Shenzhen Cadro Hydraulic Equipment Co.,Ltd
Views: 220 Author: cadrotaillift Publish Time: 2025-07-10 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Understanding Tail Lifts: An Overview
● What Is a Cantilever Tail Lift?
>> How It Works
>> Key Features and Advantages
>> Limitations
● What Is a Folding Tail Lift?
>> How It Works
>> Key Features and Advantages
>> Limitations
● Comparing Cantilever and Folding Tail Lifts
● Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Tail Lift
>> 1. Load Weight and Capacity Needs
● Additional Tail Lift Types for Context
● Maintenance and Safety Tips for Tail Lifts
● Conclusion: Which Tail Lift Is Best for Your Truck?
● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When it comes to choosing the right tail lift for your truck, the decision often boils down to two popular types: folding tail lifts and cantilever tail lifts. Both have their unique advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different operational needs and environments. This comprehensive guide will explore the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each type to help you make an informed choice for your truck.
Tail lifts are mechanical devices attached to the rear of trucks, vans, or utes that facilitate the loading and unloading of goods by lifting cargo from ground level to the vehicle's deck height and vice versa. They are essential in logistics, transportation, and delivery industries, improving efficiency and safety during handling operations.
There are several types of tail lifts available, including cantilever, folding, column, slider, tuck-under, and lift gates. However, this article focuses on the folding tail lift and cantilever tail lift, which are most commonly used on medium rigid and heavy rigid trucks.
A cantilever tail lift is characterized by a platform that forms part or all of the rear door of the truck. It operates using a hydraulic tilt ram that folds the platform up and down. The lift mechanism is attached to the truck's rear frame via a horizontal arm, similar to a cantilever beam, allowing the platform to extend backward from the vehicle.
- Quick Deployment: Opening a cantilever tail lift requires only two actions—folding open the platform and lowering it to the ground—making it faster to deploy than folding tail lifts.
- No Manual Handling: The entire operation is hydraulic or electric, so the driver does not need to manually handle heavy parts.
- No Rear Door to Open: Since the platform forms the rear door, the driver does not need to open separate doors, reducing the risk of stepping into traffic lanes.
- Higher Load Capacity: Cantilever tail lifts can handle heavier loads, with capacities reaching up to 10 tonnes in some models.
- Bridge Plate Capability: The platform can act as a bridge between the dock and the truck, facilitating easier loading/unloading.
- Better Ground Clearance: The design offers more clearance at the rear, reducing the risk of the lift mechanism hitting the ground on steep driveways or uneven terrain.
- Dock Loading Challenges: When backing up to refrigerated or sealed docks, the truck cannot form a tight seal because the tail lift must remain lowered or retracted.
- Forklift Restrictions: Heavy forklifts cannot load directly onto the truck if their weight exceeds the lift's capacity.
- Space Requirements: The platform extends outward, which may limit maneuverability in tight urban spaces or narrow loading areas.
A folding tail lift typically folds into multiple sections (usually two or four) and is stored vertically or horizontally under the truck's rear when not in use. There are two common varieties:
- Slider (Retractable) Tail Lift: Slides horizontally under the vehicle.
- Tuck-under (Tuck-away) Tail Lift: Folds up and tucks under the rear of the truck.
The driver usually needs to manually unfold or unfold and unfold the platform before use.
- Ideal for Dock Loading: The tail lift can be kept out of the way by folding it, allowing the truck to back directly up to a dock with doors opened, which is especially beneficial for refrigerated dock operations.
- Lighter Weight: Folding tail lifts tend to be lighter than cantilever lifts, which can slightly increase the truck's payload capacity and improve fuel economy.
- Compact Storage: When folded, the lift does not protrude from the truck, reducing the risk of damage during transit or maneuvering.
- Longer Deployment Time: The driver must manually open the tail lift, which takes more time compared to the cantilever type.
- Manual Handling Required: The driver must physically handle parts of the tail lift, which can be strenuous and potentially unsafe without proper training.
- Lower Load Capacity: Folding tail lifts generally have lower maximum lifting capacities, typically up to around 3,000 kg.
