Archived News

ARCHIVED NEWS

4/2/2025

Product Spotlight: Bedliner

When you custom-build a service truck with STI, the options are nearly endless—tool drawers, custom lighting, air compressors, E-track, cranes—you name it. But one accessory that sometimes flies under the radar (and shouldn’t) is spray-on bedliner.

At STI, we offer spray-on bedliner not just for the truck bed, but also for steps and deck surfaces—and for good reason. The textured finish adds serious grip, helping operators stay safe while climbing in and out, especially in wet or dusty conditions.

Here’s something you won’t find everywhere: We apply bedliner directly to the metal, not over paint. That means better adhesion, longer life, and more reliable protection in the spots that take the most abuse.

And that protection goes a long way. Whether it’s heavy tools sliding around or everyday wear and tear, bedliner shields high-traffic areas from dings, scratches, and corrosion—keeping your truck looking sharp and working hard. It also helps reduce vibration and noise in compartments and storage areas, which operators definitely appreciate over the long haul.

Worried about longevity? Don’t be. Every STI spray-on bedliner is covered by our 2-year warranty, so you’re backed up right from the start.

If you’re thinking about building a service truck, don’t overlook the details that make a difference in the field. Spray-on bedliner looks great and it sure does work hard.

Give us a call at 800.225.8789 to learn more or drop us a line at [email protected].

4/2/2025

Top Products for Detailing Like a Pro

Your service truck is your mobile office, toolbox, or both — and keeping it clean and polished is more than just about looks. A well-maintained rig reflects your professionalism, protects your investment, and helps you spot issues before they become problems (hello, rust and wear).

To help you with the fun task of cleaning and shining, here’s your go-to guide for making everything shine — inside and out — with some of the best products and tools out there. (See link for a printable product/tool list!)

Exterior Care: From Grime to Shine

First Things First: When washing your STI body, be sure doors are latched tightly and run the pressurization system to prevent water infiltration.
Body Wash & Polish: Start with a two-bucket wash system and a high-quality pH-balanced car shampoo like Chemical Guys Mr. Pink or Meguiar’s Gold Class. These lift dirt without stripping wax or sealants. Use a microfiber wash mitt and a microfiber drying towel. Don’t use an old bath towel, it’ll scratch your paint. For polish and protection, Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating gives you long-lasting shine and water beading.
Wheels & Tires: Try Sonax Wheel Cleaner Plus to melt brake dust like butter. Follow with Meguiar’s Endurance Tire Gel for a glossy, long-lasting black finish. A dedicated wheel brush makes the job easier — try the Mothers Wheel Brush or a foam cone for drill attachments if you want to get fancy.
Windows & Mirrors: You can’t go wrong with Invisible Glass cleaner and a waffle-weave microfiber towel. For stubborn spots, a clay bar or fine steel wool (#0000 grade) used gently with soapy water will leave glass ultra-smooth.
Bedliner & Toolboxes: Got a spray-in bedliner? Use Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner or Adams Rubber & Vinyl Cleaner with a stiff bristle brush to scrub out oil, dirt, and grease. For polished aluminum toolboxes, Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish will bring back that mirror finish.
Chip Guard, Door Jams & Handles: STI trucks have stainless steel chip guard, door jams, and handles. For these you’ll want to use Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish, which is safe on brushed or polished stainless. Simple Green Stainless Steel Cleaner is also a good choice. Use a microfiber towel (ideally one made metal cleaning) and a soft detailing brush or foam-tipped swab for tight areas. For extra polishing, try 3M Stainless Steel Polish or Rolite Stainless Steel Polish Paste (good for dull or lightly oxidized metal). Avoid any products labeled chrome only as they may be too harsh.
Cabinets & Drawers: If your truck has drawers or cabinets that collect tool grime or grease spills, you’ll want a degreaser that cuts through the mess without damaging surfaces. Try Purple Power Industrial Strength Degreaser (great on metal), SuperClean, or Simple Green Pro HD with a nylon brush and microfiber towel. For tight corners or tracks in drawers, a detailing steam cleaner or even a toothbrush works well.
Large Spill Cleanup (Oil & Grease): If you’ve had a major spill, lay down oil-absorbing mats (like Pig® brand) to soak up excess. Then scrub the area with Oil Eater Cleaner & Degreaser or GUNK Engine Degreaser. Rinse with water or wipe clean with towels.
Tip: Keep a small spill kit in your truck with absorbent pads, nitrile gloves, and degreaser spray. It’ll save you time when accidents happen.
Headlight Restoration: Foggy headlights? To restore clarity, grab a kit like 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System or Sylvania’s Headlight Restoration Kit. These include everything you need.

