Knapheide Manufacturing Company showcased its Aluminum KMS16-09 prototype in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the National Truck Equipment Association’s Work Truck Week expo this past March.
Service Truck Magazine was at the show—we always enjoy walking through Knapheide’s booth.
The AKMS16 combines steel and aluminum: the crane compartment and understructure are crafted using steel to provide strength, and with its aluminum side packs, users gain an additional 530 lb. of payload capacity (compared to Knapheide’s current-lightest mechanics truck option – the standard KMS16).
The AKMS16's payload capacity will allow users to haul all the tools and components they need to job sites without having to increase their chassis class. But that’s not all.
In addition to increasing the available payload, the side pack compartments are designed to enable easy organization, which is paramount for efficiency.
So, users will have the option to include CTech extreme-duty aluminum mechanics seven-drawer sets and bolt bins (both standard options) in the compartments to ensure that all tools and components have a place, or they can choose other organizational equipment to add.
Either way, users can expect a reduction in clutter and search time.
The AKMS16 is still in the testing phase, and Knapheide has not yet revealed its release date. But once released, it will join the company’s standard product lineup: AKMS16-09, AKMS16-09-MD, AKMS16-09R, AKMS16-09R-MD, AKMS16-11, AKMS16-11-MD, AKMS16-11R, and AKMS16-11R-MD.
Company information may be found at www.knapheide.com.