Evolution is shaping PALFINGER’ s product roadmap, too.“ Starting in 2026, we’ re introducing some updates on our PAL Pro 39 and 43 bodies, like a new 52-inch standard compartment height and factory-installed e-track in the load space and body compartments,” Heffron said.“ The idea is to eliminate drilling holes in the body and give customers more flexibility with accessory mounting, like using a full-length external mounting rail system.”
As field work gets more complex, choosing the correct service crane is essential as well.“ You have to consider how often the crane is used, what it’ s lifting and who’ s operating it,” Heffron advised.“ For lighter or occasional lifting, electric cranes might be viable. But when you’ re moving heavy loads consistently, you’ re going to need hydraulic cranes, with the right capacity and boom configuration.”
Safety is also part of the design goals for PALFINGER service cranes, including features like Wireless Proportional Control and Single Weld Hexagonal Booms.“ There’ s interest now as well in things like winch location, LMI systems and intuitive remotes,” Heffron said.“ That tells us operators want equipment that not only performs but helps them work smarter and more efficiently.
Thinking Long Term“ Mechanics trucks and service cranes are problemsolvers,” Heffron continued.“ They’ re sent out when cranes and other equipment break down and they’ re operating in all kinds of conditions, across tough terrain and usually on a tight schedule.”
Those realities, Heffron added, have led to running every product through realworld testing and employing tight quality controls.
Looking ahead, Heffron sees customer expectations continuing to evolve, but so will the solutions.“ We’ re in a cycle where the demand for smarter, more durable, more flexible equipment just keeps growing,” he said.“ If you’ re not designing with that in mind, you’ re going to fall behind.”
The PALFINGER Pal Pro 72 mechanics body is available in
11- and 14-foot configurations on
Class 6 and 7 chassis. The PSC10829 service crane has a 10,800-pound capacity and 29 feet of outreach.
8 August 8, 2025 www. contractorshotline. com