Interior Detailing: Keeping It Fresh Where You Sit

Dashboard & Trim: Use a UV-protectant interior detailer like 303 Aerospace Protectant (excellent in very hot climates) or Chemical Guys InnerClean to clean and protect from fading and cracking. Microfiber towels are your best friend here. A soft detailing brush will help get into vents and tight spots.
Upholstery: On leather seats, Lexol Leather Cleaner and Conditioner cleans without stripping oils and keeps seats supple. If you should happen to have upholstered seats, try CarGuys Super Cleaner with an upholstery brush to lift stains and deodorize.

Vacuums & Detailing Tools

• Vacuum: Shop vac with attachments is a must — preferably one with a HEPA filter
• Brushes: Interior detailing brushes (boar’s hair or soft nylon) for tight spaces
• Towels: Use microfiber (300-600 GSM); waffle weave for glass, plush for polish
• Steam Cleaners: Great for fabric, vents, cupholders, and stubborn grime
• Drill Brushes: Game-changer for seats, mats, and hard-to-scrub areas

Climate Considerations

Hot Climates:
• Use UV-protective sprays inside and out to prevent fading
• Ceramic coatings last longer than wax and hold up better to heat
• Clean early or late in the day to avoid water spots and product streaks
Cold Climates:
• Rinseless washes like Optimum No Rinse are great when it’s freezing
• Prevent door seals from freezing by treating rubber with silicone spray
• Wash the undercarriage regularly to remove salt and grime

How Did We Choose?

If you’re wondering how we selected the products mentioned in this article, a number of factors were considered. We went with products that have a great reputation with detailers and truck owners. Ease of use and availability were also taken into consideration (most products are available at Amazon, Walmart, and local auto shops).

Disclaimer:
The suggestions are provided by Service Trucks International as a helpful guide. These are recommendations only. STI is not responsible for product performance or any negative outcomes. Always follow manufacturer instructions and test products before use.

4/26/2024

Customer Support Services Expanded

Service Trucks International has announced recent changes have been made at the company. The service, parts, and warranty department has expanded to ensure fast and efficient support services for customers.

The expansion is a result of additional focus and resources devoted to STI and Tiger Cranes. “Excellent equipment and superior customer service are at the heart of a successful business. We’ve always had great service, which will only be better with the addition of personnel in our parts, warranty, and service areas. We are restructuring and improving every day,” said Walt Van Laren, president of Service Trucks International.

Customers will find additional options and information on the Support page of servicetrucks.com, including the ability to submit online service and parts requests.

Van Laren summarized by saying, “We are excited about our changes and look forward to announcing more in the near future.”

3/20/2024

Recent Changes Announced

Sioux Automation Center, the parent company of Service Trucks International (STI) and Tiger Cranes, was recently sold resulting in STI becoming a stand-alone company with one focus – building service bodies and hydraulic/electric cranes.

“We are very excited to make this change in our company structure. It will allow us to devote all our time and resources on building and selling service bodies and cranes,” said Walt Van Laren, president of Service Trucks International. “The manufacturing space and resources previously dedicated to building Sioux Automation ag equipment is now utilized by STI.”

Service Trucks International was created as a division of Sioux Automation Center in 1985, while Tiger Cranes was formed in 1990. Since then, STI and Tiger Cranes have continued to grow every year and are now industry leaders.

STI is located in Sioux Center, IA.

