When it comes to handling heavy loads, both skip loaders and hook lifts raise their hand as top contenders. There are, however, some key differences between them that you should consider before making an investment.
From functionality to capacity and design, this article explores how they both suit various applications, to help you determine which best suits the needs of your business.
What is a Skip Loader?
A skip loader is a vehicle used for loading, unloading, transporting and tipping skip bins. It utilises hydraulic arms to securely grab and deposit skips. Skip loaders are often used in industrial or commercial settings, including in the construction and waste management industries.
Available in different sizes to meet different capacities and power needs, skip loaders can also be equipped with advanced tarping systems and advanced features like regeneration valves for increased efficiencies.
What is a Hook Lift?
A hook lift is a hydraulic lifting system that’s mounted on a truck chassis, designed for transporting, loading and unloading various containers including, but not limited to, skip bins.
Unlike a skip loader which has two arms which pick up the bin, a hook lift employs a single arm during operation.
Hook lifts provide greater versatility, capable of handling everything from a skip bin to containers and flat bed trays for machinery. They’re used in a wide range of industries, from waste management and demolition to mining and agriculture.
We’ve explored their versatility more in the article Will a Hook Lift Truck Benefit Your Business?
Precision With Skip Loaders Vs Versatility With Hook Lifts
As mentioned above, skip loaders utilise arms that extend up and over the skip, employing a telescopic hydraulic system for horizontal use. The driver operates the controls from beside the vehicle or via the radio remote, and manual attachment of the skip bin requires locking hooks and chains.
In contrast, hook lifts feature a single hydraulic hook arm mechanism controlled from the cab of the truck, allowing for efficient loading and unloading without the need for the driver to leave the vehicle.
As hook lifts can be used for the transportation and placement of many different types of containers and goods, they offer greater versatility over skip loaders as this can help reduce fleet size for many businesses.
In terms of cost, skip loaders are generally a cheaper investment as they are primarily used with skip bins, whereas the versatility of a hook lift means they come at a higher cost.
Pros and Cons of Each System
Hook Lifts
Pros:
- Suitable for various industries with heavy-duty transport needs.
- Large lifting capacity and ability to transport a wide variety of containers and cargo, from hook bins to machinery.
- Offers speed and efficiency for loading and unloading.
Cons:
- Not ideal in tight urban areas due to their size, making navigation challenging.
Skip Loaders
Pros:
- Convenient solution for waste disposal, recycling and construction companies as they can handle various building materials from rubbish to soil.
- Waste materials and debris can be covered with a tarping system to keep loads in place.
- Better suited to urban locations than hook lifts with the ability to handle different skip bin sizes.
- More affordable.
Cons:
- Primarily designed for skip bins, which may restrict their use in diverse applications.
Hook Lift or Skip Loader — Which System is Right for You?
If your business primarily handles skip bins or items that are suitable for transporting using a bin, a skip loader is the ideal solution. They offer precise placement and fast delivery of any heavy goods you need to move. However, if you’re seeking versatility, a hook lift is the way to go.
Whatever you choose, it’s essential to keep on top of the maintenance requirements of your trucks and machinery to ensure your investment remains safe and operable. At West-Trans Equipment, we manufacture our hook lifts and skip loaders right here in Australia, meaning our spare parts are readily accessible.
We can take care of all your servicing needs at our many service and sales offices in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland.
Buy Your Equipment From the Original Australian Maker
Whether you require the efficiency and easy handling of a skip loader or the versatility and functionality of a hook lift, West-Trans Equipment has a solution that can help your business handle any project. As Australia’s leading manufacturer of specialist skip loaders and hook lifts, we’ve spent years refining the design of our equipment to optimise it for the Australian market.
West-Trans Equipment doesn’t just create Australian jobs, we support yours with innovative and durable equipment that’s built to handle Australia’s rugged conditions. To learn more, call us today on 1300 268 324.