Tail Lifts

 

Everything you need to know

Tail lifts are mechanical devices installed on the rear of a lorry or van. Mostly hydraulic or pneumatically-driven, they allow the easy movement of goods from the ground or a loading dock into the vehicle, and vice versa. So let’s take a look at them in a little more depth.

How much weight can a tail lift hold?

The weight capacity of a tail lift will vary widely depending on firstly, its type, and secondly, the vehicle model it’s fitted to. For instance, tail lifts on Luton vans can typically handle up to 500 kg, while larger trucks and articulated lorries can accommodate weights up to 4000 kg.

Installing a tail lift involves a trade-off between the lift’s weight and its lifting capacity. The lift itself adds weight to the vehicle, thereby reducing the available payload capacity. For example, a lightweight tail lift suitable for a Luton van might weigh between 120 kg and 155 kg. With payload capacities for common Luton vans ranging somewhere between 1000 kg to 1200 kg, the additional weight of a tail lift needs to be considered. It might not be practical to install a heavy-duty tail lift that weighs 200 kg and can lift 750 kg.

 

What are the benefits of a tail lift?

Unless you enjoy hauling goods off the back of a truck by hand, tail lifts offer a convenient alternative.

 

Improved loading and unloading flexibility

Tail lifts allow easy loading and unloading in locations without dedicated loading docks. This flexibility allows businesses to deliver directly to customers who may not be set up properly for deliveries.

 

Operational efficiency

Eliminating the need for forklifts or other machinery, tail lifts streamline the loading process, saving time and labour costs. This is especially beneficial in urban environments where space and accessibility can be limited.

 

Reduced handling and damage

With tail lifts enabling the direct loading and unloading of goods from the ground, they bypass additional handling steps that might occur in hubs or transfer points. This minimises the number of contact points with the goods, reducing the risk of damage, theft and handling errors.

 

Lower emissions

Removing transfer points from the delivery equation, vehicles with tail lifts can reduce the overall driving distance, leading to lower CO2 emissions.

 

Health and safety improvements

Tail lifts reduce the physical strain on workers by handling heavy loads mechanically, lowering the risk of injuries. They can also be fitted with safety features like rails to further improve operational safety.

Despite the benefits, tail lifts also present some challenges. They need regular maintenance and inspections to keep them safe and operational – and also require an upfront investment as well as their ongoing maintenance costs.

 

What is a Luton tail lift van?

A Luton tail lift van is a type of light commercial vehicle known for its distinctive box-shaped body that extends over the cab, providing extra cargo space. They originated in Luton, UK (hence the name), back in the 1930s, and were initially designed to transport large volumes of straw for the straw hat industry. While the popularity of straw hats might have shrunk of late, Luton vans are thriving. The addition of a tail lift has made them a veritable workhorse of the logistics business for some good reasons.

• Versatility

Luton vans are popular for a variety of uses, including home removals, transporting building materials and medium-range haulage. The enclosed box design makes Lutons ideal for protecting goods from the elements (as well as prying eyes and sticky fingers).

• Ease of Use

The tail lift simplifies the process of moving heavy items, reducing the need for multiple personnel during loading and unloading.

• Driver-Friendly

While you need a specialist licence to drive a heavy goods vehicle, Luton vans can typically be driven with a standard UK driving licence, making them accessible for many more drivers. They also feature comfortable cabs as well as good visibility that makes manoeuvring them much safer and easier.

• Capacity

A typical Luton van with a tail lift, like the Ford Transit Luton Tail Lift, offers cargo space with dimensions around 4.1 metres long, 2 metres wide, and 2.1 metres high. As mentioned, the tail lift usually supports up to 500 kg.

So there you have it. If you have any other questions about tail lifts, Luton vans or any other logistics queries, contact us here.