What SwapLoader does

SwapLoader USA, Ltd. is a Des Moines, Iowa-based manufacturer of hydraulic hooklift hoist systems for commercial trucks, operating as a subsidiary of EFCO. The company designs and assembles a product portfolio of 19+ hooklift hoist models spanning 7,500 lb (SL-75) to 65,000 lb (SL-650) lift capacities, plus the ST-1614 gooseneck hooklift trailer, with all production located at its Des Moines headquarters. Core technology centers on a hydraulic hooklift mechanism that allows a single truck chassis to pick up, swap, and dump multiple body/container types (dump, flatbed, container, sander, spreader) in under three minutes, protected by three US patents covering the U-Lock universal body lock, the SL-75 design, and the Adjustable Jib.

The business model is a one-time hardware sale of hoists, trailers, subframes, and accessories, supplemented by recurring revenue from replacement parts, PTO/pump pairings, control packages, tarp systems, and bumper/fender assemblies. Pricing is quote-based and routed through a 224+ authorized distributor network in the United States and Canada, with regional sales managers supporting distributors and enterprise inquiries across Western, Eastern, Central, Southeast, and Mexico/Latin America territories. End markets include waste management, construction and demolition, landscaping, government/municipal, and non-CDL fleet operators, with the recently launched SL-110 and SL-112 expanding into Class 4-6 light-duty non-CDL trucks. The company is privately held under EFCO, offers a 5-year limited warranty on truck-mounted hoists and a 3-year warranty on trailers, and pursues specification-driven demand through trade shows (CONEXPO-CON/AGG, NTEA Work Truck Week, NATDA, NATM, Dumpster Expo) and a password-protected distributor portal.

Name

SwapLoader

Legal name

SwapLoader USA, Ltd.

Website

https://swaploader.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SwapLoader is a Des Moines, Iowa-based manufacturer of hydraulic hooklift hoist systems for commercial trucks, selling 19+ models through 224+ authorized distributors across North America to waste management, construction, landscaping, and municipal fleet operators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hooklift Hoist Systems for Vocational Trucks

NAICS

Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing (333924), Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing (33392)

SIC

Industrial Trucks, Tractors, Trailors & Stackers (3537), Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084)

akta.pro primary industry

Loading/Unloading & Transfer Equipment (Telescopic Conveyors, Loaders, Tipplers) (IMAHABAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hoists (Electric, Manual & Pneumatic) (IMAHAJAG), Lifting Attachments & Material Handling Accessories (Fork Attachments, Slings, Rigging) (IMAHABAJ)

Keywords

• Hooklift hoist systems
• Truck-mounted hydraulics
• Vocational truck equipment
• Hooklift trailers
• Container handling systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Des Moines

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hooklift Hoist Sales: Sale of hydraulic hooklift hoist systems mounted to trucks. Products range from light-duty (SL-75, 7,500 lb capacity) to heavy-duty (SL-650, 65,000 lb capacity). Sales occur through distributor network.
2. Hooklift Trailer Sales: Sale of ST-1614 hooklift trailers (16,000 lb GVWR, 12,000 lb lift capacity) that enable customers without truck chassis to enter the hooklift market.
3. Subframes & Accessories: Sale of subframes, lift bars, A-frames, and accessories that complement the hoist product line. Subframes integrate with container construction for hook compatibility.
4. Parts & Components: Replacement parts, PTO/pump pairings, control packages, tarp systems, bumper packages, fenders, and specialized components for ongoing maintenance and upgrades.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

SwapLoader manufactures hydraulic hooklift hoist systems that mount to commercial trucks, enabling a single chassis to load, unload, and swap bodies and containers (dump bodies, flatbeds, containers, sanders, spreaders) in minutes. The product family includes truck-mounted hoist models from 7,500 lb (SL-75) to 65,000 lb (SL-650) capacity, the ST-1614 gooseneck hooklift trailer (16,000 lb GVWR), and supporting subframes, PTO/pump assemblies, control packages, tarp systems, bumpers, fenders, and body locks. All products are engineered and assembled in Des Moines, Iowa, and sold through a network of 224+ authorized distributors.

