Har du en traktor med liten oljevolym? Så löser du hydraulikbehovet för flakväxlaren

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Do you have a tractor with limited oil volume? How to meet the hydraulic demands of a hook lift trailer

Many modern mid-range tractors are extremely versatile, but they often struggle when operating hydraulically intensive implements. A common issue is the limited amount of available hydraulic oil needed to fill the large cylinders of a hook lift trailer.

If the tractor’s hydraulic tank does not contain sufficient oil, there is a serious risk of drawing air into the system, which can cause severe damage to the hydraulic pump. Metsjö has developed several technical solutions that allow you to operate large hook lift trailers even with smaller tractors.

1. Design makes the difference: Metsjö telescopic cylinders

Metsjö hook lift trailers are built with a unique geometry where telescopic tipping and hook lift cylinders work against each other. Unlike conventional hook lift systems originally designed for trucks, Metsjö’s design is optimized for tractor hydraulics (approximately 210 bar compared to 300 bar on trucks).

Low oil volume requirement per model:

  • MetaFlex 45 (4–4.5 m containers): Only 19 L

  • MetaFlex 40–60 (4–6 m containers): Only 20 L

  • MetaFlex 50–65 (5–6.5 m containers): 47 L

  • MetaFlex 60–75 (6–8 m containers): 68 L

Thanks to this efficient geometry, you achieve maximum lifting force without draining the tractor’s hydraulic oil reserves.

2. Metsjö Oil Saver – intelligent buffering without PTO

For tractors where the oil volume is still insufficient, or for operators who want to avoid a heavy and maintenance-intensive PTO shaft, the Metsjö Oil Saver is the optimal solution.

How does it work?

The system uses hydraulic accumulator tanks mounted on the trailer, acting as an additional oil buffer. During operation, the accumulators are automatically charged and discharged without the need for extra hoses or manual handling.

Key advantages:

  • No PTO shaft: Eliminates a common safety risk and simplifies coupling.

  • Smaller tractor, bigger jobs: No need to invest in a larger towing tractor.

  • Safety: Accumulator pressure is limited to 170 bar and can be easily depressurized during service. The system does not reduce lifting performance.

3. Separate hydraulic system – power via pump

If Oil Saver is not suitable for your application, Metsjö offers several standalone hydraulic systems powered by PTO, double-acting outlets, or LS connections.

  • Capacity: Includes a dedicated hydraulic tank of approximately 130 liters.

  • Important to know: A separate hydraulic system results in an efficiency loss of about 17–30%. To maintain fast tipping and hook lift cycle times, a PTO-driven system is recommended.

  • Seperate hydraulic system with PTO for hook lift trailer

4. Stability and safety for lighter tractors

Smaller tractors often have low unladen weight. When handling heavy containers, the force generated by the hook lift trailer can lift the rear of the tractor, creating a dangerous situation. Metsjö counteracts this in several ways:

  • Hydraulic safety support beam: Provides a stable base and prevents the tractor from lifting during hook lift operation.

  • Chassis lowering: With Metsjö’s hydraulic suspension, the chassis can be lowered during container exchange for better geometry and a lower center of gravity.

  • A safe hook lift trailer to use

  • Bogie lock: An optional feature that locks oil in the rear axle during lifting and tipping for increased stability.

Weight transfer via telescopic tower

All models except the MetaFlex 45 feature a long-stroke telescopic tower. This design keeps the trailer compact and maneuverable while allowing precise control over how much weight is transferred to the tractor’s drawbar—critical for traction and safety when using a smaller tractor.

Smart options for maximum control:

  • Automatic steering: Ensures accurate tracking of front and rear axles, increasing stability when the tractor is light relative to the load.

  • Cost-effective bogie lift: Thanks to hydraulic suspension, Metsjö offers an affordable liftable first axle for improved maneuverability.

Summary: Optimize, don’t oversize

You don’t always need the biggest tractor to operate the most efficient hook lift trailers. By choosing a hook lift trailer with low oil demand or equipping your trailer with the Metsjö Oil Saver system, you can reduce operating costs while significantly improving safety.

Contact Metsjö and we will help you calculate the most efficient solution for your tractor and hydraulic requirements.

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