Stellar Crane Service Bodies: A Balanced Review

[MikePhua]

Introduction
Stellar Industries is a well-known manufacturer of service truck bodies and mounted cranes, offering a broad lineup—think mechanic trucks, propane and welder trucks, and various service cranes with capacities up to 14,000 lb . Despite their innovation, user feedback reveals mixed experiences with durability and rigidity.

Strengths & Designs

• The hexagonal booms on Stellar cranes are a standout, offering superior rigidity and strength while keeping weight in check .
  
• High-duty models feature planetary winches with speeds up to 60 fpm, greaseless bushings for easy maintenance, 400-degree rotation, and radio-remote control as standard .
  
• Mechanic-style bodies, especially the TMAX lineup, are engineered with aluminum construction for corrosion resistance, torsion-isolator crane compartments, and organized layouts with mounting rails and workbench bumpers for efficiency .
  

User Feedback: What’s Holding Up—and What’s Not
From a forum thread detailing real-world experience:

• Rust Issues: Stainless hinges are solid, but rust develops inside door layers, especially where protective coatings were cut poorly during prep—seen on a 2020 steel TMAX2-11 build .
  
• Structural Flexing and Cracks: The roof panels often feel thin (“oil-can” flex), and some users noted cracks forming at the crane boom rest areas, although crane functionality itself remained dependable .
  
• Comparisons to Other Brands:
  • Stahl bodies received praise for their longevity and rust resistance—with a user reporting a 15-year-old Stahl body still in solid condition .
    
  • Other users favored Maintainer bodies, citing heavier-duty build and fewer seams prone to brine corrosion .
    

Summary: Pros & Cons
Advantages of Stellar Bodies

• Innovative crane design with lightweight yet strong booms
  
• Easy-to-use remote control and fast winches
  
• Aluminum bodies resist corrosion and improve payload
  
• Well thought-out work features like bench bumpers, mounting rails, and organized interiors
  

Reported Issues

• Internal rust in door assemblies—often related to assembly or finishing processes
  
• Panel flex and occasional cracks at crane mounting zones
  
• Less structural rigidity compared to steel-built alternatives (e.g., Maintainer, Stahl)
  

Practical Advice for Users or Buyers
When evaluating or owning a Stellar crane service body:

• Inspect vulnerable areas: Check the inner door layers, hinge seams, and crane boom rests for early signs of rust or crack development.
  
• Consider reinforcement: If roof flex or boom stability is a concern, reinforcing panels or attaching steel braces can enhance rigidity.
  
• Improve corrosion protection: Applying inside-edge sealant and touch-up paint can help prevent rust, especially if factory prep was compromised.
  
• Weigh material trade-offs: Stellar's aluminum builds are lighter and corrosion-resistant, but higher-demand environments may favor steel chassis for long-term durability.
  

Conclusion
Stellar crane service bodies deliver industry-leading design features and productivity enhancements, making them a solid choice for many service applications. However, those in tough or corrosive work environments may want to inspect for structural weaknesses and consider reinforcement or alternative brands offering steel-bodied resilience. If you need help comparing crane specs or reinforcing your existing build, I’d be happy to assist!