Light-Duty Hooklift Trucks

This range is commonly used for smaller hooklift trucks designed for lighter hauling tasks.

Typical uses include:

• Junk removal businesses
• Landscaping debris hauling
• Smaller construction projects
• Property maintenance operations

Common container sizes used with this range include:

• 10 yard hooklift dumpsters
• 12 yard dumpsters
• 15 yard dumpsters

Advantages of this range include:

• Easier maneuverability in tight areas
• Lower fuel consumption
• Lower operating costs

Many trucks under 26,000 lbs GVW can be operated without a CDL, which makes them attractive for smaller companies or owner-operators.

Medium-Duty Hooklift Trucks

Medium-duty trucks offer a balance between lifting capacity and maneuverability.

These trucks are commonly used for:

• Construction debris hauling
• Municipal waste operations
• Contractor hauling services

Typical container sizes include:

• 15 yard dumpsters
• 20 yard dumpsters

Benefits of this weight class include:

• Higher payload capacity
• Greater versatility for different jobs
• Ability to handle heavier materials

Most trucks in this range require a Class B CDL to operate.

Large Hooklift Trucks

This range is designed for heavier hauling applications where larger containers and heavier loads are common.

Typical uses include:

• Large construction projects
• Industrial debris hauling
• Waste management operations

Common container sizes include:

• 20 yard dumpsters
• 30 yard dumpsters

Advantages include:

• Higher payload capacity
• Stronger truck frames and suspension
• Ability to handle heavy debris such as concrete or metal

These trucks typically require a CDL license depending on the configuration.

Maximum Capacity Hooklift Trucks

The largest hooklift trucks are designed for extremely heavy loads and large containers.

Typical applications include:

• Major infrastructure projects
• Industrial hauling operations
• Large waste management fleets

Common container sizes include:

• 30 yard dumpsters
• 40 yard dumpsters

These trucks are built for maximum lifting capacity and are typically operated by experienced CDL drivers.

When choosing a hooklift truck, it’s also important to consider the weight of the dumpster itself.

Typical empty container weights include:

• 10 yard dumpster: ~1,500 – 2,000 lbs
• 15 yard dumpster: ~2,000 – 2,500 lbs
• 20 yard dumpster: ~3,000 – 3,500 lbs
• 30 yard dumpster: ~4,000 – 4,500 lbs
• 40 yard dumpster: ~5,000 – 6,000 lbs

The total weight of the truck + hooklift system + dumpster + debris must remain within the truck’s GVW rating.

Staying within this limit ensures safe operation and compliance with transportation regulations.

The right GVW range depends on several factors:

Material weight
Heavy materials like concrete require larger trucks.

Dumpster size
Larger containers require higher GVW trucks.

Licensing requirements
Some weight classes require CDL operators.

Jobsite conditions
Smaller trucks may be easier to maneuver in tight areas.

Choosing the right truck ensures your equipment matches the type of work your business performs.