Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Stellar Showcases Equipment at AEM Celebration of Construction

Stellar Industries exhibited several of its trucks during the second Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Celebration of Construction in Washington, D.C.

White work trucks on display.

Three of Stellar’s work trucks were on display during the second Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Celebration of Construction.

Photo: Stellar Industries

3 min to read


Stellar Industries, a 100% employee-owned manufacturer, participated in the second Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Celebration of Construction on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The event, held May 14 – 16, 2025, highlighted the latest innovations in the construction industry. 

“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.”

Ad Loading...

Stellar showcased three of its flagship products at this year’s event.

TMAX 1-11 Aluminum Mechanic Truck

White mechanic's truck with crane extended.

Stellar exhibited its TMAX 1-11 Mechanic Truck.

Photo: Stellar Industries

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

White hooklift truck on display.

Stellar also showcased its NXT18 Hooklift.

Photo: Stellar Industries

Stellar also showcased the NXT18 Hooklift, a powerful 18,000-pound-capacity hooklift designed for maximum flexibility and efficiency. It features a 7.5-inch 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.

Ad Loading...

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

Large tire changer truck on exhibit.

The TM6116/13500 Large OTR Tire Service Truck was also on display.

Photo: Stellar Industries

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 inches in diameter and up to 6,000 pounds. Without the tire manipulator, the carrier can lift 13,500 pounds at 10 feet 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. 

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.

More Vehicle Research

POV the truck on the show floor says stop kicking me with image of tire being kicked

POV: You’re the Truck Everyone Won’t Stop Kicking

From tire kickers and door slammers to the hundredth “what engine’s in this thing” question, life on the show floor isn’t exactly easy. In this mockumentary-style video, we flip the script and give you the POV of an Isuzu truck sitting front and center at the booth.

Read More →
Transparent image of the front of a Mack Truck with a darkened windshield.

Mack Trucks Debuts Mack ImpactShield Windshield Technology on All-New Mack Granite

Mack Trucks will now offer the Mack ImpactShield, a windshield made with Corning Fusion5 Glass, as standard equipment on the all-new Mack Granite vocational trucks starting later this year.

Read More →
Composite image showing four different photos of a truck ranging from desert to snow, with an orange stripe across the middle of the image with while logos for International and CV Series.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamApril 29, 2026

International CV Series: Medium-Duty Workhorse to End Production

Although International will end production of its CV Series in September, dealers will continue to support the Class 4-6 work truck, and International sees the MV Series filling the niche needs of fleets that have depended on the CV.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
White off-road utility truck in the desert.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 28, 2026

Acela Truck Company Unveils Monterra II Cab-Over Commercial Truck Chassis

Acela Truck Company is replacing its Monterra with the new Monterra II, which it recently debuted. The new truck will be offered in day cab, extended cab, and crew cab configurations, along with 4x4 and 6x6 drivetrain options.

Read More →
Image of mountains and multiple small images of truck drivers, headline Last Week to Enter and logo for Star National Experience.
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseApril 27, 2026

Final Week to Register for Western Star’s Star Nation Experience

This is the final week to register to be part of the Star Nation Experience, a Western Star event that celebrates professional drivers, their skills, and their expertise. It is an all-expenses-paid event built around competition, camaraderie, and the “Never Back Down” spirit that defines the Western Star community.

Read More →
Chris Wolfe presents Freightliner Custom Chassis MT lineup at Work Truck Week 2026, featuring work-in van designs, mobile tool trucks, and utility workspace applications.
Vehicle Researchby Lauren FletcherApril 23, 2026

Not Your Average Work Truck | Freightliner MT Walkaround

Freightliner MT chassis walkthrough from Work Truck Week 2026, featuring real-world applications, mobile workspaces, and fleet-ready configurations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Man standing and talking with clasped hands in front of a poster for Isuzu truck with logo for Truck Chat and Work Truck and headline Latest Trucks & Upfits.
Sponsoredby Lauren FletcherApril 21, 2026

Tour Isuzu’s Latest Trucks & Upfits

Check out Isuzu Commercial Truck of America’s latest trucks as Brian Tabel, assistant vice president of marketing, gives us the tour and provides an update on new features and special upfits.

Read More →
Man in business attire talking and gesturing in front of a truck, tinted blue background, with yellow headline Reading's New Service Bodies, and logos for Truck Chat and Work Truck.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamApril 20, 2026

Reading Truck Launches New Service Bodies

Let’s take a look at the latest service bodies from Reading Truck, the RHD-46 and the RHD-67. Plus, in this video, you will learn about the new Combo Body.

Read More →
Man talking and gesturing in front of a large Kenworth truck, tinted blue in the background, and yellow headline Kenworth's T880S Performance Hood and logos for Truck Chat and Work Truck.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamApril 20, 2026

Advantages of the Kenworth T880S Performance Hood

Take a look at Kenworth’s T880S Performance Hood and hear its advantages from Alex Reid, Kenworth’s vocational marketing manager. He also provides a short overview of the other members of the T880 lineup.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Person gesturing toward a big truck, tinted blue in background image, with yellow headline Kenworth's T480 and logos for Work Truck and Truck Chat.
Vehicle Researchby Wayne ParhamApril 17, 2026

Walkaround of Kenworth’s T480 Vocational Truck

Work Truck checks out the Kenworth T480, a workhorse of Kenworth’s vocational lineup. This video tour digs into the details of a Class 8 T480 equipped as a water truck.

Read More →