What is a Tail Lift?

A tail lift (lifting platform) is a hydraulic platform at the rear of a truck that lowers to ground level and raises back to the load bed, making it easy to load and unload heavy goods without a forklift or loading dock.

How a tail lift works

The platform tilts from vertical to horizontal and is then raised or lowered, usually by hydraulic cylinders, operated from the platform itself or from controls on the side of the truck. Tail lifts are fitted to vehicles from small vans to articulated lorries.

Why tail lifts matter

A tail lift lets a driver deliver heavy or palletised goods at sites with no ramp or forklift, which is common in retail and last-mile delivery. Because deliveries depend on it, a poorly maintained tail lift can stop a tour, so upkeep is part of keeping the fleet available.