Reading Truck Bodies

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Posted in Bucket trucks, Mechanic Service Trucks, Truck Bodies

Reading Truck Bodies are built around the only thing that matters, customers.

Each one is designed knowing just what customers need to work better than ever. Reading Truck bodies have been building long-lasting, durable truck bodies for 65 years with craftsmanship, innovative thinking, and lots of pride. Also, customers can take pride in what they do too.

You can find a great selection of service bodies, enclosed bodies, crane bodies, landscapers and dump bodies, hauler, and platform bodies (flatbed) and contractor bodies.

Reading Truck Bodies lineup:

SERVICE BODIES

Classic II aluminum service body: One body that delivers so many benefits including superior fuel economy, increased payload, and unmatched corrosion resistance. A true classic that’s sure to save you money and time. Learn more at Reading Truck Bodies.

Classic II steel service body: Get the durability and strength of premium steel to take on the toughest jobs. Our innovative locking system and an abundance of storage secures and organizes your tools. Built to last for the long haul. Learn more at Reading Truck Bodies.

SL service body: A rugged workhorse built with exceptional craftsmanship and premium materials. Get more body for your money with a long list of standard features. Resists rust and corrosion for year after year of dependable service. Learn more at Reading Truck Bodies.

Mechanic service body series: For mechanics who work in the most demanding jobsites and need something other than the typical service body. Loaded with impressive standard features including a heavy-duty ladder-frame understructure. Learn more at Reading Truck Bodies.

ENCLOSED BODIES

These bodies practically put a roof on your mobile workshop. Have more storage, more ways to work and more security for tools and equipment. Enjoy long-lasting durability thanks to our legendary craftsmanship.

Aluminum enclosed bodies for van and low cab forward chassis – classic service van: It’s 50% lighter than comparably sized steel vans and delivers money-saving fuel economy with increased payload. The enclosed space offers excellent security for your valuables while innovative storage keeps you organized. Learn more at Reading truck Bodies.

Steel enclosed bodies for van and low cab forward chassis – ready van SL: Enjoy a generous workspace with bright compartment lighting and ample weathertight outside storage. Made from long-lasting heavy duty galvannealed steel covered by an industry-leading 6-year warranty. Learn more at Reading truck Bodies.

Enclosed bodies for truck chassis: Designed around your needs and built with legendary craftsmanship. Our enclosed body offers protected workspace, carries more payload, organizes your tools and equipment better and works with chassis up to Class 5. Learn more at Reading truck Bodies.

CRANE BODIES are made to tackle the harshest environments and conquer the most challenging jobs. Our innovative crane bodies are designed to provide unsurpassed power, productivity, and safety.

20-Series crane body: Presenting the latest evolution in our 4 decades of creating crane bodies. Designed for cranes up to 4,000 lbs. You’ll have heavy-duty lifting capability in a weight efficient package for efficient operation. Learn more at Reading truck Bodies.

25-Series crane body: Built to accommodate a 5,000 lb. crane and ready to conquer harsh environments and demanding jobs with safety and ease. You’ll find plenty of standard features for working more productively than ever. Learn more at Reading truck Bodies.

RM-45 crane body: Our most innovative crane body helps you work with more safety and efficiency than ever. A torsion box understructure enables a powerful 45,000 pound-foot rating at 100% throughout the lifting zone. Learn more at Reading truck Bodies.

RM-78 crane body: Our most innovative crane body is built on a next generation torsion box understructure that delivers a powerful 78,000 pound-feet of lift and features an easy-to-upfit design. Learn more at Reading truck Bodies.

LANDSCAPER & DUMP BODIES are ideal for construction, landscape, and handling chores around a nursery. Made to travel the toughest terrain and to safely load and unload payload, these bodies drive your business forward.

Marauder dump body: This type of body Haul the maximum payload in the most affordable way while boosting fuel economy. A heavy-duty understructure, rugged steel floor and sidewall construction provide long-lasting durability for working in rugged jobsites. Learn more at Reading truck Bodies.

Marauder SL dump body: Haul the maximum payload in the most affordable way while boosting fuel economy. A heavy-duty understructure, rugged steel floor and sidewall construction provide long-lasting durability for working in rugged jobsites. Learn more at Reading truck Bodies.

