When exploring chip body trucks, you will commonly see two types of materials: steel and aluminum. The material of a chip body truck can play a role in factors such as longevity of the vehicle, durability and fuel economy. You may be unsure which material you should choose for your next chip body truck. This blog details the pros and cons of steel and aluminum so you can make an informed choice regarding your chip body truck purchase.
Steel Chip Body Trucks
Steel chip body trucks have exceptional strength and durability. The material can last for years with minimal signs of age. By selecting a quality steel chip body truck, you can expect it to have a lengthy service life. Galvanized or galvanneal steel combined with Macropoxy 646, which is an industrial epoxy bedliner and undercoating, provides corrosion resistance for the truck. These materials help protect the truck against rust, abrasion and chip acidity. Wood chips tend to be abrasive and scratch the material of a chip body truck. Although scratches and dents can still occur on steel, the robust material does not scratch or dent as easily as other materials. The use of coatings can also help reduce scratches and dents on steel chip bodies. Steel chip bodies typically have fewer upfront costs when purchasing a new truck. Even though steel is highly regarded for its durability thanks to how sturdy it is, that same heftiness can also affect fuel efficiency. Unlike lighter weight materials, steel is heavy and that can reduce fuel efficiency and payload. If you put your chip bodies through rigorous work, look no further than steel for strength, durability and corrosion resistance under heavy use.
Aluminum Chip Body Trucks
Aluminum is a lighter option compared to steel. Operators of aluminum chip body trucks usually experience better fuel economy and higher payloads compared to steel trucks due to the lightweight nature of aluminum. Aluminum is also naturally highly corrosion resistant. This material works best for jobs that do not put the truck through much abuse. Since it is a thinner, lightweight material, aluminum is more susceptible to dents when under high impact. If you are loading heavy material with force, an aluminum chip body is likely to dent. There can be higher upfront costs associated with aluminum. If you are interested in better fuel efficiency and a higher payload for jobs in less punishing environments, an aluminum chip body truck may be a good option.
Steel vs. Aluminum: What’s the Best Chip Body?
The question of which material is best for a chip body truck depends on your job. If you are hauling a lightweight product, such as wood chips, and you want to maximize payload, you could select aluminum. However, aluminum will dent easier with a heavier haul or forceful handling. Steel is able to withstand more roughness and it is more resistant to scratches and dents, especially if it has a specialized coating applied. Aluminum will give better fuel efficiency due to the material being more lightweight. What steel lacks in fuel efficiency, it makes up for in durability. Since aluminum is corrosion resistant, it may be a better choice if working in humid conditions or a wet environment. Although steel can rust in moist areas, it can be combatted with a coating to prevent moisture from corroding the material. Cost is another factor to consider when choosing between aluminum and steel for your next chip body truck. Aluminum is a less expensive option for lower cost at the beginning. Steel can cost more compared to aluminum, but it is a long-lasting material, so the initial cost can even out over the lifespan of the chip body. Overall, the final decision comes down to factors such as durability, fuel efficiency and price. No matter your specific needs, there is a chip body truck that can work best in your unique location, environment and job duties.
High Quality Steel Chip Body Trucks from ARBORTECH
ARBORTECH manufactures exceptional quality steel chip body trucks. The steel body panels of our trucks can often outlast the chassis for a long lifespan that does not show its age. ARBORTECH uses heavy-gauge steel and fully welded joints on chip body trucks for additional strength and durability. The smooth side panels are perfect for advertising your company’s information for increased awareness and marketing purposes. Our trucks come standard with underbody steel toolboxes, rear tailgate and ladder box, LED light package, cam latch and three-point latching system, pivoting rope storage hooks and trailer plugs. Optional features include an ultra-secure L-box, ladder roll bars, folding steps with a grab handle and a rear mount toolbox. ARBORTECH offers four models for different jobs. The Fixed Roof Body is well-suited for basic professional tree trimming needs, while offering different sizes and options to meet your forestry needs. When you need to haul tall trees or shrubs, check out the Removable Roof Body. This model allows you to remove part or all of the roof for better higher vertical capacity hauling. Our patented SKYBOX Retractable Roof Body truck features a retractable roof that can quickly and easily be opened and closed by one operator with no tools. The Urban Aerial Body truck can help you reach the top of a tree with ease, even in smaller, congested spaces.
The ARBORTECH Advantage
When you choose ARBORTECH, you get much more than just a chip body truck. We offer four models of trucks to choose from to find the best fit for your forestry job requirements. All of our vehicles are backed by a three-year limited warranty so you can buy with confidence. While other manufacturers may take excessively long to build a chip body truck, we offer fast production and delivery to get you on the job as soon as possible. If you do not need a custom chip body, you can select from our inventory of pre-built trucks. You will not have to put your job on hold while waiting on your chip body truck to be manufactured. Our support does not end at the point of purchase. You will receive aftermarket support to answer any questions or concerns you may have with your new chip body truck. ARBORTECH is a leader in forestry trucks and it is easy to see why. Our quality-built chip body trucks can handle even the toughest jobs.
Contact ARBORTECH for a Steel Chip Body Quote
ARBORTECH is your partner for steel chip body trucks. We will guide you through the buying process to select the best steel forestry trucks for your work. Choose from four chip body truck models for the perfect fit for your goals. Contact us for more information and to receive a quote.