If your job relies on heavy vehicles arriving on time, you already know that reliability is not a nice to have, it is the whole show. At JHB Truck & Crane Hire, we treat uptime like a promise. Behind every on-time delivery and safe lift is a maintenance system that never sleeps. Here is a look inside how we keep our Johannesburg truck hire fleet roadworthy, ready, and safe.
Breakdowns do not begin on the highway. They begin in the workshop when a loose bolt, a tired hose, or an overdue service goes unnoticed. Our approach solves problems before they become problems. That means disciplined inspection schedules, trained people, traceable records, and the right parts on hand. It also means clear accountability, from the person who signs off a pre-trip check to the planner who books a truck only if it is 100 percent compliant. We build content for people first, which is how we write and run our processes, and it aligns with Google’s helpful content guidance.
Every truck and crane leaves the depot only after a structured checklist has been completed. Drivers and operators confirm:
When units return, a shorter post-trip inspection captures anything that changed on the road. Nothing is left to memory. We record each item with time, date, and signature so patterns are easy to spot.
We plan services by calendar date and engine hours, whichever comes first. Minor services include oil and filter changes, brake lining checks, and diagnostic scans. Major services add deep inspections of driveline components, steering, suspension, and crane slew bearings. If a service is due within a planning window, that unit does not get booked. Simple rule, zero debate.
Kilometres do not tell the whole story. Stop-start urban routes stress vehicles differently from long open runs. Our maintenance team uses telematics to monitor idling, harsh braking events, coolant temperatures, and fuel trim anomalies. These signals trigger early inspections. For cranes, we log lift counts, load charts used, and outrigger deployments. When data says a component is trending out of range, we act.
Downtime grows when a R2 part is missing. We stock the fast movers, plus strategic items that can stop a truck or crane in its tracks. Belts, hoses, filters, bulbs, fuses, common hydraulic fittings, and air-line couplings live in our on-site stores. Larger items, like alternators and starters, are held with partners who deliver same day. The goal is simple, fix it the first time, right now.
Cranes demand extra attention. Our technicians perform periodic non-destructive tests where required, inspect wire ropes for strand breaks and flattening, and verify hook catch function. We grease slew rings to spec, monitor bearing play, and test load limiters. Before every complex lift we run through a pre-lift plan, confirm ground conditions, and double check outrigger pads, all scaled to the job’s risk.
Explore our full service scope on Crane Hire Services.
Reliability is also legal compliance. Vehicles carry valid Certificates of Fitness. Drivers and operators hold the necessary licences and medicals. Load test certificates and rigging logs are up to date and stored digitally. Clients can request evidence, and we will share it. Clear authorship and transparency build trust in content and in companies, both of which matter to people who depend on accurate information.
Tools are only as good as the hands that use them. Our drivers and operators receive refresher training on pre-trip checks, fatigue warning signs, and emergency procedures. Technicians attend vendor courses on emissions systems, diagnostics, and crane hydraulics. We hold short toolbox talks every week, focused on real issues we saw on the floor.
Monday. Weekend work is debriefed, and all vehicles coming off longer jobs get a quick lift inspection or under-carriage visual. Parts orders are checked, and service slots are locked.
Tuesday to Thursday. Scheduled services run to plan. Diagnostics handle any alerts raised by telematics. Brake performance tests and tyre rotations happen here.
Friday. We prep high-demand units for the new week. Tanks topped, small chips in windscreens fixed, straps replaced, and crane pads inspected. The aim is zero Saturday surprises.
Every day. Rapid response remains available. If a unit flags a warning light on route, we support the driver, triage by phone, then dispatch roadside assistance if needed.
Safety is built into every job
Before dispatch, we look at traffic patterns, roadworks, low bridges, and site access. For crane work, we confirm ground bearing pressure, exclusion zones, and weather windows. If conditions change, we adjust or reschedule. We would rather have a difficult conversation than a risky one.
Flatbeds, curtainsiders, and crane trucks carry very different loads. Our teams choose chains, straps, and edge protection suited to the cargo. Tie-down points are inspected, and we do not rely on tarps for restraint. Checklists make sure nothing gets missed when time pressure rises.
Dispatch briefs the team on special requirements. Operators get the lift plan and contact details for the site supervisor. Drivers know where to park, who to call, and what PPE is required. Clear information reduces delays and mistakes.
When you book with JHB Truck & Crane Hire, you get reliable vehicles, skilled people, and a plan that keeps both on track. You also get options that match your task, whether you need a daily rental, a dedicated contract run, or a crane truck for a time-critical lift.
Browse available units on Trucks For Hire or talk to us about a tailored solution for your route and payload.
How often are vehicles inspected?
Every vehicle gets a daily pre-trip check, plus scheduled services by time and engine hours. Cranes have extra periodic tests and inspections.
Can I see maintenance records before booking?
Yes. We can share service dates, COF validity, and proof of recent inspections for the unit assigned to your job.
What happens if there is a breakdown on the road?
We provide phone triage, roadside assistance, and if required a replacement unit, subject to availability. Prevention is our first priority, recovery is our second.
Do you plan routes for heavy or oversized loads?
We assess routes for bridge heights, tight turns, and roadworks. For complex moves, we create a route plan with timing windows and contingencies.
Do crane trucks come with lifting plans and rigging?
Yes. We prepare a pre-lift plan for the site conditions and provide certified rigging that matches the load and the radius.
Reliable transport is not luck. It is the result of tight routines, skilled people, and a culture that treats every checklist as a promise. That is how we keep our Johannesburg truck hire fleet working hard without letting you down. When your timeline cannot slip, we are ready.
If you have a project coming up, tell us about the site, the load, and your window. We will recommend the right truck or crane, confirm availability, and share any documents you need for sign-off. Then we will get to work.
