Shenzhen Cadro Hydraulic Equipment Co.,Ltd
Views: 220 Author: cadrotaillift Publish Time: 2025-08-03 Origin: Site
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>> How Cantilever Tail Lifts Work
>> Advantages of Cantilever Tail Lifts
>> Disadvantages of Cantilever Tail Lifts
>> How Folding Tail Lifts Work
>> Advantages of Folding Tail Lifts
>> Disadvantages of Folding Tail Lifts
● Comparing Cantilever and Folding Tail Lifts
>> Safety Training and Precautions
● FAQs: Related Questions About Cantilever and Folding Tail Lifts
Tail lifts are essential equipment in the logistics, delivery, and transport industries, designed to facilitate the loading and unloading of goods from trucks, vans, and other commercial vehicles. Among the various types of tail lifts available, cantilever and folding tail lifts are two common designs, each with distinct characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Understanding the differences between these two types can help businesses and operators choose the most suitable tail lift to optimize their workflow, safety, and vehicle performance.
A tail lift, also known as a tailgate lift, is a hydraulic or mechanical device fitted to the rear of a vehicle to raise and lower goods between the ground and the vehicle's load platform. By doing so, it reduces the need for manual lifting, protecting workers from injury and speeding up the loading/unloading process. Tail lifts come in various types, but cantilever and folding tail lifts are prominently used on medium and heavy trucks.
A cantilever tail lift consists of a platform that forms all or part of the vehicle's rear door. The platform is attached via a hydraulic tilt ram, allowing it to fold down smoothly into a horizontal position for loading and unloading and then fold back up to form the closed rear door of the vehicle.
- The platform folds down from a vertical position, forming a bridge between the vehicle bed and the ground.
- This operation typically requires just two steps: unfolding the platform and lowering it.
- The hydraulic system powers the entire process, reducing the need for manual effort.
- When not in use, the tail lift folds vertically, sealing the back of the vehicle.
- Quick Deployment: Because only two actions are needed to operate, cantilever lifts deploy faster than folding types, saving valuable time for drivers.
- No Manual Handling: The hydraulic operation removes the physical strain on drivers, who do not need to manually unfold or manipulate heavy components.
- Greater Load Capacity: Cantilever tail lifts can handle larger loads, with some units rated as high as 10 tonnes.
- Bridge Plate Capability: They provide solid support as a bridge plate between the truck and loading docks, improving loading stability.
- Safety and Convenience: Drivers do not have to walk into traffic lanes to open rear doors since the platform serves as the door itself.
- Ground Clearance: The tail lift mechanism doesn't hang below the vehicle, reducing the risk of scraping on steep driveways or rough terrain.
- Docking Limitations: Trucks equipped with cantilever lifts cannot always back fully up to chillers or docks because the lift requires clearance to retract.
- Forklift Restrictions: Heavy forklifts cannot directly load into the back of the truck if their weight exceeds the platform's rated capacity.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Due to the design, these lifts are primarily suitable for certain truck types and may not be adaptable for all vehicles.
Folding tail lifts are platforms that fold in halves or multiple sections and stow underneath or behind the vehicle chassis when not in use. There are two common types within this category:
- Slider (Retractable) Tail Lifts: The platform slides out horizontally before being unfolded and lowered.
- Tuck-Under (Tuck-Away) Tail Lifts: The platform folds under the vehicle chassis and unfolds when deployed.
- The driver manually unfolds the platform after sliding or lowering it into position.
- The lift is then lowered hydraulically until it touches the ground.
- The loading/unloading process takes place on the unfolded platform.
- After use, the platform is folded and retracted back under or behind the vehicle.
- Dock Loading Friendly: Folding lifts are ideal for vehicles frequently loaded at docks, as the lift can be tucked away to allow trucks to back flush against the dock doors.
- Lighter Weight: These lifts tend to be lighter than cantilever lifts, slightly increasing the truck's overall payload capacity and potentially improving fuel efficiency.
- Compact Storage: The foldable design allows the lift to be neatly stowed, reducing the rear overhang and risk of damage.
- Good for Smaller Vehicles: Folding lifts can often be adapted for smaller trucks or vans better than cantilever lifts.
- Slower Deployment: The manual unfolding makes them slower to deploy than the fully hydraulic cantilever lifts.
- Manual Effort Required: Drivers need to handle the tail lift manually, which can be physically demanding and may present injury risks.
- Lower Load Capacity: Typically, folding tail lifts have lower rated capacities, with many models maxing out around 3,000 kilograms.
- Limited Bridge Plate Use: Unless specific forklift locks are installed, folding tail lifts cannot be safely used as bridge plates.
- Ground Clearance Risks: Because the folded platform usually sits underneath the rear of the truck, there is a risk it may scrape or drag when entering or exiting steep ramps or driveways.
- Safety Concerns: Drivers must open the tail lift and then access rear doors, sometimes walking into traffic lanes, which poses a safety risk.
| Feature | Cantilever Tail Lift | Folding Tail Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Load Capacity | Up to approximately 10 tonnes | Generally up to 3 tonnes |
| Deployment Time | Quick, hydraulic-powered | Slower, often requires manual unfolding |
| Manual Handling Required | No | Yes |
| Dock Loading Suitability | Limited by lift retraction space | Ideal, folds away for flush docking |
| Ground Clearance | Higher, less risk of scraping | Lower, risk of dragging on slopes |
| Weight Impact on Vehicle | Heavier, may reduce payload slightly | Lighter, allows slightly more payload |
| Bridge Plate Use | Generally possible and stable | Limited unless equipped with special locks |
| Safety Considerations | Safer for driver, less need to enter traffic | Requires caution, driver may enter traffic |
- Cantilever tail lifts are generally suited to medium to heavy trucks where quick, high-capacity loading and unloading is needed.
- Folding tail lifts are more common on distribution vehicles that frequently back into docks or smaller trucks where weight and space savings are essential.
- Cantilever lifts tend to have fewer moving parts exposed to damage since the platform moves as a single piece, potentially leading to lower maintenance.
- Folding lifts, with their multiple folding sections and sliding mechanisms, may require more regular maintenance.
Regardless of the tail lift type, proper training is essential. Operators should be aware of crush injury risks, load stability, overloading dangers, and safe operational procedures to minimize accidents.
1. Which tail lift type is easier to operate for drivers?
Cantilever tail lifts are easier to operate as they are hydraulically controlled and require minimal manual effort, whereas folding tail lifts often require the driver to manually unfold the platform.
2. Can folding tail lifts support as much weight as cantilever tail lifts?
No, folding tail lifts generally have lower load capacities, typically up to around 3,000 kg, while cantilever lifts can handle loads approaching 10 tonnes.
3. Are cantilever tail lifts better for dock loading?
Not necessarily; cantilever lifts may prevent trucks from backing directly against docks due to the lift's need for clearance, making folding tail lifts more suitable for dock loading.
4. Do folding tail lifts pose more safety risks?
They can, due to the manual handling involved and the driver potentially walking into traffic lanes to secure the tail lift and rear doors.
5. How does ground clearance affect tail lift choice?
Cantilever lifts usually have better ground clearance because they fold up vertically and do not hang below the vehicle. Folding lifts, stored underneath, risk dragging on steep driveways or ramps.
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[2] https://www.pmeautoconversions.com.au/access/lifts-and-hoists/rear-access-lifts
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