This time of year usually involves discussions about how to do more with less.  This is not a new concept by any stretch and, more often in this economy, it's more accurately about making more and spending less.   A great solution to do this with equipment is with a Hooklift or Rolloff System. But which one is better? - Answer- It depends! The key to both these solutions is versatility.  Having the ability to handle many tasks with the same truck is..

• Efficient, Multi tasking, Productive
• Cost effective: less trucks = less fuel, maintenance, insurance, licensing, etc.
• Green  - Less carbon footprint, fuel consumption, waste,

Several Factors affect this Decision like..

• Application
• Weight
• Safety 

Although both solutions do almost the same thing, there are unique advantages to either based on how it gets used;

DUMPING is done better from a Hooklift. For example a Swaploader can dump from a 58 degree angle leaving less "sticky" material in the box. Roffoffs usually operate with a 45-50 degree dumping angle. Having to continuously dump aggregates over top of the "rails" on a Rolloff can also cause premature wear on the equipment.

TRAILERING is also done better with a Hooklift. Getting the tongue of a trailer to go underneath the rails of a Rolloff can prove very difficult, and in some cases, impossible. A Hooklift is shorter and leaves clear space to access most any trailer.

EQUIPMENT HAULING is another popular application one could do with either, however a Rolloff proves more effective with most equipment for a few reasons. A Rolloff with have a lower deck, allowing for taller equipment to be loaded, has a lower angle of incline keeping the equipment more stable when loading/unloading (also because of the lower centre of gravity).

Other things to consider in this equation are the WEIGHT requirements. Rolloffs in general will have a greater carrying capacity than Hooklifts by design. The combined weight of the system, subframe and body is also typically higher on a Hooklift leaving less payload availability.

Lastly, SAFETY may play a factor in this decision. A Hooklift is considered by some to be "more safe" than a Rolloff for several reasons. A Hooklift driver has no need to exit his truck numerous times to adjust/connect cables. This avoids a potential slip and fall, being struck by traffic on the road/jobsite, as well as dealing with non-working or worn cables.

Hopefully, this bird's eye view of this equipment and unique differences will help some of you, now or down the road.