3/13/2023

Kats rejoins STI sales team

Sioux Center, IA – – Service Trucks International (STI) and Tiger Cranes are pleased to announce that Cory Kats has rejoined the sales team as the Regional Sales Manager for the Midwest Region. Kats will manage STI and Tiger Cranes sales in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas and portions of western Iowa and Missouri.

Kats worked at Service Trucks International from 2011 to 2022, starting out prepping chassis and inspecting units before joining the sales team in 2016. In 2022, he left Iowa to pursue a career opportunity in Florida. With Kats’ experience and knowledge, STI and Tiger Cranes are excited to have Kats back on the team working in the same region he previously worked.

Kats and his wife, Erica, have a 12-year-old son and make their home in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

If you have a question about STI trucks or Tiger Cranes, give Cory a call at 712-463-3033 or drop him a message at [email protected].

10/24/2022

Tiger Cranes Partners with ATW Truck Equipment

Sioux Center, IA – – Tiger Cranes is excited to announce a partnership with ATW Truck Equipment and its subsidiaries CM Truck Beds of Kingston, OK and Dakota Bodies of Watertown, SD. The partnership will create a seamless installation of Tiger Cranes on the newly redesigned crane bodies manufactured by CM Truck Beds and Dakota Bodies.

Tim Henrich, National Sales Manager of Tiger Cranes, said, “The partnership is a perfect fit in that it will provide a variety of crane sizes to complement the crane body models manufactured by CM Truck Beds and Dakota Bodies.”

Tiger Cranes allows installers and users alike a turnkey solution for crane body needs, a solution that is technologically advanced and easy for users to operate when working in the field. “There has been a lot of innovation in the Tiger Cranes platform,” said Henrich. “We are continually changing and updating our cranes. We were one of the first to have a load management system built into the crane controller.”

Tiger Cranes, based in Sioux Center, IA, is the crane brand of Service Trucks International, a leading manufacturer of custom service bodies. Founded in 1985, STI has a long history of providing premium quality lifting devices to the truck equipment industry.

ATW Truck Equipment, based in Kingston, OK, distributes its products through a network of over 300 distributors across North America. Dakota Bodies is a leading utility body manufacturer, focusing on standard service bodies and custom utility bodies.

3/29/2021

STI Partners With Distributor in Southeastern United States

Sioux Center, IA – – Service Trucks International (STI) and West Georgia Mobile Hydraulics, Inc. (WGMH) recently announced a partnership to provide commercial service and crane mechanic vehicles to end-users. The companies will collaborate to deliver top-of-the-line work truck solutions to the Georgia, east Alabama, east Tennessee, and north Florida markets. WGMH will serve as Georgia’s only full-line STI and Tiger Crane product distributor and fill a much-needed demand for specialty vehicle sales and service in southeastern United States.

WGMH was founded in 1989 by Michael L. Casey, Sr. as a service company specializing in cranes and lube equipment. The company’s reputation for superior service spread quickly and WGMH began to grow, but they continue to offer the same level of excellent service. “We sell a wide variety of truck equipment, from air compressors and welders to cranes and winches. We service everything we sell and look forward to carrying our tradition of superb products and top-notch service into the future,” said Casey.

Based in Sioux Center, Iowa, STI manufactures service and crane truck bodies, as well as a complete line of telescoping service cranes under the Tiger Crane brand name. Specializing in high quality mobile service products and telescopic cranes, STI strives to meet the needs of operators and retailers of heavy equipment used in mining, equipment rental, heavy equipment dealers, road construction, site prep and land clearing, agricultural equipment, the oil and gas industry, and local, state, and federal government.

Visit https://www.wgmhinc.com and http://www.servicetrucks.com to learn more about their combined capabilities.

10/15/2020

Eubanks Hired as Regional Sales Manager for Southeast Region

Sioux Center, IA — Service Trucks International and Tiger Cranes announced the addition of Eric Eubanks of Atlanta, GA as the new Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast Region. Eubanks will manage Service Trucks International and Tiger Cranes sales in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Eubanks assumed his new role on Oct. 5.

