Both Switch-n-Go and Hooklift are two very popular hoist systems on the market. Though their functions look similar, some major differences include truck compatibility, hoist capacity, control, and versatility.
When it comes to the hoist system, potential truck owners seem very confused due to the plethora of options on the market. So today, I have decided to compare Switch-N-Go and Hooklift and help you determine the best option according to your needs.
So, without further ado, let’s begin.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specifications | Switch-N-Go | Hooklift |
| Durability | Standard durability | More durable |
| Hoist and winch capacity | Winch: 18,000 lbs. Hoist: 26,000 lbs. | Ranges from 8,000 to 68,000 lb. |
| Versatility | More versatile | Lacks versatility |
| Control | Easy to control | Complicated |
| Truck compatibility | Wide range of trucks | Incompatible with different trucks |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
Key Differences Between Switch-N-Go And Hooklift
- Durability
A hoist system means a significant investment into your business. It’s essential to consider the system’s durability to ensure your investment lasts long enough.
In this department, a switch-n-go detachable system is made of steel.
On the other hand, hooklift systems can differ in terms of material and manufacturer.
However, given their hoisting ability, it’s safe to assume that hooklifts are better in terms of durability and long-lasting performance.
- Hoist And Winch Capacity
Now comes one of the most important factors. We are dealing with hoisting systems here, so how much weight these systems can hoist will greatly impact the purchase decision.
A switch-and-go system has a winch capacity of up to 18,000 lbs. and a hoist capacity of 26,000 lbs.
Though it’s limited, you should get most of your jobs within this limit. But for a Hooklift system, hoisting and winching capacity is unlimited, as you can look through manufacturers and choose your desired capacity.
Usually, the general range of a hooklift’s hoist capacity is between 8,000 to 68,000 lb.
- Versatility
Switch-n-go brings this talk of versatility in the comparison, so it’s not hard to assume who wins in this department. It’s an interchangeable truck body, so you can interchange those and get dozens of jobs done by getting one Switch-N-Go system.
On the other hand, hookllifts are interchangeable and are somewhat permanently attached to the truck body. So, you cannot browse through different jobs just by one truck and Hooklift system on top of it.
- Control
Convenient control is essential to make the best use of your hoist system. Various manufacturers have different hooklift systems, so it’s hard to determine what kind of control system or device you will get.
However, the Switch-n-go hoist system provides a single-hand control pendant, which is very easy to understand and use. On the other hand, hook lifts don’t have such universal control devices, which might make them hard to understand.
- Truck compatibility
If you are familiar with the Switch-no-go system before, you should know that the truck compatibility is this hoist system’s biggest strength and selling point.
Whether you get the hydraulic or electric system, you can use nearly 30 different truck bodies with one system.
This broad compatibility with trucks that do different jobs opens endless opportunities for you with just one system.
All you have to do is get one truck, and you can build your whole fleet around it by interchanging the bodies.
On the other hand, hooklifts don’t work like that as they’re attached to the one truck it’s installed on and not interchangeable.
- Cost
As I said earlier, a hoist system is a massive investment so the cost will affect your purchase decision. If well at both systems’ cost, Hooklift seems to have the lead with a lower starting price of $26000 with a truck.
On the other hand, Switch-n-go might cost way more than upfits, but considering it allows you to be interchangeable, just one truck makes it a great value compared to Hooklift.
Which Hoist System Is Better For You?
After the discussion, it’s pretty clear that both Switch-N-Go and Hooklift have their benefits and drawbacks. Regarding durability, Hooklift has a clear lead, and if you plan to do only one job, you should get a Hooklift as it gives you a lot of hoisting capacity.
But if you plan to build a whole business around your hoisting system with minimum investment and one truck, Switch-n-go is the way to go. Here is an operational video for you.
Also Read: Is Challenger CL10V3 Car Lift Worth It?
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
The price of a Switch-n-go system depends on a lot of factors. There are different types of hoists with Switch-n-go, which differ in price. Next, you need to consider the upfit to use with the system. From the Switch-go website, you can expect a price of around the ballpark of $150000 with an electric hoist and five different bodies.
There are different ways to look at the weight of a Switch-N-Go system. The weight will vary massively depending on whether you are just calculating the detachable body or calculating with the upfit attached. Just the detachable Switch-n-go body system weighs around 1400 lbs.
Using a Switch-n-go system is pretty straightforward. It’s a bolt-in system, so attaching or detaching the upfits is easy. As for lowering the container or truck body, single-handed pendant control allows you to use the switch-N-Go system efficiently.
A Hooklift truck costs around $25000 to $6000 depending on the truck and Hooklift specification. Though Hooklift is a downgrade compared to Switch-n-go’s versatility, the lower price gives it an edge in making a purchase decision.
Final Thought
That’s a wrap for today. I hope my Switch-N-Go and Hooklift comparison was helpful enough to figure out the best hoist system for your trucks and businesses. As you can see, hooklifts are the traditional way to go, as it does the primary job of efficiently rolling containers or truck bodies on and off.
However, Switch-n-Go can feel like a breath of fresh air since it offers advanced features. Now that you know the differences figure out what you and your business are looking for, and then make a purchase accordingly.