Landscaper SL: Get the long-lasting durability you need to work in harsh terrain and perfect for hauling loose, bulk, or skidded materials. Available in 9′ and 12′ models. Learn more at Reading truck Bodies.

HAULER & PLATFORM BODIES move tools, equipment, and bulk materials easily and safely. You can customize our stake bed and platform bodies in a variety of ways to fit the way you work. Learn more at Reading truck Bodies.

REDI-DEK hauler body: Haul just about anything on a strong, sturdy platform. With tie-down rails, a slotted bulkhead and a treadplate floor all made from durable powder-coated steel, you’ll get years and years of dependable service. Learn more at Reading truck Bodies.

Platform bodies: Ideal for hauling bulk materials and pallets, it features a large, open platform built from steel for strength and long-lasting durability Quick release steel stake rack sets allow for easy loading and unloading. Learn more at Reading truck Bodies.

CONTRACTOR BODIES put together Reading Truck Bodies engineering expertise and customers feedback to deliver a truck body that is built to withstand the toughest conditions. It is ready to perform with its customizable design and workspace so you can work the way you want. Learn more at Reading truck Bodies.

With all that said, you can be assured that we can manage to build any truck body meeting your business needs. That’s why at TruckMax, we are a proud Reading Truck Bodies dealership. And proud of how, our +25-year of experience team in the commercial truck business, can build a truck that work as hard as you do. Contact us today!

WHY CHOOSE DONKEY TRUCK MOUNTED FORKLIFTS?

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Posted in Truck Mounted Forklifts, Uncategorized
Donkey truck mounted forklifts

Donkey Forklifts are the lightest, fastest, most versatile forklift in the industry. More than 1,500 lbs lighter. Over 5 miles per hour faster. Variable load spacing. Two deep stacking. Donkey Glide System®. Available in gas or diesel. Made in the USA.

The Donkey 3K “Burro” with 3,000 lbs. capacity is better than an all-terrain pallet jack and is also your best solution for smaller jobs. The Donkey 4K model is affordable and lightweight with a lifting capacity of 3,000-4000 pounds and is the lightest ride-on unit in the Donkey line up. The 4K low profile adds value where other forklifts can’t. The 4.5K model has standard features that include side shift, strobe light, smart backup alarm, and corrosion resistant features. And the 5K and 5.5K models has the power and durability for the heaviest loads.

THE LONGEST STANDARD REACH IN THE INDUSTRY

We believe safety and efficiency go hand in hand. While other companies charge thousands of extra dollars for the safety of curb side loading and unloading, Donkey delivers yet again in its long line of industry leading standard features.

CENTRALIZED WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION

Not only are Donkey Forklifts pound for pound the strongest forklifts in the World, but when it comes to stability and safety, Donkey “sets the standard” in the truck mounted forklift industry.

LOWEST GROUND PRESSURE (LGP) OF ANY FORKLIFT ON THE MARKET

If there is one thing, we at Donkey have learned after 25 years in the truck mounted forklift business it’s that ground pressure matters.

SUPERIOR FORKLIFT OPERATOR COMFORT. HARD WORK NEVER FELT SO GOOD.

Designed with comfort in mind, each Donkey forklift comes standard with the industry’s only shock absorbing, low impact, seat suspension. Donkey’s industry leading 4.5 cubic feet of leg room gives the operator free range of motion to control the lift without being hindered in any way.

THE ONLY TRUCK-MOUNTED SINGLE AXLE SOLUTION®

Making money is more than just selling products. At Donkey we understand that it’s the cost of delivering those products to consumers that will determine your true profits.

THE MOST EFFICIENT TRUCK-MOUNTED TANDEM AXLE SOLUTION®

Make the most of your money by increasing your payload, enhancing fuel efficiency, and lowering maintenance costs.

Donkey forklifts are now available in Florida. You can buy any model with lifting capacities from 3,000 lbs. up to 5,500 lbs. at TruckMax. Contact us to learn more about all available models.

Service truck accessories for every duty.

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Posted in Mechanic Service Trucks

At TruckMax we stock Stellar’s full line of service truck accessories that are the most dependable, most rugged and trouble-free products available in the market today. These accessories are built to the highest standards demanded: Tool box systems, Air compressors, Power Units and Lube Skids.

