Let’s talk about hook lift trucks

[Merle Nelson]

I'm late in getting back to this thread to post a few thoughts. It's worth looking at different dumpster door configurations and visiting your manufacture options to see what they can and will do. The company I had build these "cans" liked this style of door lock up for strength.

 

[Merle Nelson]

The first picture was back of the larger can. This is side of the smaller can showing how they did strengthening for door area. Both were built heavy to take wood and log loading pretty well. 1/8 floor, 12 inch center on cross members, supposedly heavier uprights at the door end. (They may have dropped that out of the build.)

I would have liked the use of Corten steel for rust preven but they didn't have that option.

Having trouble adding more pictures now. Any steps to get smaller file package to upload?

 

[Merle Nelson]

I thought mounting the D-rings up off the floor about 18 inches would be good for access when I wanted to secure partial log loads. I've liked it but heaviest equipment I secure is 3k+/- Avant.

 

[Merle Nelson]

I had 2x4 pockets installed for optional side extenders. Use this for chips till I have a dedicated aluminum chipbox built.

 

[Merle Nelson]

Bigger trucks may not have a space issue for the hyd tank and controls but on this 5500 I wanted it up out of the way so I could put two 18in by 4 foot tool boxes on the sides. "In The Ditch" toolboxes are rated for 250lbs on the doors when open.

 

[Merle Nelson]

In The Ditch makes "lumber racks" to mount behind their toolboxes but they are not full depth. I had a boat building shop weld up full depth trays/boxes to utilize that area for storage.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

The pto and dump valve controls on the first chip truck were made from used half inch water pipe, 1.5” C channel and 1/4” pivot bolts. I wish I had pics

 

[oceans]

I like hooklifts for tree work, but my biggest complaint about them is the lack of good tool box space. It is far harder to have a good rope box and L or I boxes. Your almost limited to underbody boxes. Another issue I've found is just the overall increased deck height (but this is probably worse due to mine being a crane frame).

But having a container for wood and stump grindings (that can be dropped onsite) is almost priceless. Add that the ability to change bodies as needed is extremely helpful. I can see a huge advantage if running multiple crews with limited hauling equipment...drop a container for them to fill, while you have the truck and another container on a differnt job site.

After having this setup, it had kinda discouraged me from doing a chip truck with a hooklift...as a sole truck. I think I would always want a hooklift in the fleet...just not as my only truck.

View attachment 97615View attachment 97616View attachment 97617

I’ve always loved your truck. What is the wheelbase c of front axle to c of rear axles?

 

[climbhightree]

I’ve always loved your truck. What is the wheelbase c of front axle to c of rear axles?

Here is the original build schematic from Crane Specialist who built the truck

 

[oceans]

Here is the original build schematic from Crane Specialist who built the truckView attachment 97627

How have you felt about maneuvering around neighborhoods and properties with that 260” + ?

 

[climbhightree]

How have you felt about maneuvering around neighborhoods and properties with that 260” + ?

The whole truck is just under 34', so for a crane I can't complain. The turning radius sucks. My old frieghtline kboom was a longer truck and turned better than my current western star truck. I can almost alway make it work, just takes some wiggling.

 

[Treetopflyer]

@Merle Nelson
Thanks for adding the pics and more info !
Love the little extra storage behind the boxes, great idea

 

[oceans]

I do believe Ampliroll offers a setup to put up to a 35tm knuckleboom on a skid that the hooklift can load/unlod same as any other skid. I sure would like to know more about that, including what all is required to hold the body to the truck once it’s hoisted up.

Part of me wants to build a truck like @climbhightree but just keep telling myself not to go that big. Honestly, a wallboard truck with sides on the body would be sweet…I would never need to chip on site again, but a truck that long towing a trailer doesn’t really excite me.

 

[Treetopflyer]

I do believe Ampliroll offers a setup to put up to a 35tm knuckleboom on a skid that the hooklift can load/unlod same as any other skid. I sure would like to know more about that, including what all is required to hold the body to the truck once it’s hoisted up.

Part of me wants to build a truck like @climbhightree but just keep telling myself not to go that big. Honestly, a wallboard truck with sides on the body would be sweet…I would never need to chip on site again, but a truck that long towing a trailer doesn’t really excite me.

I’m gonna check Ampliroll out!

 

[Luzl78]

I’m gonna check Ampliroll out!

T. Sanchez ltd. In ledgewood, nj is ampliroll dealer

 

[Treetopflyer]

T. Sanchez ltd. In ledgewood, nj is ampliroll dealer

Thank you Luzl!

 

[Analog]

After watching my buddies hook lift in action I truly regret not going that route when I had my chip truck built. He has a flatbed equipment hauler, debris boxes, log bunks, water truck tank with all the sprayers and hoses, maybe others I don’t recall and can pull a trailer behind any of them.

This sounds like a rad setup! What truck is he using?

 

[Analog]

In The Ditch makes "lumber racks" to mount behind their toolboxes but they are not full depth. I had a boat building shop weld up full depth trays/boxes to utilize that area for storage.
View attachment 97624

Today I learned about In The Ditch toolboxes! Thanks, Merle! These look so nice. I'm tired of the crappy Buyers brand on my truck. These will go on my next truck for sure.

 

[Lumberjack]

Today I learned about In The Ditch toolboxes! Thanks, Merle! These look so nice. I'm tired of the crappy Buyers brand on my truck. These will go on my next truck for sure.

Which toolboxes do you have? I have their barn door Pro Series smooth aluminum boxes and have zero complaints. 24"x24" boxes, 4x4' and one 3' between the two trucks. Going to add another to the grapple truck and one on the lift at some point, potentially soon.

 

[Analog]

Which toolboxes do you have? I have their barn door Pro Series smooth aluminum boxes and have zero complaints. 24"x24" boxes, 4x4' and one 3' between the two trucks. Going to add another to the grapple truck and one on the lift at some point, potentially soon.

I have Buyer's Products, I think they're called. Seem like a really cheap option. If I can't afford the In The Ditch next time, Highway Products seem nice and Pro Tech are decent