As a garbage can cleaning business owner, you might be weighing the pros and cons of adding a hydraulic trash bin lifter to your cleaning truck. While these lifters add efficiency and capacity, they aren’t always ideal for newer businesses. Here’s a quick look at when they make sense and when they don’t.
Pros
- Added Capacity
Hydraulic trash bin lifters can lift two bins at once, making them a great addition for trucks handling double can systems. This added capacity is ideal for high-volume routes. - Can Put Cans on Taller Rigs
These lifters can place bins on top of taller trucks, a helpful feature if you operate in areas with limited space. - Can Lift Full Cans
Hydraulic lifters can handle full bins—though this feature is often more important for waste collection than for cleaning empty cans.
Cons
- Weight
Hydraulic lifters add considerable weight, reducing fuel efficiency and making the truck harder to handle. For new business owners, this added weight can be a downside. - Cost
They’re costly, and for businesses just starting, it may be better to invest in other essentials until customer volume justifies the added expense. - Extra Maintenance
Hydraulic systems require upkeep. From potential leaks to mechanical issues, they add another layer of maintenance—something newer businesses might want to avoid.
Conclusion
A hydraulic trash bin lifter can be a great asset for high-volume, established franchises with double can systems. But for businesses just starting out, the extra cost, weight, and maintenance make it a less ideal choice. If the hydraulic trash bin lifter is out of your price range, consider looking into our can cleaning trailer option, as shown in the image above.