Tool box systems
Service truck toolbox systems are built extra tough to withstand abuse. We’re so confident in the durability of these drawers that we offer a full lifetime warranty on the slides and hardware. 500 lb. slide sets are used across the entire size range of drawers to insure a solid, durable platform to carry your tools and components. From new easy-to-use pull handles to a range of configurations, American Eagle Drawer Systems have you covered.

Features:
• All drawer widths in the product line utilize our unique key locking “T” handle. This feature provides a one-handed operation and conceals the latch mechanism for heavy-duty protection and an attractive appearance.
• All the drawer fronts on the assemblies are given a textured gray powder coat finish.
• The metal edges of the drawers, and the top shelf, are hemmed for added strength and safety.
• The side panels have a standard 2.50” riser built into them with mounting slots pre-punched.
• The top shelf is included with all drawer units and is designed to telescope out 5.5” on each side of the drawer set. In most installations this will provide a full shelf in the body compartment and give solid reinforcement.
• The individual drawers are easily removed from the set providing a unique feature that will assist your installation. This feature may also be convenient if you need to move items closer to the job or retrieve a lost tool.
• Each drawer in the set is provided with front-to-back dividers and are punched on 2” centers for divider installation.
• Drawer systems are custom-made to your specifications. Each drawer system is engineered to fit your truck’s compartment and configured with the drawer sizes that will work best for you.

We have the Heavy-Duty Steel Drawer System, Heavy-Duty Aluminum Drawer System and the Lightweight Aluminum Drawer System with optional features as custom colors, egg crate dividers, non-slip drawer liner, oil filter/drain drawer and the drawer light bar.

Air compressors
Stellar describes it’s air compressor line by using words like performance, durability, reliability and ease of maintenance. By starting with the most durable compressor pumps available, we use state of the art technology to design a complete reliable system.

At TruckMax we can help you select the best fit for your business, either a Single-Stage Piston Air Compressor, Two-Stage Piston Air Compressor, Rotary Screw Air Compressor or an Air Compressor Pump.
Single-Stage Piston Air Compressors: Direct-drive, no belts to break or adjust. Cast iron crankcase and cylinder heads for durability
Two-Stage Piston Air Compressors: Cast-iron, one piece cylinder and head design – no head gaskets to fail
Rotary Screw Air Compressors: Air on-demand as required. 100% duty cycle rated for continuous use
Air Compressor Pumps: Single-stage air compressor pumps

Power Units
From integrated power systems to the revolutionary 100% emission-free Hybrid Power Source, Stellar has everything you need to power productivity.

American Eagle® Hybrid Power Source, the FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE SERVICE TRUCK INDUSTRY.

With an automotive-grade Li-NMC battery, the HPS provides a 100% emission-free low voltage power source to operate your hydraulic needs. The integrated, dual hydraulic power unit will supply hours of quiet operation on a single charge. Nonetheless if the batteries reach a need for charging while on the jobsite the system equipped with a 48V alternator on the chassis to provide rapid recharge on the go.

EnPak® Power System
A revolutionary, fully-integrated power system for work trucks. EnPak combines a rotary-screw air compressor, hydraulic pump, generator and diesel engine.

EnPak® equipment are the exact match for mechanic service companies looking to take idle time off their trucks, and insist on the most trusted and highest quality products. These all-in-one equipment options can be integrated into their fleet to deliver more capabilities in service truck configurations Class 3 and over.

Some of the available features depending the power source type are: Air compressor, Generator power, Battery charge/crank assist, Hydraulic pump, Welder with multi-process capabilities, Chassis power, Auto-Speed™ technology, Auto start/stop, Turbocharged engine, CAN bus connectivity, and/or Remote panels.

Lube Skids

Turn your service truck into a lube truck with a LubeMate® Lube Skid. Offering mobile or permanent-mount lube skids or a custom lube trailer, reduce costly downtime by servicing equipment according to maintenance schedules without the need for a dedicated lube truck. All units come complete with hardware to mount and plumb.

If you are looking to upgrade your utility truck with any service designed accessories, to meet the highest working standards, do not hesitate to contact us.