Eubanks has more than 17 years of experience in truck and heavy equipment sales in the Atlanta area. Previously he worked for Cherokee Truck Equipment. Eubanks and his wife, Robin, have three boys ages 20, 12, and 11.

Eubanks will work from his Atlanta office where he can be reached at 712-463-3228 or 800-225-8789 Ext. 252, or by email at [email protected].

STI Introduces 3216E Tiger Crane

Sioux Center, IA — Service Trucks International (STI) and Tiger Cranes are excited to introduce the 3216E (electric) crane model to their lineup. The 3216E is rated at 12,500 foot-pounds, has a 15-foot lifting height, and a 400 degree rotation. Other key features include:

A. Pre-wired for optional self-leveling boom tip lights.
B. A new lever style anti-2 block provides reliable and consistent operation.
C. A stainless steel plate under the crane boom to protect the paint when stowing the block.
D. Lift cylinders size to lift the load and are much larger than the competition.
E. A unique turret design that provides strength, reduces weight, and is sealed to prevent leaks.
F. An electric winch that is mounted to pivot with the crane boom, maintaining wire rope length during movement of crane.

The 3216E crane is available in 2,000 lb., 3,200 lb., 4,000 lb., 5,000 lb., and 6,500 lb. All Tiger Cranes come with a two-year warranty, which is the best in the industry.

Contact a STI sales representative at 1-800-225-8789 to learn more about custom building a service truck that rises above all others.

STI Truck Bodies and Tiger Cranes Fit the Bill for Crossroads Mobile Maintenance

Sioux Center, IA — An article was published recently in Service Truck Magazine extolling the durability and reliability of Service Trucks International (STI) truck bodies and Tiger Cranes.

Crossroads Mobile Maintenance, based in Reed City, MI and Williamsburg, IA, selected STI service bodies and the Tiger Crane 3216E to outfit six service trucks that are used to build and maintain power lines.

Contact a STI sales representative at 1-800-225-8789 to learn more about custom building a service truck that rises above all others.

All New 6542E Tiger Crane Introduced

Sioux Center, IA — Service Trucks International (STI) and Tiger Cranes are excited to introduce the 6542E (electric) crane model to their lineup of innovative products. The 6542E has a 6,500-pound capacity with a 21-foot hydraulic extension rated at 40,000 foot-pounds. The 6542E replaces the 6541E and includes new and improved features including, but not limited to:

A larger working envelope than legacy models.
A lower boom angle to -15 degrees, which allows for easier removal of the load block.
A low-profile boom tip and upgraded lever-style anti-two block that allows the crane to operate in more confined areas.
A standard wireless hand-held remote control with digital load percentage display. A corded pistol-grip remote is also available.
A sealed mast and fixed rotation create a weather-tight usable crane compartment.
Meets ANSI/ASME B30.5 (2018), OSHA 1910.180.
A convenient wireless charging pad for the crane remote (optional).
Boom tip LED lights provide work area lighting directly below the boom head at every angle (optional).
Available with full proportional controls (EP).

Tiger Cranes offers industry-leading cranes that perform at the full rated lifting capacity. They are proven reliable from the coal mines of China to the tar sands of northern Canada and the jungles of South America. For the very best service trucks and cranes available, choose Service Trucks International and Tiger Cranes.

Contact a sales representative at 1-800-225-8789 for more information.

Sioux Automation Center, Parent Company of STI, Donates to Midwest Honor Flight

Sioux Center, IA — Sioux Automation Center, the parent company of Service Trucks International and Tiger Cranes, recently presented a $2,235 donation to Midwest Honor Flight. The funds were raised through employee donations made as part of SAC’s annual corn hole tournament.

The funds will sponsor three Vietnam veterans’ trips to Washington D.C. this fall.
Aaron Van Beek of Sioux Center, who is the founder, president and director of Midwest Honor Flight, said the organization allows veterans from a 90-county area of Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota to fly to D.C. under the care and supervision of Honor Flight Guardians.

