Stellar Highlights U.S. Innovation at AEM’s Celebration of Construction on the National Mall

05.16.25

Garner, Iowa — Stellar Industries, a 100% employee-owned and -operated manufacturer of high-quality mechanic and service trucks, service cranes, service truck and van accessories, tire trucks and manipulators, hooklifts, fuel and lube trucks, and trailers, participated in the second Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Celebration of Construction on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. 

The landmark event at the iconic National Mall brought together leading construction equipment manufacturers, technology innovators and workforce development organizations to demonstrate how the industry is building a stronger, safer and more sustainable America. Stellar, a proud manufacturer of high-quality, American-made equipment celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2025, showcased three of its flagship products at this year’s event.

TMAX™ 1-11 Aluminum Mechanic Truck

One of the highlights of Stellar’s booth was the TMAX 1-11 Mechanic Truck. The TMAX 1-11 combines extensive crane compatibility, customizable features and unparalleled quality. This vehicle offers increased payload capacity and superior fuel efficiency. Its aluminum construction not only reduces weight but also combats corrosion, ensuring a longer operational lifespan.

Stellar’s revolutionary torq-isolator crane support design isolates the crane compartment from the rest of the side pack. This allows the lifting stresses to be channeled through stabilizers and a robust box-type subframe, safeguarding compartment doors and enhancing overall structural integrity.

Adaptability is key, and the TMAX 1-11 delivers with an aluminum extruded top boasting drill-free mounting rails. This feature makes adding a diverse range of mechanic service truck accessories effortless, giving users the flexibility to tailor the truck to their specific needs and enhance its capabilities as their requirements change.

NXT18 Hooklift

Stellar also showcased the NXT18 Hooklift, a powerful 18,000-lb-capacity hooklift designed for maximum flexibility and efficiency. It features a 7.5″ lost load height and a bolt-on body lock system for both inside and outside locks, making it compatible with a wide range of chassis.  

As with all NXT Series hooklifts, the NXT18 is equipped with a universal body latching system, a universal hydraulic reservoir, integrated speed enhancements and soft-stop features on the lift cylinder. These elements ensure that the hooklifts are not only easy to operate but also built with productivity and dependability in mind. Additionally, the NXT Series offers optional air controls or electronic radio remote controls for precise control, enhancing user convenience and operational flexibility.

TM6116/13500 Large OTR Tire Service Truck

Finally, Stellar featured the TM6116/13500 Large OTR Tire Service Truck, designed to meet the demanding requirements of tire service technicians. The carrier can handle tires up to 116” in diameter and up to 6,000 lbs. Without the tire manipulator, the carrier can lift 13,500 lbs at 10′ from the centerline of the carrier’s rotation. 

The TM6116/13500 has fold-down style stabilizers with a wide stance to give excellent stability whether mounted on a single- or optional tandem-axle chassis. This stabilizer system also offers excellent serviceability of all cylinders and hoses. 

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Proudly Made in America

All these products are proudly made in America, embodying Stellar’s commitment to quality, innovation and American manufacturing excellence. Stellar’s products are used across industries that are vital to American infrastructure, and they continue to represent the values of hard work and ingenuity that have shaped the nation.

“We were thrilled to be a part of the Celebration of Construction on the National Mall, showcasing our American-made products,” said Dave Zrostlik, President of Stellar. “It was especially rewarding to show our customers in the nation’s capital how Stellar, a company born in the heart of rural Iowa, is helping to build and maintain the infrastructure that drives our economy. We truly believe that Stellar is a great example of the American dream — a company that started small and continues to make a big impact across the country.”

The Celebration of Construction on the National Mall was open to the public and aimed to educate policymakers, media, stakeholders and more about the construction industry’s vital role in the U.S. economy, public safety and environmental stewardship.

For more information about Stellar’s American-made products for the construction industry, visit our Construction market page or contact us.

Stellar Coloring Book — A Hit at the Mall, Now Yours to Share!

Know a kid who’s into big machines and building things? With towering trucks and tough jobs, our coloring book is packed with pages that bring construction scenes to life. We handed them out during the Celebration of Construction on the National Mall — and now you can download a copy to share with the young builders in your world.

DOWNLOAD NOW