Filtration Solutions for commercial trucks.

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Posted in Commercial Truck Service, Truck Service and Repair

Commercial truck filtration is easy to take for granted. Best-working filters keep engine and cab air clean. Allowing both the driver and the diesel powerhouse to breathe deep. While filters become more efficient overtime, they reach a tipping point when they need some truck maintenance. When performing maintenance, it’s very important to replace filters with a brand new one.

A good filtration protect customers’ engines and mobile equipment, from first to last use, through innovative filtration solutions. It keep commercial engines running at peak capacity. With filters, coolants and fuel additives that increase uptime, reduce costs and leave a light footprint on the environment.

TruckMax Parts department offers superb product quality, and the industry’s broadest product line. A comprehensive portfolio of filtration products and technologies. Providing customers a single streamlined source for all their engine and mobile filtration needs.

TruckMax carry filtration for Hino Trucks, Isuzu Trucks, Volvo Trucks, Cummins Engines, and Mitsubishi Fuso Trucks. You can find the best selection of filtration for your commercial truck air, cooling, fuel, hydraulic, lube and transmission systems. Along with our other filtration products for any truck make. Finding the Right Filters is Easier than Easy.

Hino Truck filters.

Fleetguard Filters continually develop, refined and improved their products by Cummins research and engineering teams worldwide. Cummins filters produces truck air, cooling, fuel, hydraulic, lube and transmission systems, along with other filtration products.

Fleetguard filters.

Donaldson Engine Filters & Parts. Deliver a full line of aftermarket fuel, lube, coolant and air intake filters for diesel engines, hydraulic and bulk tank filtration. Plus exhaust system components.

Baldwin Filters is a global provider of filtration products and services.

Isuzu FleetValue Filters. As a second line parts supplied only through authorized Isuzu truck dealerships, are designed with the primary focus being: low cost of ownership, safe operation of your trucks, and superior quality. FleetValue Filters are designed and built to ensure your truck runs at its peak performance and stays on the road longer.

Whatever tough challenges you face, with TruckMax filtration you will find efficient and real solution. TruckMax has what it takes to be your one-source filter provider to keep your equipment running and your job on schedule.

For more info on TruckMax filters visit or contact us through our website.

Dur-A-Lift urban forestry units

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Posted in Bucket trucks, Vocational trucks

Dur-A-Lift’s Urban Forestry Unit at TruckMax comes in several sizes, making it the ideal option for those in the tree care industry. Pick between several aerials, featuring max working heights that range from 45 to 59 feet. Pair that with a marine-grade, aluminum chipper box that is available in three sizes; and add in a chassis to complete the package.

Dur-A-Lift Forestry bucket trucks at TruckMax.

AERIAL SPECIFICATIONS

DPM2 SERIES
Added reach & load capacity
Working height up to 59’; side reach to 31’6”
11’9” aluminum chipper box
DTAX2 SERIES
Compact unit with a big reach
Under CDL options
Working height up to 50’; side reach 30’
7’6” & 9’9” aluminum chipper box options

AERIAL STANDARD FEATURES
DPM2
Proportional controls; lower override controls; engine start/stop from basket; basket access from ground; compensated upper boom; insulated models available in category C or D; hydraulic basket leveling; continuous rotation; joystick and lockout controls; 180º basket rotator; 24”x 42” fiberglass basket, 600# capacity
DTAX2
Controls: Proportional controls; lower controls with override located at the turntable; engine start/stop from the basket; individual control levers
Hydraulic System: Rated pressure is 2200 PSI; operating pressure is 2000 PSI; open center hydraulic system; 180º rotating basket
Mechanical System: Telescoping and articulating boom action; offset main boom reduces travel height; shear ball rotation driven; fully enclosed worm gear box; non-continuous rotation; insulated extension boom 46 kV (DTAX2); 24” x 24” basket, 350# capacity; 110V outlet at upper controls (DTAX2S).

