Trying to decide on the best hydraulic dovetail truck?
There’s a reason that Rollback Trucks and HydraTail (or hydraulic tail) Trucks are so popular—these versatile trucks are helpful for loading and hauling a wide variety of equipment. There are a few factors to consider when looking for the best hydraulic dovetail truck.
First, what are your specific needs? Do you need a certain level of clearance or a particular level of bed support? How much flexibility do you need? Make a list of all of your must-haves to go over with your manufacturer before purchasing.
Rollback Trucks and HydraTail Trucks share several similarities. Both are perfect for hauling multiple pieces of equipment. They both have a hearty winch and offer a stable, flat surface for your load. Depending on the job you’re doing, both options may get the job done for you. But several differences may influence your decision.
Height
The standard HydraTail bed is about 5.5 inches shorter than the average Rollback bed. If you have a high clearance issue, a HydraTail will give you more room for a taller load. 5.5 inches may not seem like a big deal, but construction companies and equipment rental companies often need a truck that’s flexible enough to haul large equipment without exceeding bridge clearance limits.
Operation
As the name suggests, a HydraTail Truck has a folding tail that allows you to drive moveable equipment onto the truck bed easily. You can use the winch for help for a more effortless experience. On a Rollback bed, however, the entire bed moves, which offers an exceptional load angle. The Rollback allows you to guide equipment into position with the winch. Both offer a 20,000 planetary winch with full wireless remotes on all functions.
Footprint
It’s not just what you’re loading or unloading that matters—it’s also where you’ll be doing it. Rollback beds are named that way because they roll back when the bed lowers, so you need a little more space behind the truck for loading and unloading. The HydraTail lifts rather than rolling back, meaning it takes up much less space on the ground. If you’re working in a tight area like a high-traffic urban street, the compact footprint of the HydraTail might be to your liking.
If you aren’t sure which one is the best hydraulic dovetail truck for you, contact our sales team. We can learn more about your needs and help you choose the right truck for the job.