Lift Gates Basics

Learn the ups and downs of lift gates
By Harrison Howe If any part of your business involves loading or unloading freight, you'll likely benefit from installing lift gates on your trucks or vans. Lift gates attach to the back or sides of most trucks, providing a platform that can be raised or lowered to make moving most any object, from appliances to freight, much easier. No matter how they are used, lift gates can be a great asset to your company.

You can attach a hydraulic lift gate to the back or side of your cargo van, or industrial lift gates to box trucks or dump trucks. Some lift gate suppliers can even make a custom lift gate, within reason, to fit the type of truck you're currently using. If you're ready to find a lift gate for sale, consider these lift gates basics before making a purchase:

1. See the many types of lift gates available;

2. Find out what types of trucks can utilize lift gates;

3. Learn about specialty lift gates for use on specific jobs.

View the different types of lift gates available from the top lift gate manufacturers

While the main function of lift gates is to lower and raise anything from boxes to furniture, many of the top lift gate manufacturers provide more than one type of product. From slide-away or foldaway to security lift gates, determine which is best for your work or vehicle type through checking out product specifications and features.
Try:  Waltco Hydraulic Liftgates offers conventional, slide-away, foldaway, rail-type and even side loading lift gates, and you can view each one and download spec sheets on their website. Get specifics and watch an animated video about the SLP Hide-A-Way platform from Leyman Lift Gates.

Make sure your business vehicles can easily accommodate lift gates

If you're making occasional deliveries in lightweight pick-up trucks or SUVs, chances are you won't need or even be able to install lift gates. Check out which types of trucks are best for use with lift gates, and which lift gates are best for certain kinds of trucks, before you decide to purchase lift gates.
Try:  Leading lift gate manufacturer Tommy Gate has a product series designed for different types of truck bodies, from utility truck bodies to dump truck bodies and more. See lift gates on cargo vans, cube trucks, dump trucks, full-sized pick-up trucks and more at NBC Truck Equipment.

Utilize lift gates designed for specific uses

When it comes to lift gates, one size, or type, does not fit all. Depending on what you're using lift gates for, you may need side rails, larger platforms, higher load capacities or other specific requirements that some lift gates cannot offer. In these instances, you'll have to turn to specialty lift gates.
Try:  Maxon offers a few specialty lift gate models, such as swivel loaders or lift gates with special cylinder securing systems for transporting gas cylinders or bottles. Anthony LiftGates has heavy-duty and medium gas bottle lift gates to meet all the delivery needs of that specific type of business. Ezy-Lift manufactures an innovative lift system designed specifically for use in pick-up trucks.

• Always lower a lift gate all the way to the ground before loading or unloading contents to avoid injury or accidents.