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News
MetaFlex hook lift trailer – unique geometry delivers up to twice as fast tipping at the tractor's normal operating pressure
The telescopic tipping and hook lift system on Metsjö's MetaFlex hook lift trailer uses two hydraulic cylinders working together in a unique geometry. The result is a tractor hook lift trailer that tips up to twice as fast as conventional, truck-based systems – at lower hydraulic pressure, with less oil volume, smart electronics and higher legal payload.
Two cylinders, one integrated system
Most hook lift trailers on the market are built on technology originally developed for trucks – designs that require extremely high hydraulic pressures (up to 300 bar) and large oil volumes to handle the heavy initial force needed when moving a container.
MetaFlex is designed from the ground up for the tractor's hydraulics and working methods. The core of the telescopic hook lift system is two telescopic hydraulic cylinders – a dedicated hook cylinder and a dedicated tipping cylinder – working together in a unique Metsjö geometry. By dividing the tasks, each cylinder always operates where it is most efficient:
- The tipping cylinder is optimised for tipping and container-off (pushing off) with maximum speed and precision.
- The hook cylinder is specifically dimensioned for container-on (pulling on) of heavy containers.
This eliminates the geometric dead zones that occur in traditional hook lift systems and instead delivers consistent, high force throughout the entire movement.
Up to twice as fast tipping
The optimised lever geometry makes it possible to tip 70–100 % faster than conventional agricultural hook lift systems – in other words, up to twice as fast. In practice, this means shorter standstill time at each tip – an advantage that compounds significantly during intensive harvest periods or short transport cycles in contracting work.
During silage haulage or grain harvest, the fast tipping cycle can deliver noticeably more loads per day – without increasing fuel consumption or labour.
High force at 210 bar – no external pumps needed
Thanks to the favourable lever ratios, MetaFlex operates at full capacity at just 210 bar – the standard operating pressure for modern tractors.
Conventional truck-based hook lift systems often require up to 300 bar to achieve equivalent lift force. To reach that pressure, customers are forced to invest in external PTO-driven hydraulic systems, resulting in heavier installations, higher purchase costs and unnecessary energy losses. A MetaFlex tractor hook lift trailer runs directly off the tractor's existing hydraulics instead.
Low oil volume – works with smaller tractors too
The efficient geometry allows the cylinders to use an optimised bore diameter – the lever effect does the heavy lifting, not the oil volume. This keeps oil demand to a minimum and makes the MetaFlex hook lift trailer accessible to a wide range of tractors, including mid-range models with limited hydraulic capacity, without any risk of draining the tractor's hydraulic tank.
| Model | Container length | Oil volume (approx.) | Dead weight (tonnes) | Tipping force (tonnes) | Hook force (tonnes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MetaFlex 45 | 4–4.5 m | 19 litres | 2.3 | 17 | 18 |
| MetaFlex 40–60 | 4–6 m | 20 litres | 3.1 | 17 | 18 |
| MetaFlex 50–65 | 5–6.5 m | 47 litres | 4.3 | 22 | 22 |
| MetaFlex 60–75 | 6–8 m | 68 litres | 5.8 | 28 | 28 |
The low dead weight enabled by the compact design also means that a greater share of the vehicle's total permitted weight can be used as legal payload – without compromising strength or stability. For operators hauling heavy volumes, that is a direct commercial advantage on every single run.
Smart control: ISOBUS and radio remote for maximum control
A modern agricultural hook lift trailer requires not just mechanical strength but also intelligent control. MetaFlex can be equipped with advanced control systems tailored to your specific working environment:
- Full ISOBUS integration: By connecting MetaFlex via ISOBUS, all trailer functions are integrated directly into the tractor's existing terminal and joystick. This minimises cable clutter in the cab, provides a cleaner working environment, and lets you control hooking and tipping using the tractor's own controls.
- Wireless radio remote control: For maximum safety and flexibility – particularly in contracting, industrial and defence applications – the system can be supplied with radio remote control. This allows the operator to manage the hook lift sequence from a safe distance outside the cab, with a clear view of the container and surroundings.
The telescopic tower: large tyres without a steep exchange angle
The telescopic tower and hook lift system work as an integrated unit. The tower optimises weight transfer to the tractor's rear axle and adjusts the exchange geometry to match the container length. This makes it possible to combine properties that would otherwise be mutually exclusive: short overall length, large tyre size, low exchange angle and high payload.
Example with large flotation tyres: Large tyres (e.g. 710/50 R26.5) raise the chassis to reduce ground pressure, but on conventional hook lift trailers this creates a dangerously steep exchange angle where grain or excavated material risks spilling over the tailgate during container-on. On MetaFlex, the telescopic and folding towers work together to keep the exchange angle minimal, even with high ground clearance and large tyres.
Documented results
Independent studies from RISE show that Metsjö's design – combining low dead weight, hydraulic suspension and optimised geometry – delivers:
- Approximately 25 % lower fuel consumption compared with conventional rigs of similar load capacity.
- Approximately 50 % lower soil compaction at equivalent payload.
Frequently asked questions
- Why are telescopic hook lift cylinders faster?
- Telescopic cylinders with optimised geometry deliver high force from the very start of movement, without geometric dead zones. This enables faster oil flow and up to twice as fast tipping compared with systems that rely on high peak forces to overcome dead spots.
- Can MetaFlex be operated without a separate PTO hydraulic system?
- Yes. Because the system is optimised for 210 bar and requires very low oil volume, most MetaFlex hook lift trailer models can be run directly from the tractor's standard hydraulic outlets.
- Why does low oil volume matter on a hook lift trailer?
- It eliminates the risk of draining the tractor's hydraulic tank during hooking or tipping, and means you do not need to invest in expensive, heavy external hydraulic tanks on the trailer.
- Can MetaFlex be controlled via the tractor's integrated screens?
- Yes, we offer full ISOBUS compatibility. This allows you to control and monitor the entire hook lift trailer system directly via the tractor's own screens and joysticks – with no need for external control boxes in the cab.
- How does Metsjö's active weight transfer work?
- Using the telescopic tower and the hydraulic drawbar, the system mechanically shifts load to the tractor's rear axle during both hooking and transport. This significantly improves traction and stability – especially on soft ground, in mud or on steep slopes.