AERIAL OPTIONS
DPM2
High electrical resistant controls; outriggers; basket liner for fiberglass baskets; fiberglass main and articulating booms; tool circuits; D.C. backup system; 22” basket elevator; non-insulated versions available (DPM2S); 110 v outlet at basket (non-insulated only).
DTAX2
Single hand joystick upper control; outrigger or torsion bars; 12 volt DC backup; fixed basket position (side or end); basket offered in various sizes and configurations; basket liner 50 kV (DTAX2); main boom fiberglass insert (DTAX2); chassis isolator art boom fiberglass insert (DTAX2); continuous rotation; tool trays of various sizes; basket and control cover; upper and lower hydraulic tool circuits; lower stow/dump control; special paint color.

CHIPPER BODY FEATURES
Single swing rear gate with robust latch; pruning compartment; superior top ventilation; cross box for pole saws; marine grade aluminum; separate compartment for ropes; shovel & ladder compartment; Oval flashers front and rear; option for additional compartments under chipper body.

INSULATED OR NON-INSULATED
The Urban Forestry Package is available in insulated (Cat. C or D) or non-insulated formats. Full pressure controls.
Insulated: DPM2-52DP, DTAX2-45, DTAX2-40
Non-insulated: DPM2S-52DP, DTAX2S-45, DTAX2S-40

Ford F-750 SUper Duty Dur-A-Lift DPM2-52DP 59′ Forestry Bucket Truck.

Aerial: Dur-A-Lift DPM2-52DP
Chassis: Ford F-750
Body: Voth Chipper Body, 11’9″
Additional Specs: Dur-A-Lift DPM2-52DP aerial; insulated, Category D; working height up to 59’, side reach to 31’6”; 24″x30″ fiberglass basket; 11’9” aluminum chipper box from Voth Truck Bodies with crossbox and toolbox compartments; Ford F-750 chassis, diesel, regular cab, 33,000 GVWR; 12’4″ stowed travel height.

Visit or contact us to learn more about our forestry bucket truck inventory. We can build these equipment on a new Ford, Dodge RAM, International, Freightliner, or any other matching commercial truck chassis.

Landscape Trucks built tough

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Posted in Hino Trucks, Isuzu Trucks, Vocational trucks

Being in the landscape business comes with many challenges. Since you will be required to travel to your customers with all the tools and equipment needed. You should make sure that you have the right type of truck to assist you with getting everything needed from one location to the next. Yet if you primarily do installations, you could be carrying tons of paving stones, shrubs, and compact equipment, so the towing requirements will vary.

Additionally, the weight of all these items must also match the specs of the truck. It is important to note that the weight that is towed will have a significant bearing on how long the different elements of the truck will last. For instance, the tires, transmission, and engine may give out prematurely if it carries too much weight each time a job is done. Many professionals in this industry will also recommend making sure this estimate is accurate because it will also determine how safe the vehicle is when it is in operation.

Whatever the case, you will need to decide if you need a standard cab size or crew cab. For instance, the standard size cab size seats are meant for at least two to three people, while the crew cab size landscaping trucks are made to fit up to three to four more individuals.

Buying landscape trucks for your business is not always difficult if you have created a customized plan that you can follow. In TruckMax, we have the perfect trained team that will help you with exactly what you need by already knowing what tow weight, fuel efficiency and seating amount you’re looking for.

Now, lets go in depth with our types of landscape trucks, built with selected aluminum, or steel materials. They are built 10-foot up to 16-foot, usually 96-inches wide, and may have canopy or not. Feature that avoids, together with the tarp and its ground level crank, creating garbage dumping while on the road.

Isuzu Truck N-Series with a 14′ aluminum landscape dump body.

Our landscape trucks also feature powerful hoist electric over hydraulic tilters, for a power and fastest 50-degrees dumping; 48-inch sides with wood more important in aluminum bodies, 48-inch rear barn doors, optional side doors, slanted body end, tunnel toolbox and/or side toolboxes, shovel rack, an ICC bumper with receiver hitch and 7-way electric plug and finished with reflective safety tape D.O.T. approved.

We can built our landscape trucks on any new or used chassis from 12,000 lbs GVWR to 19,500 lbs GVWR, form Isuzu Truck, Hino Truck, Fuso Truck, Ford commercial truck, Dodge RAM, etc.

Aluminum and steel landscape dump trucks at TruckMax.

Aluminum Dump Trucks

Aluminum truck bodies are a great choice for most industries. Even if aluminum bodies cost more money upfront than a steel alternative, they prove their value with a handful of benefits. Aluminum is lighter and naturally more resistant to corrosion.

