MEC/Isuzu Hook Lift

I haven’t posted a great deal of hook lift videos on my channel over many years, this will be my best one to date for sure. There is plenty to see online of hook lifts operating around the world, but very little is available of the Aussie units. I’ve wanted to capture decent footage of hookers in recent times to show the system in operation down under, featuring various companies running different cab chassis and hook frame combos. I hope to share further videos of hookers in future to show more from this part of the commercial and industrial sector. This upload almost comes as a sequel to that crazy monster length dinosaur video I threw up a little while ago, giving a look at the modern way of servicing waste compactors.
In May 2023 I ventured out early on a Thursday morning and met a driver in charge of an 8x4 Isuzu FYJ that had a MEC hook loader attached. The featured unit 303 is a 2018 model truck, which was originally branded a SUEZ vehicle, prior to the sellout of the company, now making 303 a Veolia rig. SUEZ’s Sydney C&I depot took delivery of numerous new hook trucks across a few years, gradually phasing out the existing dino operation. With the exception of some different subcontractor cab chassis choices, the company chose Isuzu as standard for the big hook lift fleet, firstly trying out a couple Italev frames, then some MEC frames and has since settled on Palfinger frames.
During this video we watch the collection and return of two cardboard compactors at separate sites. To begin, we see a stationary auger container being collected at Westfield Parramatta just after 2am, followed by its empty delivery, which demonstrates the articulating jib that helps clear low ceilings and overhead obstacles. After detouring to what ended up being a futile job at Quakers Hill, we then drove to Kellyville Village shopping centre to hoist an integrated blade packer into the open air at 5am. After a long wait, the truck finally made it back in daylight, where we see the compactor spun around and dropped in its home rails. I didn’t achieve unloading footage, both were tipped quite a distance away at the Wetherill Park transfer station.
I did my best to shoot action that shows how all this works, I edited out a few slow bits to try and keep the action flowing as well. There were a couple incorrect function sequences to witness, but it’s easy to get confused with the buttons on the control pad in use. I reckon the Isuzu sounds great throttling with the pump engaged, a pleasant smooth noise, definitely gives it some character. I'll also note the reverse sensor which automatically stops the wheels when you get too close to something (or absolutely nothing), you will spot it take effect after 10:20, a bloody evil feature on this truck especially. I actually ended up working this very twin steer myself one Saturday a little while after taking these clips, was sweet to take for a spin and experience it. Anyway cheers to the driver and be sure to watch this in the 720p quality!

[@GarboTracker]

I am glad to see a video of these kinds of trucks! I see them on the road a lot and have wondered how they work. This video was super cool to watch and I am happy to have learnt something new.

[@GunzelingGarbo102]

Such a novelty to see a thorough hook lift video, not enough of this media exists on the web with most RUclips videos featuring side loaders and residential collections. Cool to see a shot of the auger as well, not something that is seen that much either. The Isuzu’s aren’t bad machines they seem comfy and reliable, the wine of the pump is alright as well, won’t beat the Cummins but it still sounds good. Top video mate

[@Bendigo_garbo]

nice one mitch, your right you dont do this much so its awesome when you do

[@MegaDirtyHands]

Only takes a moment to tidy up the rails on stationary packers.