You may have heard the term ‘tail lift’ but not be completely aware of what they actually are. Essentially, this is a mechanical device permanently fitted to the back of a van or lorry, truck tail lift is used for the purpose to facilitate the materials handling of goods from ground level to the level of the load bed of the vehicle or the other way round.
A broken or damaged tail-lift is certainly not a great thing for anyone; such faults certainly can’t be ignored but they can be prevented. 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 perfect for lorry operators who are moving goods in and out of their vehicles professionally. Nonetheless, the consequences of not maintaining one efficiently, or delaying repairs on a broken unit, can cause freight operators far more damage than a logistical headache.
With loads of vehicles being used every single day for all kinds of businesses, the opportunity for making your transport business run more smoothly is as real as ever and can be a reality for you with the purchase of tali lifts. However, if you do not use a tali lift safely there is the potential for devastating effects on the victims, this can also impact heavily on the operator’s management, in terms of fines and even jail.
There are plenty of advantages of tail lifts. Generally, a tail lift is meant to endure a very heavy load of items with masses as much as 2500kg. There are two various types of tail lifts out there today that are obtainable to operators of van’s, lorries and trucks.
What is a Truck Tail Lift?
A truck tail lift is a mechanical device attached to the rear of a truck or van, designed to assist in loading and unloading heavy goods. It enables easy transportation of cargo between ground level and the vehicle’s load bed. Tail lifts are commonly used in logistics, warehousing, and retail industries, reducing the need for forklifts or manual lifting.
Types of Truck Tail Lifts
Several types of truck tail lifts cater to different transport needs. Here are the most common ones:
1. Column Lifts
Column lifts are best for small to medium-sized vehicles. They operate vertically along the back of the truck, offering excellent stability and load-bearing capacity.
2. Cantilever Lifts
These lifts fold up to become part of the truck’s rear. They are ideal for transporting bulky or heavy goods and provide a smooth lifting operation.
3. Tuckaway Lifts
Tuckaway lifts fold beneath the truck, ensuring they do not obstruct rear access. They are highly durable and suitable for vehicles requiring frequent loading and unloading.
4. Parallel Arm Lifts
Designed for smaller trucks, these lifts use parallel arms to support the lifting platform. They offer moderate load capacity but are perfect for light commercial vehicles.
5. Railgate Lifts
These lifts function similarly to column lifts but are designed for lower weight capacities. They are mounted to the sides of the vehicle and operate via an electric motor or hydraulic system.
6. Slider Lifts
Slider lifts are compact and slide out from beneath the vehicle. They support high lifting capacities, making them ideal for large commercial transport operations.
Health and safety
Taking all of this into consideration, health and safety is crucial. Fall off a tail-lift and you could end up badly injured. 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 example, is often available with automatic folding rails mounted on the left- and right-hand side lifts runners, and permanently attached to the platform.
Also consider that construction sites will not permit vehicles to unload using a tail-lift if it isn’t fitted with safety gates, warns Saint. It is not just a matter of time before they become mandatory in all industries that they are used.
Legal Requirements for Truck Tail Lifts
Under LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations), businesses must inspect truck tail lifts every six months. Employers must keep valid reports and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Truck Tail Lift Maintenance & Repair Services
For optimal performance, truck tail lifts require regular servicing. Professional technicians offer maintenance, weight testing, and emergency repairs to ensure compliance with industry standards.
A tail lift is an essential tool for businesses involved in transportation and logistics. It enhances operational efficiency, improves safety, and ensures regulatory compliance. Whether you operate a small van or a fleet of trucks, investing in the right tail lift can significantly impact your business’s productivity.
For expert truck tail lift solutions, ensure you choose reliable service providers who offer maintenance, repair, and inspection services.