: the Ford Super Duty upfitted with a Crane Body.

What Exactly is a Crane Body?

While you might hear them called “Crane Trucks,” the official industry term is usually a Mechanics Truck or a Service Body with Crane.

A crane body takes the highly organized, toolbox-lined storage of a standard service body and reinforces the entire structure to support a powerful, bed-mounted crane. To handle the immense lifting torque, these bodies are built with heavy-duty steel or aluminum, enhanced subframes, and deployable outriggers to stabilize the truck while the crane is in operation.

Why Mechanics Trucks Are the Coolest Rigs on the Road

There is something undeniably awesome about pulling up to a remote Central Oregon job site and bringing your own heavy machinery with you. Here is why a crane body is an absolute game-changer:

• Remote-Controlled Muscle: Most modern crane bodies come equipped with wireless, multi-function remote controls. You can stand safely out of the way, perfectly positioning your payload with the push of a button.

• One-Person Powerhouse: What used to take a team of three guys and a lot of back-breaking effort can now be done safely by a single operator. Whether you are lifting a 5,000 lb. bulldozer track or placing industrial HVAC units, the crane does the sweating for you.

• The “All-in-One” Mobile Shop: Beyond the crane itself, these trucks are truly rolling workshops. Most mechanics trucks feature integrated hydraulic air compressors, heavy-duty tool drawer systems, and even mounted welders and generators.

Oregon’s Headquarters for Crane Trucks

Finding a truck with a specialized upfit can be a headache, but it doesn’t have to be. TS&S Ford has one of the largest inventories of crane-equipped trucks in Oregon. Whether you need a nimble Ford F-350 equipped with a light-duty electric crane for municipal work, or a massive Ford F-550 or F-600 outfitted with a hydraulic Knapheide or IMT Mechanics Body for mining and heavy construction, we have the inventory on the ground and ready to deploy.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget that Section 179 tax deductions can often be applied to commercial vehicle purchases. Upgrading your fleet with a crane truck before the end of the year could be a massive advantage for your bottom line!