“Midwest Honor Flight recognizes American veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, D.C. to see their memorial at no cost,” Van Beek said.

Midwest Honor Flight has completed four missions, taking more than 300 veterans to D.C., and is scheduled to have two missions this fall: Sept. 29 — the whole flight of which is paid for by a donation from Smithfield Foods — and Oct. 12.

Sioux Automation, STI, and Tiger Cranes are proud to give back to the communities and citizens of the communities which they live and work in!

Midwest Honor Flight director Aaron Van Beek (center) receives a donation from Sioux Automation Center employees Erin Jansen, Kim Van Zee, Jeremy Hildebrandt, Tabitha Janssen, and Suzanne Barbee.

8/6/2019

STI Introduces Truck and Crane Solution for Propane Industry

Sioux Center, IA — Service Trucks International (STI) and Tiger Cranes have designed a new truck and crane unit that serves the propane industry perfectly. The truck and crane are fully customizable to meet customers’ needs.

Key features include:

A 7,500 lb. hydraulic Tiger Crane with a 30-foot horizontal reach for better load placement when the truck is parked along a street curb.
Unique storage for cement blocks used for shoring tanks on the worksite.
The workbench bumper is split inside for individual pipe size/length storage.
A fold-down side gate curbside allows for easy loading and unloading into the load bed.
A 72-inch curbside front compartment for additional storage and tools.
Configurations with or without tool storage are available either street side or curbside.
An optional winch on the front of the truck allows the operator to position tanks closer for easy hoisting into the truck with the crane.

Service Trucks International and Tiger Cranes offer industry-leading service trucks and cranes that have proven to be extremely reliable worldwide. For the very best service trucks and cranes available, choose Service Trucks International and Tiger Cranes.

Contact a sales representative at 1-800-225-8789 for more information or visit servicetrucks.com.

5032E & 5032EP Crane Models Introduced

Sioux Center, IA — Service Trucks International (STI) and Tiger Cranes have introduced the 5032E (electric) and 5032EP (electric with proportional controls) crane models to their lineup of innovative products. The 5032E/EP has a 5,000-pound capacity with a 21-foot hydraulic extension and 13-foot length when retracted. The 5032E/EP replaces the 5031E/EP and includes new and improved features including, but not limited to:

A larger working envelope.
A low-profile boom tip and upgraded anti-two block that allows the crane to operate in more confined areas.
Wireless handheld remote control that includes an LCD screen and advanced diagnostics.
An optional wireless charging pad for convenience.
Sealed mast and fixed rotation creating a weathertight usable crane compartment; and
Optional boom tip lights are available to provide work area lighting directly below the boom head at every boom angle.

6/22/2018

New Partnership Announcement

Sioux Center, IA — PTR and STI Announce New Partnership Integrating Rentals and Sales.

Premier Truck Rental (PTR) and Service Trucks International (STI) announced today a strategic partnership to provide on-demand commercial mechanic and crane service bodies sales and rentals to customers. The companies will collaborate to deliver top-of-the-line work truck solutions to the Indiana and Oklahoma City markets. These solutions will prove highly valuable as a long-term rental opportunity, or a sale to any professional in fleet management or independent contractors nationwide. PTR will serve as Indiana’s only STI mechanic’s truck distributor and fill a much-needed demand for service truck rentals and mechanic’s crane truck rentals in the Midwest.

PTR offers nationwide commercial truck, trailer, UTV rentals and upfits to professionals in construction, electrical, petroleum, and renewable industries. Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the ability to provide custom upfit solutions to fleets and work truck rental in-house is what separates PTR from the competitors. Visit rentptr.com to learn more.

Based in Sioux Center, Iowa, STI manufactures service and crane truck bodies as well as a complete line of telescoping service cranes under the Tiger Crane brand name. Specializing in high quality mobile service products and telescoping cranes, STI strives to meet the needs of operators and retailers of heavy equipment used in mining, equipment rental, heavy equipment dealers, road construction, site prep and land clearing, agricultural equipment, the oil & gas industry and local, state and federal government. Visit servicetrucks.com to learn more.