Shenzhen Cadro Hydraulic Equipment Co.,Ltd
Views: 220 Author: cadrotaillift Publish Time: 2025-08-12 Origin: Site
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>> Advantages of Column Tail Lifts
>> Disadvantages of Column Tail Lifts
>> Advantages of Cantilever Tail Lifts
>> Disadvantages of Cantilever Tail Lifts
● Which Tail Lift Should You Choose?
>> 1. What is the maximum weight a column tail lift can handle?
>> 2. Can cantilever tail lifts be used on small delivery vans?
>> 3. Are column tail lifts suitable for uneven loading surfaces?
>> 4. Do cantilever lifts serve as the rear door for the vehicle?
>> 5. Which tail lift type is faster to operate?
Tail lifts are essential mechanical devices installed on the rear of commercial vehicles such as trucks, vans, and lorries to facilitate the loading and unloading of goods. They enhance efficiency, reduce manual labor, and improve safety in the transport and logistics industry. Among the various types of tail lifts available, column tail lifts and cantilever tail lifts are two popular types, each with distinct characteristics suitable for different operational needs. This article explores the key differences between column and cantilever tail lifts, providing a comprehensive understanding of their design, functionality, advantages, and limitations.
Tail lifts, also known as liftgates in North America, are hydraulic or pneumatic platforms attached to the rear of vehicles. They allow goods to be lifted from ground level to the vehicle bed or lowered from the vehicle to the ground. This capability eliminates the need for separate lifting machinery such as forklifts for many loading tasks and offers a bridging solution between dock heights and vehicle beds.
There are several types of tail lifts, including column, cantilever, folding, tuckaway, retractable, and parallel arm lifts. This article specifically compares column and cantilever tail lifts, which are widely used in different types of delivery and transport scenarios.
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Column tail lifts feature vertical columns or tracks mounted on either side of the rear vehicle frame. The lifting platform extends vertically along these columns and opens outward at a 90-degree angle from the vehicle. The platform is raised and lowered entirely vertically, which allows it to lift loads higher than the vehicle bed level, an advantage for trailers with mezzanine decks or non-standard heights.
The frame supporting the column lift is robust, enabling it to handle significant lifting capacities, typically up to around 750kg to 2000kg depending on the model and manufacturer. The platform itself tends to be flat and sturdy but is limited to opening only at a right angle (90 degrees) from the column tracks.
- Quick Operation: The cycle time to deploy or stow the platform is very fast, making these lifts suitable for operations requiring many stops and rapid loading/unloading, such as home deliveries.
- High Lift Capability: Column lifts can reach heights above standard dock levels, beneficial for certain vehicle bed designs.
- Cost-Effective: Generally more affordable than cantilever lifts, adding to their popularity for light to medium-duty vehicles.
- Lightweight Construction: This helps maintain better fuel economy and payload capacity relative to some heavier tail lift designs.
- Limited Platform Angle: The platform only opens at 90 degrees and cannot be angled down to meet uneven ground, which can complicate loading on certain surfaces.
- Capacity Limits: Typically capped at lower weight limits (usually under 2000kg), making them unsuitable for very heavy goods.
- Platform Size: Due to capacity and leverage limitations, the platform depth is often smaller compared to cantilever lifts.
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Cantilever tail lifts are mounted on the chassis of the vehicle rather than on vertical columns. Their design includes hydraulic rams on hinges that allow the platform to tilt and extend downward to the ground. This mechanism enables the platform to serve not only as a lift but also as a ramp, offering greater operational flexibility. The platform often doubles as the rear door of the vehicle, eliminating the need for separate rear doors or shutters.
These lifts typically have a higher weight capacity than column lifts, ranging from around 1000kg up to as much as 10 tonnes in some heavy-duty models. Their ability to tilt and extend horizontally allows for easier loading of heavier and bulkier goods and better ground access.
- High Load Capacity: Cantilever lifts are ideal for handling heavy loads that exceed the capacity of column lifts.
- Dual Functionality: The tilting platform can act as a ramp, facilitating smooth loading and unloading.
- Eliminates Rear Doors: Since the platform forms or replaces the rear door, vehicle weight is reduced, and loading is more straightforward.
- Ground Alignment: The tilting ability allows the platform to meet uneven or sloped ground surfaces more effectively.
- Slower Operation: Their operational cycle is generally slower compared to column lifts, which can be a drawback for multi-drop or rapid-delivery routes.
- Loading Dock Limitations: Vehicles with cantilever tail lifts cannot back fully to the loading dock because the lift must have clearance to retract.
- Heavier Design: They tend to be heavier, affecting vehicle payload and fuel economy.
- Space Requirements: Due to the size and hinge mechanism, these lifts may require more rear space for operation.
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| Feature | Column Tail Lifts | Cantilever Tail Lifts |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting Location | Vertical columns attached to rear frame | Mounted on vehicle chassis with hinged arms |
| Platform Movement | Vertical lift, extends at 90 degrees | Tilts and extends downward, functioning as ramp |
| Load Capacity | Up to ~2000 kg | Ranges from 1000 kg to over 10,000 kg |
| Speed of Operation | Fast | Slower due to tilting mechanism |
| Platform Size and Depth | Smaller platform due to capacity and leverage constraints | Larger platform for heavy and bulky items |
| Ground Adaptability | Platform remains vertical; less adaptable on uneven ground | Platform tilts to meet ground effectively |
| Use Case Suitability | Multi-drop deliveries, frequent stops, lighter loads | Heavy-duty loading, large deliveries with fewer stops |
| Vehicle Rear Doors | Requires separate rear doors or shutters | Platform often replaces rear doors |
| Weight and Fuel Efficiency | Lighter, better fuel economy | Heavier, may reduce payload and fuel efficiency |
| Loading Dock Compatibility | Can back up fully to docks | Cannot back fully to dock due to tail lift clearance |
Choosing between a column and cantilever tail lift depends heavily on your specific operational requirements.
- Column Tail Lifts are best if you need a quick, efficient tail lift for lighter loads with many stops, typical of home delivery or smaller commercial vehicles. Their ability to raise loads above the bed is advantageous for specialized vehicles. Their quick cycle time is excellent for fast loading and unloading in urban or multi-drop settings.
- Cantilever Tail Lifts excel in handling heavier goods and larger loads where fewer stops are needed, such as bulky industrial deliveries. Their capacity and ramp functionality make them best for applications where heavy pallets or large equipment are frequently loaded.
Typically, column tail lifts handle loads up to around 2000kg, but most commonly operate under 1000kg depending on the model.
While cantilever lifts are often used on heavier vehicles, smaller versions do exist for vans, though they are more commonly found on larger trucks due to their size and weight.
Column lifts open only at a 90-degree angle and thus may not sit flush on uneven ground, which can complicate loading.
Yes, the platform of cantilever tail lifts often serves as the rear door or gate of the vehicle, eliminating the need for separate doors.
Column tail lifts generally have a faster operation cycle compared to cantilever lifts, making them more suitable for quick loading needs.
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