Must have a payload platform on the truck in order to haul anything.
Tools will slide back when loading because of the amount of tilt needed to load.
(Better have everything bolted down alright.)
No over the cab lumber or ladder racks allowed.
Hook-lifts are just plane ugly.
Some Hook-lift designs such as the Steller, have a bending arm instead of a sliding one. But the problem with them is they are more likely to smash up the top of the box you are trying to pick up. See Fig. 4 below
Both types, you can't see the hook engage because the arm is in the way.
With a Synchro-link, the operator can line up the hook by veiwing it through the review mirror.mg4.gif
Introducing the HookLiftTrucks.com
This web-site is for those who are interested in finding a quick change payload system for a short wheelbase truck.
If all you need to hail is rubbish, the hook-lift truck may just be the quick change payload system for you, but you should be aware of its limitations before you gear up and then figure out that you've just invested in and obsolete technology.
But the purpose of this web-site is to inform you of the disadvantages of the Hook-lift system because the limitations and faulty design issues are numerous.
HookLifts have a predetermined ark that doesn't allow control of the tilt involved to load and unload what they refer to as platforms.
Tools will slide, paint will spill and everything would land on your toes when you open the tailgate.
I happen to think the differences are substantial.
The only way to get the payload to tilt less with a hooklift is by going to extreme lengths in the payload platform.
Synchro-link requires less tip when loading than a Hooklift
This synchro-link system would load with less tilt if it had round fenders, but I happen to think they are handy for a work bench.
Top drawing show how the boom will hit a lumber rack
or overhead camper.
No Over the cab campers or lumber racks on a Hook-lift
Just try tilting your tool box this much and find out what kind of mess you have.
Check out this video of a Steller style hooklift at 23 seconds into it when the hook slips - damn scarry.
Then at 1:17, if unloaded into a hole or up hill, the folding boom would crush the front of the container and very well slip off.
Then at 1:50 if the guy was tired like I get and didn't line up the rear rollers with the rails, the rollers could slip in between the rails and rip out a few cross members along with the floor.
No over the cab camper or lumber racks can be use on a Hook-lift
HookLiftTrucks can not pick up beds like this one because the ladders would get in the way.
You just can't beat a Synchro-link .
A Synchro-link can save weight by not using a payload platform at all.
Try hauling a bulk of plywood on a naked hook-lift'
Yeah, you would be dreaming.
Bottom Line: Synchro-link just looks
better than a
hook-lift
Kind of funny having a web-site to inform people about how screwed up a hook-lift is,
but somebody has to do it. A Synchro-link is just that much better.
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Dennis James Sattler
