A hook lift is a truck that features a hydraulic hoist system on the back. It provides an easier way to haul and dump items from containers like skip bins. It’s also quite flexible in that it can haul many containers by making use of a trailer. In some cases, it can pick up bins in tight spaces without the need for cables that can potentially break.
You’ll need a hook lift if you’re working on a construction, waste management, or recycling. However, buying a truck can be expensive and impractical if the volume you need to haul doesn’t justify the purchase. Fortunately, there are many Newcastle skip rental companies that also offer hook lift services.
Before you consider booking one, below are some of the best questions to ask when choosing hook lifts:
1. What type of work conditions do you encounter every day?
Evaluate your day-to-day operations with regard to what you want to accomplish with the hook lift. If the work is routine or repetitive, then you won’t need a hook lift with more power. For a variety of uses, however, getting a hook lift with the right features will impact the outcome of the job.
2. What’s the scope of the job that will need the hook lift?
Define the style of hook lift you’re looking for according to the specific scope of the job. This way it will be easier to identify the size, power, and features of the hook lift that will give the most benefits.
Some jobs might require many changes in your daily operation, while other jobs could largely involve a lot of tipping and lowering. For example, if you’ll use the hook lift for pouring materials like soil and gravel frequently, then you’ll need one with a high-speed feature to perform this repetitive task efficiently.
3. What demountable bodies do you have to haul?
Determine the type of truck bodies you’ll be working with. In waste removal, for instance, will you have a container, a skip bin, or a tanker? The height and weight of these demountable bodies will affect the performance of the hook lift since it must be fitted with the right type and length of the hoist. Naturally, the more height or weight it bears, the more a powerful and bigger the hook lift can carry per payload trip.
4. Do you need sliding or a tilting hook lift movement?
Hook lifts have the capacity to slide, tilt, or do a combination of both. If you’re working in low-headroom areas, then you should choose one that can be the most versatile. There are also different control systems for this machine. Some hook lifts are fitted with smart technology that might cost more than traditional pneumatic mechanisms. What works for you will depend on the job scope, your budget, and whether you’re comfortable handling the mechanisms of the hook lift.
5. How much fuel does the hook lift consume?
Powerful and full-featured hook lifts burn a lot of fuel that adds to your operating cost. Consequently, you’ll also have to consider the emission and environmental cost each time the hook lifts are used. If these factors are important to your business, it will greatly influence your decision on what hook lift you’ll need for the job.
6. Are there safety elements included in the hook lift?
Does the hook lift have safety locks, latches, or stabilisers? Is there are a functional alert system in place? Safety in using hook lifts must never be disregarded and this should be a critical aspect in making your choice. Similarly, you also have to ascertain that if the hook lift must undergo regular services and inspections. This is also important because you don’t want your jobs to be stalled by downtime when the hook lift has problems with its operation.
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These questions will help you plan the job you’ll need to complete to the last detail, as well as properly set a budget. If you need help on acquiring a hook lift in the Newcastle area, contact Skip The Tip to discuss what you’re looking for.