Product overview

SwapLoader manufactures hydraulic hooklift hoists and hooklift trailers that enable operators to load and unload truck bodies and containers with ease. The product lineup consists of truck-mounted hooklift hoists ranging from 7,500 lb to 65,000 lb capacity (SL-75 through SL-650 series), plus the ST-1614 gooseneck hooklift trailer with 16,000 lb GVWR. The hooklift system allows one truck to handle multiple body types (dump, flatbed, container, sander, spreader, etc.) enabling versatile vocational truck applications. Supporting products include subframes (100/200/300/400 series), PTO/pump assemblies, control packages, tarp systems (Roll Rite, Shur-Co), bumper/light packages, fender assemblies, body lock options, and the hydraulic adjustable jib. Products target waste management, construction, landscaping, municipal/government, and material hauling industries. All products are engineered and assembled in Des Moines, Iowa with a 5-year limited warranty on truck-mounted hoists and 3-year warranty on trailers. The company operates through a distributor network across North America with international sales to Mexico and Latin America.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SL Series Truck-Mounted Hydraulic Hooklift Hoists (SL-75 through SL-650) A complete line of 19+ truck-mounted hydraulic hooklift hoist systems designed to mount on commercial truck chassis and enable operators to load, unload, and swap bodies and containers (dump, flatbed, container, sander, spreader) in minutes. Capacity ranges from light-duty 7,500 lb (SL-75) through medium-duty 16,000-24,000 lb (SL-160, SL-212, SL-214, SL-220, SL-222, SL-240, SL-2418) to heavy-duty 33,000-50,000 lb (SL-330, SL-400, SL-412, SL-418X, SL-518X, SL-520X) to extreme heavy-duty 65,000 lb (SL-650). Compatible with Class 4 through Class 8 trucks. Key features include patented Adjustable Jib, optional U-Lock, dual lift/dump cylinders, dual integral counterbalance valves, in-cab controls, and 5-step powder coat finish. Engineered and assembled in Des Moines, Iowa; backed by 5-year limited warranty. Sold through authorized distributor network.
• ST-1614 Hooklift Trailer A gooseneck hooklift trailer with 16,000 lb GVWR and 12,000 lb lift/dump capacity, compatible with 12'-14' containers. Enables customers without a truck chassis to enter the hooklift market without the investment of a full truck build. Features electric over hydraulic power unit, wireless remote controls, Shur-Co electric tarp system (standard), tandem 10,000 lb axles, and NATM-certified trailer manufacturing. Backed by a 3-year limited warranty. NATM-certified manufacturing compliance.
• Subframes & Accessories Subframes integrated into container construction for SwapLoader hook compatibility, including 100, 200, 300, and 400 series subframes with various hook heights (35 5/8", 53 7/8", 61 3/4"). Includes lift bar assemblies, A-frames, and other mounting accessories for hooking up bodies and containers.
• PTO & Pump Assemblies Power Take-Off units and hydraulic pump assemblies for hooklift operation. Compatible with various transmissions including Allison 3000/4000 Series and Ford F650/750 Diesel. Multiple PTO/pump pairing options featuring Muncie, Hydro-Leduc (3.84 displacement bent axis piston), Parker Hannifin, and Bezares hydraulic pumps for different heavy-duty applications.
• Control Packages Valve and control systems for hooklift operation including 2-section and 3-section valves with air controls, EHV toggles, manual controls, and U-Lock/O-Lock integrations. Provides operator control over hoist functions including in-cab operation.
• Tarp Systems Roll Rite and Shur-Co tarp systems for container coverage across SwapLoader hooklift products. Includes single-stage and dual-stage tower options, fixed and sliding pivots, and various mesh tarp sizes. Electric and manual gantry options available. Multiple Roll Rite models (DC852, DC851, DC400, DC402) offered as optional accessories. Shur-Co Waste Warrior electric tarp system is standard on ST-1614 trailers.
• Bumper & Tail Light Packages Bumper and tail light assemblies for hooklift trucks, including bolt-on and weld-on options, LED light bars, stabilizer assemblies, and center plates. Black powder coat and stainless steel finishes available. The 45H62 bolt-on bumper and taillight package is designed for trucks with GVW of 26,000 lb and greater, includes stop/turn/tail lamps, backup lamps, reflectors, license plate mount, mud flap mounts, and ICC bumper, and reduces installation labor hours.
• Fender Packages Fender assemblies for tandem and single axle trucks. Options include aluminum smooth, steel ribbed, and polypropylene fenders in various sizes accommodating 19.5" to 22" tires.
• Body Lock Options Body securement systems including dual rear roller assemblies, prong lock assemblies, and slide-through rear body locks for container securement. The patented U-Lock (US12280988B2) and slide-through rear body locks secure bodies while allowing repositioning when needed.
• Hydraulic Adjustable Jib (SL-520X) Hydraulic adjustable jib system for the SL-520X (50,000 lb capacity). Allows operators to adjust jib height directly from inside the cab between 53-7/8" and 61-3/4" hook heights for on-the-fly adjustments. Compatible with patented U-Lock system for body securement.

