What is a hooklift truck?
What a Hooklift Does
A hooklift truck is a versatile hauling system that allows a single truck to load, transport, and unload multiple containers using a hydraulic hook and rail system. Instead of being dedicated to one body, the truck can quickly swap containers—dump boxes, flatbeds, tanks, or specialty containers—depending on the job. This flexibility makes hooklift trucks a powerful solution for operations that need to handle different materials or tasks without running multiple dedicated trucks.
Who Uses Hooklift Trucks
Hooklift trucks are commonly used by waste companies, construction contractors, municipalities, landscapers, rental fleets, and industrial operations. Any business that needs to move containers efficiently, reduce fleet size, or adapt equipment to different jobs can benefit from a hooklift. They are especially popular with fleets that value versatility, quick changeovers, and the ability to keep trucks working even when containers are staged or loaded separately
Why Proper Spec Matters
Correctly spec’ing a hooklift truck is critical to safety, performance, and long-term durability. Container length determines rail size and hoist placement. Hook height must match the containers being used, or loading becomes inefficient—or unsafe. Axle ratings, wheelbase, and frame strength must support real-world payloads, not just theoretical numbers on paper. When these details are overlooked, the result is poor load distribution, reduced payload, accelerated wear, and premature failures. A properly spec’d hooklift truck works smoother, lasts longer, and protects both the operator and the investment.
How Smith Truck Body Builds Hooklift Trucks Differently
At Smith Truck Body, we don’t treat hooklift installs as a bolt-on job—we treat them as a structural system that has to survive years of real work. Every hooklift truck we build is spec’d, installed, and finished with long-term durability, serviceability, and safety in mind. That means doing the extra steps many shops skip because they take more time.
We start with proper frame preparation and drilling practices. Critical mounting points are drilled clean and protected, not torched or rushed. Bolt holes are painted and sealed to prevent corrosion, and all fasteners are torqued to spec and torque-marked so movement can be identified during inspections. These details matter when a truck is loading heavy containers day after day.
Hydraulic and air systems are routed with protection and service access in mind. Hoses are supported, shielded, and kept away from heat and abrasion points instead of being left loose or rubbing on sharp edges. Electrical systems are built using proper terminations and weather-resistant connections—no shortcuts that lead to intermittent failures down the road.
Every hooklift install is finished with a full quality-control check before delivery. We verify hoist operation under load, confirm container engagement and hook height alignment, inspect all mounting points, and ensure the truck is clean, safe, and ready to work. Our goal is simple: when a hooklift truck leaves our shop, it’s a truck we’re willing to put our name on—whether it’s working across the country or right here in our own backyard.
These extra steps take more time—but they’re the reason our hooklift trucks last longer, operate smoother, and cost less to own over time.
Our Partners
Common Hooklift configurations- Single Axle
Under CDL 19,500 GVW
Under CDL 22,000 GVW & 23,000 GVW
Under CDL 22,000 GVW & 23,000 GVW
19,500 GVW Under-CDL Hooklift Trucks
19,500 GVW hooklift trucks are built for operators who want real performance without needing a CDL. These under-CDL hooklift trucks are compact, easy to maneuver, and tough enough for daily work in waste, construction, rentals, municipal fleets, and property maintenance.
We commonly build these trucks on proven platforms like Isuzu NRR, Ford F-550, Chevy 5500, and Ram 5500.
Why Choose a 19,500 GVW Hooklift?
- No CDL required for easier hiring and training
- Ideal for tight jobsites and urban routes
- Lower fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs
- Handles 10–14’ containers, rentals, and debris
Built to Work Every Day
Every truck is engineered for reliability and uptime:
- Protected hydraulic and electrical systems
- Reinforced bumpers and rear structures
- Proper hook height and container geometry
- Options for tarps, toolboxes, and air systems
A Smart Choice for Growing Fleets
Whether you’re buying your first hooklift or expanding your fleet, a 19,500 GVW under-CDL hooklift gives you flexibility, durability, and long-term value
Under CDL 22,000 GVW & 23,000 GVW
Under CDL 22,000 GVW & 23,000 GVW
Under CDL 22,000 GVW & 23,000 GVW
22,000–23,000 GVW hooklift trucks are built for operators who need more muscle than a 19,500 GVW setup—but still want a truck that’s still under CDL, nimble, efficient, and easy to live with day-to-day. Platforms like the Ford F-600 and Chevy 6500 hit that middle ground perfectly, offering increased payload and durability without jumping all the way into full-size Class 6/7 territory.
