Ag Industry Custom Service/Hauler Bodies
In agriculture, you never know what to expect from day to day; you could be changing a gear box one minute and welding a fence panel the next. Because the need for flexibility is so great, the agriculture environment has a high expectation for what options are available on their service bodies. Douglass Truck Bodies has worked in the Ag industry for decades and understands the versatility that is required to make a service body a true time saver. To present this case, we would like to highlight two hauler bodies we built for Ag industry service.
These bodies were designed to facilitate either fixing or hauling almost anything found on the farm or ranch. Built for Freightliner chassis these bodies were completely custom from their 94.2”cab-to-axle lengths to their on-board water and hydraulic systems. Behind the cab a custom large thru-compartment allows for storage of large items and a welding unit; additional access to the compartment is provided via a large flip-top lid in the center. For gas welding or torch cutting the curbside front compartment was fitted with rings and clamps for oxygen and acetylene bottles and a stainless steel louver for air ventilation. Also added is a divider that allows for welding supply storage on adjustable shelves in the same compartment.
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With the on-board water, hydraulic, and air solutions this body is designed to be as efficient as possible. The curb side rear compartment houses an 11 gallon hydraulic reservoir for use with a PTO driven hydraulic pump. Auxiliary hoses plumbed to the rear of the body operate the client’s trailer, which is equipped with hydraulic rams to adjust the trailers height and slope.
The on-board water system is powered by a Shurflo 2.8gal water pump with auto shut-off and stainless steel 18.5 gallon water tank; both mounted in the driver’s side rear compartment. The water is plumbed from the pump to the enclosed hose reel mounted behind the bumper. The hose runs through the bumper, guided by a 4-way roller, making the water easily accessible at the rear of the truck. Also at the back, a Cat-V tow package was installed, with a 50ton max GWT air actuated pintel; the pintel is plumbed to and powered by the chassis air system. In the cargo area a versatile setup was installed for both 5th wheel and gooseneck trailers. The fifth wheel hitch can be removed and a custom recessed box on the cargo floor houses and covers the gooseneck ball. One feature that is as functional as it is aesthetical is the custom “spoiler” style cab protector, fitted with (4) additional LED oval tail lights and two additional white LED oval back-up lights. The cab protector serves the purpose of increased visibility when hooking up equipment or trailers.
To endure the farm environment a body protection package was provided. Aluminum tread plate protection was added up front with rock guards and aluminum side rail caps. Spray-on bed liner was added in the cargo area, hitch compartment, compartment interiors, behind doors, inside all mechanic drawers, Oxygen /Acetylene rings and clamps, and the top of the bumper. Lastly, it has been finished off with a pair of Douglass mud flaps.
To meet the needs of the Ag industry a service body must offer not only tool storage, but also, welding, towing, and power options; such as air, water, and hydraulics, because on a farm or ranch you never know what you going to encounter. When working with Douglass Truck Bodies, we will ensure your body has the right options to meet your needs, making you as organized and efficient as possible. To get started working with our team of truck body experts give just give us a call at our office, 661-327-0258. To research more hauler beds, visit Unit #158 where you can learn more about the Douglass difference and find ideas to help you design the perfect truck body.