Quantifiable outcome

• Swap functions in less than 3 minutes
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Cassone Truck EquipmentcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 March 2026Cassone Truck Equipment, an authorized SwapLoader distributor based in Ronkonkoma, NY, provides trucks for SwapLoader trade show displays at major industry events including CONEXPO-CON/AGG and NTEA Work Truck Week. This partnership enables SwapLoader to showcase products in action at trade shows, with Cassone providing demonstration vehicles at the SwapLoader booth.
• Roll RitecoreTechnology or Integration · 1 September 2025Roll Rite LLC manufactures tarp systems integrated into SwapLoader hooklift products. SwapLoader offers multiple Roll Rite tarp system packages (DC852, DC851, DC400, DC402) as optional accessories compatible with various hoist models and container sizes.
• Shur-CocoreTechnology or Integration · 1 September 2025Shur-Co LLC manufactures the Waste Warrior electric tarp system offered as an accessory on SwapLoader products. The Shur-Co system is standard on ST-1614 trailers and available as an option on other models.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Galfab: Manufacturer of roll-off hoists and cable lift systems for the waste hauling industry; directly competes with SwapLoader's roll-off and hooklift hoists in the refuse and recycling segment.
• Loadmaster Corporation: Manufacturer of refuse truck bodies, roll-off hoists, and hooklift systems; competes directly with SwapLoader in waste and recycling applications.
• Stellar Industries: Iowa-based manufacturer of hooklift hoists, dump bodies, and crane truck equipment; directly competes with SwapLoader in the vocational truck upfit market with overlapping product lines and similar distributor-based GTM.
• Jerr-Dan (JLG/Oshkosh): Manufacturer of hooklift carriers, rollback carriers, and wreckers; competes head-to-head with SwapLoader in the hooklift hoist segment, particularly for medium and heavy-duty applications.
• Rugby Manufacturing: Manufacturer of dump bodies, hoists, and other truck equipment; competes with SwapLoader in vocational truck upfits, particularly for medium-duty construction and landscape applications.

Regional players

• Amrep (Amrep Manufacturing): Manufacturer of refuse and recycling collection equipment primarily serving the Canadian and North American markets; adjacent competitor in waste hauling hooklift/roll-off applications.

Broad incumbents

• Heil Environmental (a Heil Co. brand): Leading North American manufacturer of refuse collection truck bodies and related equipment; broader portfolio but competes with SwapLoader's hooklift systems in the waste hauling segment.
• Palfinger / Hiab (Cargotec): Global lifting solutions giant offering hookloaders (skip loaders), cranes, and material handling equipment; a major global competitor with broader product portfolio and resources than SwapLoader.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SwapLoader