In BABCO Truck Bodies division, our truck body fabrication company, we can custom build and install any landscape truck body. We can fabricate or can arrange to have built each body to your specific needs for the highest level of productivity and efficiency for your vehicle. Babco is the South Florida leader for commercial truck body fabrication.

We use the best quality aluminum and steel, the best design, and the strongest welding for all our commercial truck bodies and each truck is carefully crafted by our factory trained and certified technicians.

Steel Dump Trucks

In TruckMax we specialized in meeting our customers needs and one of our goals is to fulfill and customized our customers bodies. That’s why we start with only the highest-grade materials possible.

Our Steel Bodies are built centered around high quality, durable, dependable steel, with the latest in Commercial Body Design and the best fabricators in the business. Because we buy in bulk, we can provide the most cost-efficient bodies available in the Commercial Trucking Industry.

Steel dump truck bodies are utilized in a variety of industries, from lawn care businesses to construction. They serve businesses in a variety of ways, from hauling more material to whatever you may need in your business. The way their built for durability and resistance for having superior performance comes from light duty to heavy ones.

Contact us or visit any of our conveniently located stores to learn more about our landscape trucks.

The New Power of Hino Trucks USA

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Posted in Hino Trucks

Here’s the all new Hino L Series trucks, replacing the previous conventional lineup, now known as the L6 and L7. You’ll immediately see the new exterior design including a bolder front fascia and optional LED headlights.

 Open the door and you’ll be greeted with a re-engineered interior with high-end automotive grade finishes. It was built with commercial use durability and an eye towards increased functionality. A new steering wheel controls, and a large 7” LCD multi-information display. Also, more storage and increased leg room, safer and more comfortable.

 Speaking of safety, the new Hino L Series has integrated an entire suite of new safety systems. This ensure you and your cargo get where they need to be quickly and safely.

 The new L series is maximizing your business’s functionality with new wheelbase options, extended cab and crew cab configurations. No matter what your business needs, there’s a Hino L Series there to help you do more.

Proven Reliability

With nearly 40 years in production, the Cummins B6.7 TM is already the proven champion of medium duty fleet reliability.

 The EPA 2021 B6.7 builds on this legacy of reliability and durability while lowering the total cost of operation. It help to keep trucks on the road longer. New for EPA 2021, the B6.7 features upgrades that allow for extended engine maintenance intervals. Including longer oil drain intervals, more time between fuel filter changes and a completely maintenance free crankcase ventilation filter.

Driveline Components You can Trust.

Proven US made driveline components on a standard 34” frame powered by Cummins. Marry the efficiency, and durability of the Cummins engine to a first class selection of industry proven drivetrain components. Then, attach everything to an ultra clean, solid frame. The result? Great performance from components you know and trust.

Contact us to learn more about this new line of commercial trucks. With the most powerful, trusted and proven components in the US market.

Do you know Isuzu Trucks recommended service intervals?

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Posted in Commercial Truck Service, Truck Service and Repair

To keep your Isuzu commercial vehicle running at optimal performance, Isuzu Trucks experts recommend servicing your truck every 8,000 km or 150 engine hours. See the detailed schedule below for more information.  

Request a service appointment today and let our experienced, skilled technicians take care of your Isuzu truck. Whether you need an oil change, fuel filter replaced, or DPF cleaning, we can help with all your service needs. We also recommend a fuel filter maintenance schedule to get optimal fuel usage. 

Getting a Tax Deduction for Buying a commercial vehicle.

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Posted in Truck Financing

You can get a tax benefit from buying a new or “new to you” car or truck for your business by taking a section 179 deduction. This special deduction allows you to deduct a big part of the entire cost of the vehicle in the first year you use it if you are using it primarily for business purposes. 

A section 179 deduction is a special kind of tax deduction that businesses can take to reduce expenses. You can elect to take this deduction on the cost of certain types of business property. including business vehicles, instead of (or in addition to) recovering the cost by depreciating the property.

To qualify for a section 179 deduction for a business vehicle, it must be bought and put into service during the year in which you are applying for the section 179 deduction. Being placed in service means that a business asset is ready and available for specific use in a business or for the production of income.

