Shenzhen Cadro Hydraulic Equipment Co.,Ltd
Views: 220 Author: cadrotaillift Publish Time: 2025-07-08 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Overview of Cantilever and Tuck-Under Tail Lifts
>> Lifting Capacity and Load Handling
>> Suitability for Different Applications
● Advantages and Disadvantages
● Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Cantilever and Tuck-Under Tail Lifts
>> 2. Frequency of Use and Deployment Speed
>> 3. Vehicle and Route Constraints
● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In the logistics and transportation industries, tail lifts are essential equipment that significantly improve the efficiency and safety of loading and unloading goods. Among the various types available, Cantilever Tail Lifts and Tuck-Under Tail Lifts are two of the most popular options for trucks. Understanding their differences, advantages, and limitations is crucial for selecting the right tail lift to suit your operational needs. This article provides an in-depth comparison between cantilever and tuck-under tail lifts, covering their design, functionality, capacity, and suitability for different applications.
A tail lift is a mechanical device mounted on the rear of a truck or van, designed to lift heavy loads between the ground and the vehicle's cargo area. It acts as a bridge and lifting platform to facilitate safer and faster loading and unloading, especially when docks or ramps are unavailable.
A cantilever tail lift is characterized by a platform that folds vertically against the rear doors of the truck when not in use. When deployed, the platform lowers to the ground and then raises horizontally to align with the truck bed, allowing easy loading.
- The platform often doubles as the rear door of the vehicle.
- It is mounted on the chassis with hydraulic rams on hinges.
- The platform can tilt, allowing it to function as a ramp as well as a lift.
A tuck-under tail lift features a folding platform that folds and stores underneath the rear chassis of the truck when not in use. The lift unfolds and raises horizontally to the truck bed level when needed.
- The platform is compactly tucked away, allowing unobstructed access to the rear doors.
- It requires manual unfolding before operation.
- It is generally lighter than cantilever lifts.
| Feature | Cantilever Tail Lift | Tuck-Under Tail Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Position | Folds vertically against rear doors | Folds and tucks underneath the truck chassis |
| Deployment | Hydraulic rams tilt and lower the platform | Gear mechanism unfolds and raises the platform |
| Manual Handling | Minimal, mostly mechanical operation | Requires manual unfolding before use |
| Use as Rear Door | Platform acts as rear door | Rear doors operate independently of the lift |
| Ground Clearance | Higher ground clearance when retracted | Lower clearance; platform may drag on steep driveways |
Cantilever lifts are quicker to deploy since the platform is part of the door and only requires two actions: folding open and lowering. Tuck-under lifts take longer because of the manual unfolding step.
Cantilever tail lifts generally have a higher lifting capacity, often ranging from 1000 kg up to 10 tonnes for heavy-duty models. This makes them suitable for heavy industrial goods and palletized loads.
Tuck-under lifts usually have a lower capacity, typically suitable for lighter loads, often up to around 3000 kg. Their lighter weight also means less impact on the vehicle's fuel economy and payload capacity.
Cantilever lifts offer several safety advantages:
- The driver does not need to step into traffic lanes to operate the lift.
- The platform can serve as a bridge plate with higher load capacity.
- Better ground clearance reduces the risk of damage on uneven or steep terrain.
Tuck-under lifts, while lighter and more compact, have some drawbacks:
- The driver must manually unfold the lift, increasing the risk of injury or strain.
- The folded lift under the truck can scrape on uneven ground.
- They cannot easily be used as a bridge plate without additional equipment.
| Application Type | Cantilever Tail Lift | Tuck-Under Tail Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy industrial goods | Ideal due to high capacity and durability | Less suitable due to lower capacity |
| Multi-drop deliveries | Suitable but slower deployment | Better for frequent stops with lighter loads |
| Dock loading | Less ideal (cannot seal dock face fully) | Better, as lift can be tucked away |
| Fuel economy considerations | Slightly heavier, may reduce fuel efficiency | Lighter, better for fuel economy |
| Space and clearance constraints | Requires more rear clearance | Compact, better for tight spaces |
Advantages:
- Quick and easy to deploy with minimal manual effort.
- High lifting capacity, suitable for heavy and palletized loads.
- Platform serves as rear door, reducing vehicle weight.
- Better ground clearance reduces damage risk.
- Safer operation as drivers remain on the curb side.
Disadvantages:
- Slower operational cycle compared to tuck-under lifts.
- Cannot form a tight seal with loading docks.
- Heavier, potentially affecting fuel economy.
- More complex hydraulic system requiring maintenance.
Advantages:
- Compact design allows unobstructed rear door access.
- Lighter weight improves fuel efficiency and payload.
- Better suited for dock loading and frequent stops.
- Lower purchase and maintenance costs.
Disadvantages:
- Requires manual unfolding, increasing deployment time.
- Lower lifting capacity limits heavy load handling.
- Platform can scrape on uneven terrain or steep driveways.
- Cannot easily be used as a bridge plate without additional equipment.
Evaluate the typical weight and nature of your cargo. For heavy, palletized, or industrial goods, cantilever lifts are preferable. For lighter loads and frequent stops, tuck-under lifts may be more efficient.
If your operation requires rapid deployment and frequent loading/unloading, tuck-under lifts may slow you down due to manual unfolding. Cantilever lifts offer faster deployment but may be less suitable for multi-drop routes.
Consider the truck's rear clearance and the operating environment. Cantilever lifts need more clearance and may not be ideal for steep driveways or tight urban routes. Tuck-under lifts are more compact but risk scraping on uneven surfaces.
Cantilever lifts provide safer operation by minimizing driver exposure to traffic lanes and offering better platform stability. Tuck-under lifts require more manual handling, increasing safety risks if not operated carefully.
Tuck-under lifts generally cost less upfront and are simpler to maintain. Cantilever lifts, with their complex hydraulics and higher capacity, may require more investment and upkeep.
Choosing between a cantilever tail lift and a tuck-under tail lift depends on your specific operational needs, load characteristics, and working environment. Cantilever lifts excel in heavy-duty applications with higher lifting capacity and safer operation but come with higher costs and slower cycle times. Tuck-under lifts offer compactness, lighter weight, and better suitability for dock loading and frequent stops but have lower capacity and require more manual handling.
By carefully assessing your cargo types, delivery routes, safety priorities, and budget constraints, you can select the tail lift that optimizes your truck's performance and efficiency.
1. What is the main difference between cantilever and tuck-under tail lifts?
Cantilever lifts fold vertically against the rear doors and have higher lifting capacities, while tuck-under lifts fold underneath the truck chassis and are lighter with lower capacity.
2. Which tail lift is better for heavy loads?
Cantilever tail lifts are better suited for heavy loads, with capacities reaching up to 10 tonnes, compared to tuck-under lifts which are typically lighter duty.
3. Can a tuck-under tail lift be used as a bridge plate?
Generally, tuck-under lifts cannot be used as a bridge plate unless equipped with additional forklift locks or safety features.
4. How does the deployment time compare between the two types?
Cantilever lifts deploy faster because they are mechanically operated without manual unfolding, whereas tuck-under lifts require manual unfolding, making deployment slower.
5. Are there safety concerns specific to each type?
Cantilever lifts reduce driver exposure to traffic lanes and provide better platform stability, enhancing safety. Tuck-under lifts require more manual handling, which can increase the risk of injury if not operated properly.
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