Lift Gates Key Terms

Elevate your understanding of lift gates key terms

Lift gates have been bearing the burden of heavy loads for more than 60 years. Knowing lift gates key terms can help you determine the size, style and specification to meet virtually any need. From small handicap lifts in vans and small buses to large rail lifts that load and unload thousands of pounds, lift gates can handle most any size load in a variety of applications.

If your business is in the market for lift gates, below is a handful of good-to-know terms to get you started in learning the ups and downs of the product.

 

Flipaway

The flipaway style of lift gate, also known as foldaway, slideaway or tuckaway, is made for both medium-duty and heavy-duty applications. The gate stores completely beneath the bottom rear of the vehicle, allowing easy dock loading and access to the rear door.
Try: Check out the selection of flipaway lift gates at Waltco, where you can also watch a quick video animation of how the flipaway style of lift gate works.

Rail

Rail-type lift gates are made for both medium- and heavy-duty lifting. They are versatile and have large platforms, making them the standard lift gate choice for many applications.
Try: There's a great graphic at Quality Truck & Equipment Company that shows and describes the features that come standard on many rail-type lift gates.

Pickup series

The term pickup series refers to the type of lift gates made specifically for use with pickup trucks. They are available to fit virtually all sizes of pickup trucks and generally used for light- to medium-duty applications.
Try: Take a look at the pickup series of liftgates available at Tommy Gate, complete with features, specifications and a photo gallery.

Conventional

Conventional lift gates have platforms that store flush against the back of a truck. The platform serves as a tailgate for vehicles that don't have a rear door or doors. They're designed for general freight loading and can be used with pickups as well as other trucks and trailers.
Try: Check out the nine conventional models at Anthony Liftgates, the company that invented lift gates and lays claim to a number of industry-first innovations since its inception in 1941.

Slider

The slider style of lift gate is a rear-mounted gate designed for use with virtually any dock configuration.
Try: Take a look at three different sliders, their capacities and the applications each is designed to be used in at Maxon Lift.

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