In addition, the vehicle:

  • Must be eligible property, including vehicles, machinery, furniture, and fixtures. Land and leased property are not eligible.
  • Your company must buy it for business purposes.

Check out our commercial truck inventory

Want to know the details?

The most important qualification for section 179 deduction purposes is business use. You can only take a section 179 deduction for vehicles used more than 50% of the time for business purposes. The deduction is limited to the amount of use and can’t be taken on personal use.

Section 179 deductions work like depreciation. The purpose of depreciation is to spread the expense (and tax deductions) of owning a business asset like a car or truck over the life of that asset.

Normally, depreciation is deducted as an expense to the business over the life of the equipment or vehicle. But a section 179 deduction allows you to take more of the expense of the purchase in the first year.

There are two limits on the amount you can elect to deduction under section 179.

Dollar Limits. The total amount you can take as section 179 deductions for most property (including vehicles) placed in service in a specific year can’t be more than $1 million. In other words, all section 179 deductions for all business property for a year can’t be greater than $1 million. The dollar amount is adjusted each year for inflation. There is also a “phase-out” limit of $2.5 million.

in addition to the general dollar limits, the maximum section 179 expense deduction for sport utility vehicles placed in service in tax years beginning in 2019 is $25,500, based on a specific IRS description of the vehicle type.

Business Income Limit. After you apply the dollar limit, the total cost you can deduct each year – including section 179 deductions – is limited to the taxable income from your business during that year. In other words, you can’t use a section 179 deduction to cause your business to have a loss. If you can’t take all or part of a section 179 deduction in one year, you can carry it over to the next year.

The calculation for this limit is complicated and it’s different for each business. See the instructions for IRS Publication 946 for type of vehicle and further details.

How to Take the Deduction

You or your tax preparer will need to complete IRS Form 4562 Depreciation and Amortization. Follow the instructions for Part I.

Key Requirements and Restrictions

  • The vehicle must be new or “new to you,” meaning that you can buy a used vehicle if it is used first during the year you take the deduction.
  • The vehicle may not be used for transporting people or property for hire. 
  • You can’t deduct more than the cost of the vehicle as a business expense.
  • You must put the vehicle “into service” (use it in your business) by December 31 of the tax year. If you don’t use it, you can’t get the deduction. Then prove that the vehicle was used in your business by the end of December, in case of a tax audit.
  • You cannot deduct more than your business net income for the year.

Contact us to learn more about what your chances are by using Section 179 for your business.

Fleet preventive maintenance

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Posted in Commercial Truck Service, Truck Service and Repair

Preventive maintenance (PM) is the regular and routine maintenance of commercial vehicle to keep them running, and prevent any costly unplanned downtime from unexpected equipment failure.

A successful maintenance strategy requires planning and scheduling maintenance of equipment before a problem occurs. A good preventive maintenance plan also involves keeping records of past inspections and the servicing of trucks.

Because of the complexity of maintaining a preventive maintenance schedule for a number of trucks, many companies use TruckMax Homestead to perform their required preventive maintenance tasks.

When is Preventive Maintenance Required?

The exact requirement for preventive maintenance will vary depending on the truck make and the operation it is performing. Truck industry uses standards to help determine schedules for maintenance so that commercial vehicles do not run to failure. These guidelines will also cover the type of inspection or maintenance that is needed.

Ideally, by following guidelines set down by manufacturers or standards, a PM schedule should ensure proactive maintenance rather than having to resort to reactive maintenance when something has already begun to fail.

Preventive maintenance keeps your drivers safe, reduces operational cost, and boosts productivity and manages business downtime. Keeping your truck or fleet in good working condition all-year round helps you avoid operational delays and maximize your productivity.

Following this type of predictive maintenance schedule, through tasks such as condition monitoring, requires accurate recording of inspections and servicing against an understanding of the lifespan of a particular piece of trucks. Preventive maintenance can be determined from these records.

At TruckMax Homestead, we provide all type of truck maintenance, including preventive. Our ASE certified technicians diagnose, and repair all makes and models of medium and heavy-duty trucks and yard spotters. So, you can rest assured you are in good hands. Contact one of our service advisors today and schedule your next commercial truck service.