At Smith Truck Body, these trucks are great to build because they work in the real world. They’re big enough to handle heavier cans and tougher routes, yet compact enough for tight jobsites, transfer stations, municipalities, and growing fleets that don’t want oversized iron.
Why 22K–23K GVW Is the Sweet Spot
- More Payload Than Smaller Under-CDL – Carry heavier containers with confidence
- Still Maneuverable – Easier in tight yards, alleys, and urban environments
- Driver-Friendly – Less intimidating than full-size trucks, quicker to train on
- Lower Ownership Costs – Compared to Class 7 trucks, these are easier on fuel, tires, and maintenance
Ideal for Real-World Applications
22K–23K GVW hooklifts are a go-to solution for:
- Waste & recycling operators
- Rental and roll-off container businesses
- Municipal and DPW fleets
- Contractors who need flexibility without overkill
Under CDL 25,999 gvw
Under CDL 25,999 gvw
Under CDL 25,999 gvw
25,999 GVW hooklift trucks are built for operators who want maximum capability without requiring a commercial driver’s license. With platforms like the Freightliner M2, Kenworth T280, and Isuzu FTR, these trucks give you real payload and performance while staying in the under-CDL category.
At Smith Truck Body, these aren’t “half-way” solutions — they’re serious working trucks engineered for tough routes, heavy containers, and fleets that need dependability, uptime, and low operating cost. We build them with the same discipline and attention to detail that goes into our heavier Class 7 and 8 units.
Why 25,999 GVW Matters
- Under CDL Advantage – Broader driver pool with faster hiring and training
- Maximum Payload Without CDL – Bigger boxes, more debris, bulkier loads
- Durable Chassis Options – Proven platforms from Freightliner, Kenworth, and Isuzu
- Jobsite Ready – Better balance of size, strength, and maneuverability
Real Applications, Real Toughness
25,999 GVW hooklift trucks are ideal for:
- Waste & recycling fleets wanting big payloads, under CDL
- Rental centers that want flexibility without CDL hurdles
- Commercial haulers with heavier container needs
- Municipal/public works departments seeking efficiency with ease of operation
You’re not just buying a “big truck that doesn’t need a CDL.” You’re getting a purpose-built piece of equipment that earns its keep every day.
CDL 33,000 gvw
Under CDL 25,999 gvw
Under CDL 25,999 gvw
When you need serious capability without jumping all the way into heavy Class 8 territory, our 33,000 GVW hooklift trucks deliver the strength, payload, and durability that demanding fleets require. Built on rugged, medium-duty platforms like the Freightliner M2, Kenworth T380, and Isuzu FVR, these trucks are engineered to handle heavier containers, tougher schedules, and longer routes—while still staying efficient, driver-friendly, and cost-conscious.
Why 33,000 GVW Is a Smart Choice
- Room for Bigger Loads – Heavier payload capacity for big containers and volume runs
- Balanced Maneuverability – Great for urban jobsites, local hauling, and regional routes
- Proven Chassis Platforms – Freightliner, Kenworth, and Isuzu reliability under load
- Workday Comfort – Medium-duty ergonomics and drivability for driver satisfaction
Ideal for Heavy Daily Work
33,000 GVW hooklift trucks are a go-to choice for:
- High-volume waste & recycling fleets
- Rental and roll-off services with heavy container pulls
- Municipal/public works departments with mixed workloads
- Commercial haulers needing heavier payloads without Class 8 complexity
Common Hooklift configurations- Multi Axle
Tandem Axle "Baby 8"
When you need the strength and durability of a Class 8 hooklift truck but in a more compact, easier-to-manage package, our light tandem axle Class 8 — commonly called a “Baby 8” — is the answer. Built on platforms like the Kenworth T480, Freightliner 108SD, and Western Star 47X, these trucks combine rugged capability with nimble handling, making them perfect for demanding fleets that don’t want a full-size, heavy tandem.
Why Choose a Light Tandem Axle Class 8
- Class 8 Capability – Heavy frames, powerful engines, and strong drivetrains for serious work
- Compact Footprint – Easier in yards, on jobsites, and in urban environments than larger tandems
- Balanced Performance – Better ride, steering, and weight distribution for daily routes
- Driver-Friendly – More confidence-inspiring than full-size heavy haul trucks
Perfect for Real-World Demands
Light tandem axle Class 8 hooklift trucks are ideal for:
- Waste & recycling fleets hauling heavier cans and debris
- Rental operations pulling larger boxes with frequent turns
- Municipal/public works departments with mixed duty cycles
- Contractors needing strength without full-size tandem bulk
If you want a Class 8 hooklift truck that feels right at home on busy routes, tight yards, and tough jobs—with power and durability where you need it—that’s exactly what our “Baby 8” builds deliver.
