How to Choose the Right Saw Body Truck for Your Trade

When it comes to roadwork, utility maintenance, or concrete cutting, having the right tools is only half the battle—getting those tools to the jobsite safely and efficiently is just as important. That’s where saw body trucks come in. Built specifically to support pavement and concrete saw operators, these trucks are essential for keeping cutting operations running smoothly. But with so many configurations and features available, how do you choose the right one for your business?

Let’s break down who uses saw body trucks, what industries rely on them, and how to pick the best setup for your specific needs.

Who Uses Saw Body Trucks?

Saw body trucks are most commonly used by:

• Concrete cutting and coring companies

• Utility contractors

• Road and highway maintenance crews

• Municipal public works departments

• Underground service and excavation companies

These trucks are designed to carry heavy walk-behind saws, diamond blades, fuel, water tanks, and other cutting equipment—all while keeping everything secure, organized, and easily accessible.

Industries and Trades That Rely on Saw Body Trucks

Saw bodies play a key role in a few critical industries:

• Construction and demolition: For cutting concrete slabs, sidewalks, and driveways.

• Utilities: For accessing and cutting into roadways to install or repair water, gas, or electrical lines.

• Road work and paving: To handle precision cuts in asphalt or concrete during highway or street repair jobs.

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Because these trades involve high-demand, heavy-duty work, a purpose-built truck body can save hours of setup and breakdown time while keeping crews safe and productive.

How to Choose the Best Saw Body Truck for Your Business

Here are some key things to consider before making your investment:

1. Payload and Chassis Compatibility

Make sure the saw body you’re considering matches your truck’s chassis specs. Between saws, tanks, tools, and materials, these setups can get heavy—so don’t cut corners on weight ratings.

2. Storage and Accessibility

Look for saw bodies with:

• Secure saw compartments

• Blade racks

• Water tank storage with hose access

• Toolboxes and shelving for fuel, cords, and PPE

Organization saves time, and a clutter-free layout keeps your crew safer on the job.

3. Built-In Power and Water Options

Some saw body trucks come equipped with generators, compressors, or water delivery systems—especially useful for self-contained operation on remote jobsites. Make sure any added equipment is easy to maintain and placed where it won’t interfere with loading or unloading your saw.

4. Durability and Materials

Heavy-duty steel bodies are ideal for withstanding jobsite abuse, but aluminum options are also available for weight savings. Look for rust-resistant coatings and reinforced flooring for long-term performance.

Knapheide vs. Royal Saw Body Trucks: Which One's Right for You?

When you're investing in a saw body truck, you’re not just buying storage—you’re buying mobility, workflow efficiency, and jobsite performance. Two of the biggest names in the game are Knapheide and Royal Truck Body, and while both offer strong solutions, they bring different strengths to the table.

Here’s a side-by-side look at how they compare:

• Knapheide: Known for its rugged, high-strength steel bodies and industry-standard e-coat primer for rust protection. These bodies are built for long-term durability and heavy-duty jobs.

• Royal: Offers solid steel construction as well but tends to lean a little more lightweight and cost-efficient. Their powder coating holds up well, and their attention to fit and finish is solid.

Winner: Knapheide for heavy-duty durability. Royal for lighter-duty use or where budget matters more.

Final Thoughts: Invest in the Right Saw Body for Long-Term Efficiency

Choosing the right saw body truck is about more than just hauling gear—it’s about optimizing your workflow, protecting your investment, and keeping your team ready to work wherever the job takes you. Whether you're cutting curbs, trenching for utilities, or servicing concrete in a high-traffic area, a properly equipped saw body truck can turn your crew into a lean, mobile cutting machine.

Ready to upfit your fleet or build your first saw body setup? Talk to a trusted upfitter, like Basin Upfitting, who understands your trade and can tailor the build to your exact needs. The right truck body doesn’t just support your business—it powers it.