You may have heard the term ‘tail lift’ but might not fully understand what it is. A tail lift is a mechanical device permanently attached to the rear of a van or lorry, designed to assist in handling goods by lifting them between ground level and the vehicle’s load bed, making loading and unloading more efficient.
Many tail lifts operate hydraulically or pneumatically, though some are mechanical and controlled via an electric relay switch. Using a tail lift eliminates the need for machinery like forklifts to load heavy items onto a vehicle and can also bridge the height difference between a loading dock and the vehicle’s load bed. Tail lifts are available for various vehicle sizes, from standard vans to articulated lorries, offering numerous benefits to your business.
A broken or damaged tail lift is never ideal and should never be ignored, but with proper maintenance, such issues can be prevented. Here in this blog, we talk you through the many benefits of a tail lift service, as well as some of the safety precautions you need to take in order to use a tail lift efficiently.
Tail lifts are essential for lorry operators who professionally load and unload goods. However, neglecting maintenance or delaying repairs can lead to more than just logistical challenges—it can result in significant operational setbacks.
With countless vehicles in operation daily across various industries, optimizing your transport business has never been more achievable—investing in tail lifts can make a real difference. However, improper use of a tail lift can lead to severe consequences, including serious injuries. Additionally, operators may face significant legal repercussions, such as fines or even imprisonment.
There are plenty of advantages of tail lifts. A tail lift is designed to withstand heavy loads, supporting weights of up to 2,500kg. Today, there are two main types of tail lifts available for operators of vans, lorries, and trucks.
What is a tail lift?
A tail lift is a mechanical platform attached to the rear of a vehicle, designed to raise or lower goods, aligning with either the vehicle’s load bed or the ground. With this in mind, awkward or bigger items can be unloaded easily without the risk of injury or incident.
What kinds of tail lift are there?
Column Lifts
Column lifts are ideal for smaller vehicles with limited ground clearance. Mounted at the rear via an H-frame, the platform moves vertically along the vehicle’s body. The lift operates through a chain-linked hydraulic power pack, while the exterior platform can be manually opened and closed.
Cantilever Lifts
Cantilever lifts are chassis-mounted and fold upward to integrate with the vehicle’s rear. Designed for larger loads unsuitable for column lifts, they operate at a slower cycle time but are fully hydraulic, offering greater lifting capacity than column lifts.
Tuckaway Lifts
Tuckaway lifts are chassis-mounted with a foldable split platform. Unlike column or cantilever lifts, they require less storage space and do not restrict rear access. Mounted beneath the rear, they are less prone to damage but require more ground clearance.
Parallel Arm
Parallel Arm lifts are typically used on pickup trucks and service vehicle bodies, offering lower lifting capacities. The parallel arms are attached to the sides of the lifting platform, guiding it outward from the main liftgate frame. These lifts feature either two hydraulic cylinders that apply force directly to the platform or a single hydraulic cylinder paired with a cable-pulley system.
Railgate
Railgate lifts share a similar design to Column Lifts but generally support lower lifting capacities. They are named for the “outrails,” which are attached directly to the vehicle body and guide the liftgate platform. The platforms on railgate lifts are larger than those on parallel arm lifts and, like column lifts, are fixed at a 90° angle to the outrails, lifting vertically.
Slider
Slider lifts, like tuckunders, fold and store directly beneath the vehicle bed. Unlike other lifts, the platform “slides” out from underneath the bed rather than lowering and unfolding. These designs support some of the highest lifting capacities among hydraulic lifts.
Health and safety
Taking all of this into consideration, health and safety is crucial. Falling off a tail lift could result in serious injuries. That’s why manufacturers willingly supply safety rails – however, they are not always deployed by the driver, particularly if they have to be put in place manually.
The answer is to specify rails that deploy automatically when the platform is lowered down into place. A column lift, for instance, often comes with automatic folding rails mounted on both the left and right lift runners, which are permanently attached to the platform.
Saint warns that construction sites will not allow vehicles to unload using a tail lift unless it is equipped with safety gates. It is not just a matter of time before they become mandatory in all industries that they are used.
As an employer, self-employed individual providing lifting equipment, or someone in control of its use (such as a delivery driver), you are legally responsible for the tail lift under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER).
Inspections must be conducted at least every six months, and it is a legal requirement to have a current examination report for the tail lift installed on the vehicle.
Kora – Quality tail lift and tail lift repair services
At Kora, our expert technicians provide repair and maintenance services for most major tail lift brands. No matter where your vehicles are in the India, our mobile testing service ensures that they meet the weight testing and certification at all times.
Ensuring the safety of your vehicle’s hydraulic loading equipment at all times is crucial. At Kora, our professional and highly trained team provide specialist double deck and tail lift services in India. We service all major makes and models, committed to keeping your hydraulic loading equipment safe and reliable.
If you own a fleet or run a logistics company, you know the importance of partnering with a reliable fleet maintenance provider to stay compliant with regulations and remain competitive. At Kora, we specialize in comprehensive fleet services, including truck repair and diagnostics. You can rely on us for expert maintenance and repairs for trailers, commercial vehicles, and trucks across India. To learn more about our services or how we can support your business, visit our website or contact us—we’d be happy to help!