Tandem Axle Heavy
When your operation demands maximum strength, durability, and uptime, our Class 8 tandem axle hooklift trucks are built to answer the call. Platforms like the Kenworth T880, Western Star 47X, Freightliner 114SD, and International HX give you the heavy-duty chassis, robust components, and rugged drivability needed for the toughest jobs in waste hauling, recycling, rentals, municipal fleets, and commercial hauling.
At Smith Truck Body, our Class 8 tandem axle hooklift trucks are engineered from the ground up to be reliable workhorses — not just showroom pieces. These are trucks built for real work, with strength in the places that matter and serviceability that keeps you rolling.
Why a Class 8 Tandem Hooklift Truck?
- Heavy Payloads & Big Containers – Handle larger, heavier hooklift bodies with ease
- Rugged Chassis Platforms – Proven backbone from Kenworth, Western Star, Freightliner, and International
- Tough Daily Duty – Designed for long routes, frequent stops, and heavy loading cycles
- Driver Confidence – Stable ride quality and predictable handling under load
These trucks are built not to simply carry weight, but to earn their keep day after day.
Ideal for Heavy Demand Fleets
Class 8 tandem axle hooklift trucks excel in:
- Waste & recycling operations hauling large commercial cans
- Rental fleets with frequent box swaps and heavy usage
- Municipal/public works fleets with varied workloads
- Contractors needing high capacity with rugged reliability
Whether you’re running long routes, tough terrains, or high-volume schedules, our Class 8 tandem axle hooklift trucks give you the performance and durability to get the job done — reliably, every time.
Tri Axle
Quad Axle
Quad Axle
When your operation demands maximum hauling capacity, stability, and durability, our tri-axle hooklift trucks are engineered to deliver. Built on rugged heavy-duty platforms like the Kenworth T880, Western Star 49X, Freightliner 114SD, and International HX, these trucks are designed to handle the biggest jobs, the heaviest containers, and the most demanding routes.
Why Choose a Tri-Axle Hooklift?
- Maximum Payload & Capacity – Haul the largest hooklift containers with confidence
- Enhanced Stability – Three axles give you balanced weight distribution under load
- Built for Heavy Duty Work – Tough routes, frequent box swaps, and rugged sites
- Long Haul & Local Versatility – Equally capable on long regional runs or busy local routes
From tough commercial waste hauls to rental fleets handling frequent turns, tri-axle hooklifts take on the hardest tasks — and keep going.
Ideal for High-Demand Fleets
Tri-axle hooklift trucks are perfect for:
- High-volume waste & recycling fleets
- Rental operations with heavy, large-volume containers
- Municipal/public works requiring maximum capacity
- Commercial haulers needing heavy payloads and rugged reliability
If your fleet requires the highest payload capacity, structural strength, and uptime, our tri-axle hooklift builds are engineered to meet and exceed those demands.
Quad Axle
Quad Axle
Quad Axle
When your operation demands ultimate payload capacity, maximum stability, and heavy-duty performance, our quad-axle hooklift trucks are engineered to handle the toughest loads and longest days on the job. Built on rugged heavy-duty platforms such as the Kenworth T880, Western Star 49X, Freightliner 114SD, and International HX, these trucks are designed for fleets that need the highest combinations of strength, compliance, and uptime.
Why a Quad-Axle Hooklift Truck?
- Maximum Legal Payloads – Carry large hooklift bodies and heavy materials legally and efficiently
- Superior Weight Distribution – Four axles mean better balance, stability, and less wear on individual components
- Built for Heavy Demands – Frequent full loads, long routes, and challenging work environments
- Compliance Confidence – Better weight spread for bridge laws and route restrictions
Ideal for High-Capacity Fleets
Quad-axle hooklift trucks are perfect for:
- High-volume waste & recycling operations
- Large rental fleets handling heavy debris bodies
- Industrial accounts and infrastructure demolition work
- Municipal/public works needing maximum payload and stability
- Commercial haulers with large capacity needs
If your fleet requires top-tier payload capability, unmatched stability, and heavy-duty reliability, our quad-axle hooklift trucks are engineered to deliver — mile after mile, load after load.
Work Ready Trucks!
We have partnered with commercial truck dealers to provide Work Ready Trucks! Check out our selection of Work Ready Trucks!