ECA Pittsburgh Rolls Out New Service Truck Fleet

The Pittsburgh branch of ECA is excited to roll out its new fleet of upgraded service trucks, designed with the latest features to enhance efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction. These "shops on wheels," as the Pittsburgh service team have come to call them, were designed and built with ECA customers’ specific needs in mind.

The necessity of specially designed trucks arose from the background and experience of the Pittsburgh Service Manager Stephen Funaiock and his Branch Manager Dave Johnston, who both have deep roots in the heavy equipment and machinery industry with Cat. Their goal was to equip service technicians with all the necessary tools to complete any job on-site without limitations. Funaiock emphasized the importance of avoiding situations where a technician may not be able to complete a service call because they lacked the right tool for the job.

“Historically, I would get calls from our service techs who would say they can’t complete a certain task because they don’t have something. We’ve overcome that problem now,” Funaiock said.

The new service trucks boast significant improvements over the previous models. One of the standout features is the Enpak system, which reduces engine idle time and minimizes aftertreatment issues. Safety has also been a primary concern, with the addition of cranes that help protect technicians' backs and fingers and reduce the need for a second technician on certain tasks. Another new feature on these trucks, the workbench bumpers, provide a flat, workable space for small repairs.

Previously, the fleet consisted of 3500 Chevy trucks, which lacked essential features like cranes, working bumpers, air compressors, and welders. The new Freightliner trucks, acquired in May 2024, mark a significant upgrade.

The process of designing and building these trucks was a collaborative effort with Bill at Allegheny Ford Trucks, who provided a standard build that met ECA’s high standards. Despite delays caused by COVID-19 and parts shortages, the Pittsburgh team persevered and is now reaping the benefits of their upgraded fleet.

These advancements directly benefit ECA's customers by enabling the service team to handle 95% of tasks on-site, reducing downtime and ensuring timely repairs. The new trucks also feature Palfinger bodies, known for their rust-preventative paint finish, ensuring the service bodies stay around for years to come.

ECA Pittsburgh’s new service trucks exemplify the branch's dedication to providing top-notch service, ensuring that customers receive the best possible care with minimal downtime.

“Roy (Kern) always told me, if we’re not moving forward, we’re moving backward,” Funiaock said. “Our service capability upgrades here in Pittsburgh are definitely a big step forward.”