Choosing the Right Hydraulic Roll-Off Hoist

Published: September 14, 2022 Last Updated: June 2, 2023 How To Series ,

Roll-off trucks are an essential component of any operation involving collecting, hauling, or disposing material from industrial job sites. When choosing which hydraulic roll-off hoist is best for your mobile or industrial project, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Several considerations impact which machinery is best for your job:

  • Container type, size, and weight
  • Lifting capacities of all roll-off hoist parts and accessories
  • State and regional laws
  • Available clearance at your job site
  • Available budget

Types of Roll-Off Hoists

The two most common roll-off hoists in the USA are cable hoists and hook hoists. Several variations of each are available, depending on your available budget and operational needs. Most roll-off hoists utilize double-acting welded rod hydraulic cylinders or double-acting telescopic cylinders to offer maximum control and maneuverability. If you are unsure which hydraulic cylinder is best for your roll-off hoist, our cylinder calculations app can help.

Cable Hoists

Cable hoists use a winch and cable to pull roll-on or roll-off containers onto the truck bed. They are the most common type of roll-off hoist due to their ability to work with overhead clearance restrictions, place containers inside buildings, or move containers from beneath overhead obstructions. Cable hoists typically cost less upfront when compared to hook hoists.

Cable hoists have simple designs and heavy-duty lifting capacities. They require very little overhead clearance, making them an ideal solution for job sites with limited space. The straightforward operations make maintenance quick and easy. Still, cable hoists offer low levels of versatility and can only work with containers featuring built-in rails. They move slowly and can increase risk as operators must leave the truck cab to attach and detach cables.

Hook Hoists

Roll-off hook hoists are a mechanical system that use a hook and an A-frame located on the container. Hook hoists work by articulating the rear of the truck to a certain height. The hook is then used to grab the container while the truck bed is repositioned toward the truck’s cab, loading the container.

Hook hoists offer greater versatility and speed while handling many types of containers. These capabilities help reduce the size of your fleet, lowering overall costs over time. They are well-suited to ground-level loading and unloading and offer accuracy and increased safety while placing containers. However, hook hoists require a large clearance area for regular functions and involve a higher degree of general maintenance.

Your Top Supplier of Hydraulic Cylinder Replacements for Roll-Off Hoists

High-quality hydraulic cylinders are a critical part of any cable or hook hoist. While preventative maintenance and proper operations will prolong the lifespan of your machinery, eventually you will need to replace your hydraulic cylinders with new equipment. Hydraulic Cylinders, Inc. is here to be your full-service partner, providing the roll-off hydraulic cylinder replacements, component parts, and accessories you need to demolish downtime on your job site.

Contact or call us today to learn more about our products, services, and custom capabilities. Request a quote to receive exact pricing information and timeline estimates.

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