- No Bridge Plate Use: They cannot be used as a bridge plate unless equipped with additional forklift locks.
- Rear Door Access: The driver must open the tail lift and then the rear doors, which may require stepping into traffic lanes.
- Ground Clearance Issues: The folded lift sits under the truck's rear and can scrape the ground on steep driveways or uneven surfaces.
| Feature | Cantilever Tail Lift | Folding Tail Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment Speed | Faster, hydraulic operation | Slower, manual unfolding required |
| Load Capacity | Higher (up to 10 tonnes) | Lower (up to ~3,000 kg) |
| Driver Effort | Minimal, fully mechanical | Requires manual handling |
| Dock Loading | Less suitable due to platform extension | Excellent, tail lift folds away |
| Ground Clearance | Better, less risk of scraping | Risk of dragging on steep or uneven ground |
| Bridge Plate Function | Can be used as a bridge plate | Cannot be used without forklift locks |
| Weight | Heavier, may reduce payload capacity | Lighter, better for payload and fuel economy |
| Safety | Safer due to less manual handling | More risk due to manual operations |
| Cost | Generally more expensive | Usually less expensive |
Assess the typical weight of the goods you will be loading and unloading. If you regularly handle heavy or palletized loads exceeding 1,000 kg, a cantilever tail lift with a higher capacity is often preferable. For lighter loads, folding tail lifts may suffice.
- Dock Loading: Folding tail lifts are better suited for operations involving frequent dock loading, especially refrigerated docks where a tight seal is necessary.
- Urban or Tight Spaces: Cantilever tail lifts, despite their extension, may be better in urban environments where quick deployment is needed without manual handling.
Consider how much time and effort your drivers can spend on deploying the tail lift. Cantilever lifts offer quicker, hands-free operation, improving turnaround times.
Manual handling involved with folding tail lifts requires proper training to avoid injuries. Cantilever lifts reduce manual handling risks but still require operator awareness.
Folding tail lifts are generally more affordable upfront but may require more maintenance due to manual components. Cantilever lifts, while costlier, tend to be more durable and reliable over time.
While this article focuses on folding and cantilever tail lifts, it is useful to be aware of other types:
- Column Tail Lifts: Light-duty, cheaper, and suitable for small trucks or utes.
- Slider Tail Lifts: Platforms slide horizontally, combining features of column and tuck-under lifts.
- Tuck-under Tail Lifts: Compact and fold under the vehicle.
- Lift Gates: Simple, cost-effective for small to medium loads.
Each type has specific applications and benefits depending on vehicle size and cargo type.
Regardless of the type, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure safe and efficient operation:
- Inspect hydraulic systems for leaks.
- Lubricate joints and pivot points.
- Check electrical wiring and controls.
- Clean debris to prevent damage.
- Train operators on safe use and load limits.
Choosing between a folding tail lift and a cantilever tail lift depends largely on your operational needs:
- Opt for cantilever tail lifts if you require high lifting capacity, quick deployment, minimal manual handling, and the ability to use the lift as a bridge plate.
- Choose folding tail lifts if your operations involve frequent dock loading requiring unobstructed rear access, lighter loads, and you prefer a lighter lift that does not protrude during transit.
Evaluating your typical load weights, loading environment, driver safety, and budget will guide you to the right choice.
1. Can a folding tail lift handle heavy industrial loads?
Folding tail lifts typically have lower lifting capacities (up to about 3,000 kg) and may not be suitable for very heavy industrial loads, where cantilever lifts are preferred.
2. Is manual handling required for cantilever tail lifts?
No, cantilever tail lifts operate hydraulically or electrically, requiring minimal manual effort from the driver.
3. Can a cantilever tail lift be used as a bridge plate?
Yes, cantilever tail lifts can serve as a bridge plate between the truck and dock, facilitating easier loading.
4. Which tail lift is better for refrigerated dock loading?
Folding tail lifts are better suited for refrigerated dock loading because they fold away, allowing the truck to seal tightly against the dock.
5. How important is tail lift training for drivers?
Training is critical for all tail lift types to prevent injuries from crush hazards, falls, and overloading.
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