Shenzhen Cadro Hydraulic Equipment Co.,Ltd
Views: 220 Author: cadrotaillift Publish Time: 2025-07-10 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Overview of Folding Tail Lifts and Column Tail Lifts
● Detailed Comparison Between Folding Tail Lifts and Column Tail Lifts
● Advantages and Disadvantages of Folding Tail Lifts
>> Advantages
● Advantages and Disadvantages of Column Tail Lifts
>> Advantages
● Practical Considerations When Choosing Between Folding and Column Tail Lifts
>> Operator Safety and Convenience
● Summary
● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When it comes to loading and unloading goods from trucks and vans, tail lifts are essential equipment that enhance efficiency and safety. Among the various types available, folding tail lifts and column tail lifts are two popular options, each with distinct characteristics, advantages, and limitations. Understanding these differences can help businesses and operators choose the right tail lift for their specific needs.
A tail lift is a mechanical device installed at the rear of a vehicle to assist in lifting heavy goods from ground level into the vehicle or vice versa. It acts as a bridge between the loading dock or ground and the vehicle bed, facilitating safer and more efficient cargo handling.
Tail lifts are especially useful for vehicles that frequently load and unload heavy or bulky items, such as delivery trucks, refrigerated vehicles, and small commercial vans.
Folding tail lifts consist of a platform that folds into sections. This design allows the platform to be stored compactly under the rear of the vehicle when not in use. There are two main types:
- Tuck-under (Tuck-away) Folding Tail Lift: The platform is lowered hydraulically under the truck, then manually unfolded by the driver to touch the ground.
- Sliding Folding Tail Lift: The platform slides out hydraulically, then is manually unfolded and lowered.
Key Features:
- The platform folds to save space.
- Requires manual unfolding by the driver.
- Stored under the rear chassis when not in use.
- Typically lighter than cantilever tail lifts.
Column tail lifts, sometimes called railgates, feature vertical columns mounted on either side of the vehicle's rear. The platform is attached to these columns and moves vertically.
Key Features:
- Suitable for smaller vehicles such as utes and small trucks.
- Can lift higher than the vehicle's deck, making them useful for mezzanine decks.
- The platform opens at a fixed 90-degree angle and does not tilt.
- Generally lighter and cheaper than folding or cantilever tail lifts.
| Feature | Folding Tail Lift | Column Tail Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Requires manual unfolding and hydraulic lowering | Platform moves vertically on columns, no tilting |
| Storage | Folds and stores under the vehicle's rear | Platform hangs between two vertical columns |
| Vehicle Suitability | Medium to heavy rigid trucks | Smaller trucks, utes |
| Load Capacity | Moderate, up to around 3000 kg | Lower capacity, typically up to 750 kg |
| Lift Height | Usually up to deck level | Can lift higher than deck level |
| Ground Clearance | Requires more ground clearance due to under-vehicle storage | Better ground clearance, less risk on steep driveways |
| Speed of Operation | Slower due to manual unfolding | Faster cycle time |
| Price | More expensive than column tail lifts | Cheaper option |
| Use Case | Ideal for dock loading where tail lift can be stowed out of the way | Suitable for smaller vehicles and lighter loads |
| Manual Handling | Requires manual effort, risk of injury | Minimal manual handling |
| Platform Sturdiness | Less sturdy due to folding sections | More rigid platform |
- Dock Loading Friendly: The tail lift folds away, allowing the vehicle to reverse up to the dock without obstruction, which is especially beneficial for refrigerated docks to maintain temperature control.
- Lighter Weight: Folding tail lifts are generally lighter than cantilever lifts, which can improve fuel economy and increase payload capacity.
- Compact Storage: When folded, the platform is neatly stowed under the truck, reducing rear overhang.
- Manual Unfolding Required: The driver must manually unfold the platform, which can be physically demanding and pose injury risks if not done correctly.
- Slower Deployment: More steps are involved in deploying the lift compared to cantilever or column types.
- Lower Load Capacity: Folding tail lifts usually cannot handle as heavy loads as cantilever lifts.
- Ground Clearance Issues: The under-vehicle storage means the tail lift can drag on steep driveways or uneven terrain.
- Cost-Effective: Column tail lifts are generally cheaper to purchase and maintain.
- High Lift Capability: They can lift loads higher than the vehicle deck, useful for vehicles with mezzanine decks.
- Quick Operation: The cycle time to open and close is faster than folding tail lifts.
- Lightweight and Easy to Retrofit: Suitable for smaller vehicles and easy to install.
- Lower Load Capacity: Typically limited to around 750 kg, making them unsuitable for very heavy loads.
- Fixed Platform Angle: The platform does not tilt, so the surface angle of the ground is critical for safe loading.
- Platform Size Limitations: The platform cannot be very deep due to capacity and leverage constraints.
- Not Suitable for Large Vehicles: Mainly used on smaller trucks and utes.
- Medium to Heavy Trucks: Folding tail lifts are more common due to their moderate load capacity and dock-friendly design.
- Small Trucks and Utes: Column tail lifts are preferred for their lower cost and ease of use.
- For heavier or frequent loads, folding tail lifts offer better capacity.
- For lighter, less frequent loads, column tail lifts provide a cost-effective solution.
- If loading at docks where the vehicle must seal tightly, folding tail lifts allow the doors to open fully without obstruction.
- If loading on uneven ground or steep driveways, column tail lifts provide better ground clearance and safer operation.
- Folding tail lifts require manual unfolding, which may pose risks without proper training.
- Column tail lifts operate more mechanically, reducing manual handling risks.
Choosing between a folding tail lift and a column tail lift depends on several factors including vehicle size, load requirements, loading environment, and budget. Folding tail lifts offer better dock compatibility and moderate load capacity but require manual handling and more ground clearance. Column tail lifts are cost-effective, faster to operate, and suitable for smaller vehicles with lighter loads but have lower capacity and fixed platform angles.
1. Can a folding tail lift be used on small trucks?
Folding tail lifts are generally designed for medium to heavy trucks. For small trucks and utes, column tail lifts are more common due to their lighter weight and cost-effectiveness.
2. What is the maximum load capacity of a column tail lift?
Column tail lifts typically have a maximum load capacity of around 750 kg, making them suitable for lighter loads.
3. Are folding tail lifts safer than column tail lifts?
Safety depends on proper use and training. Folding tail lifts require manual unfolding, which can pose injury risks if not handled correctly. Column tail lifts reduce manual handling but have other operational constraints.
4. Which tail lift type is better for refrigerated vehicles?
Folding tail lifts are preferred for refrigerated vehicles because they can be folded away to allow a tight seal between the truck and dock, helping maintain temperature control.
5. How does ground clearance affect tail lift choice?
Folding tail lifts require more ground clearance due to their under-vehicle storage, which can cause dragging on steep driveways. Column tail lifts offer better clearance and are safer in such conditions.
[1] https://www.drivingtests.co.nz/resources/should-you-choose-a-cantilever-column-or-folding-tail-lift/
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPxHYapz47M
[3] https://www.driverknowledgetests.com/resources/tail-lifts-and-tailgates-which-type-should-you-choose/
[4] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN103663142B/en
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[6] https://blog.csdn.net/weixin_45386937/article/details/113763997
[7] https://fleet-serv.co.uk/news/post/types-of-tail-lifts
[8] https://blog.csdn.net/guorui_java/article/details/139161524
[9] https://donbur.co.uk/faqs/product-knowledge/what-sort-of-tail-lifts-tail-lifts-are-there.html
[10] https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/kvl-chinese-technical-v1.00.xlsx
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