Hook-Lift Done Right: How Demand Plumbing & Civil Runs a Trench Job

I recently spent time on site with Demand Plumbing & Civil at Cassilis, in the Upper Hunter, and came away with a clear picture of how a hook-lift truck can run an entire trench job. Having run a hook-lift myself, I know how much the right setup matters, and this one is worth sharing.

The setup

• Two Cat excavators: a 308 (8t) and a 315 (15t).
• One hook-lift truck working two bins of roughly 15 m³ each.
• A flat-top beavertail tray with container pins and a winch, so it can winch and carry their own machines between jobs.
• A shipping container on a hook-lift frame, which can be pulled on and off the truck.
• Optional modules, including a water tank and a vac body for non-destructive excavation.
• A support ute carrying tools, equipment and fuel.

How a day runs

A load of sand goes in first thing in the morning, with roadbase to finish off. A second bin takes the spoil from the trench away to a licensed tip. The last bin of the day is held back to help with the backfill. One truck, one crew, and no wasted trips.

Why it works

• Fewer trips, less downtime. The bin does the carting, so the excavators keep working.
• One truck, many jobs. Swapping bodies replaces several single-purpose trucks.
• A tidy footprint. Less plant on site keeps access clear for the other trades.
• Support on site. Tools and fuel travel with the crew, so there are no mid-job runs for supplies.

The mindset

The owner has put real time and effort into building this business, and it shows in how the gear is chosen, set up and presented. He believes hook-lift trucks will only become more popular, and I agree. The flexibility is hard to beat.

Well done to Demand Plumbing & Civil for setting a standard worth noting.