FOUR IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK

Weight of the load to be lifted?

It is important to establish the weight of each pallet or loading unit and the maximum number of units to be loaded or unloaded at any given time, in order to estimate the minimum lifting capacity of the lift required.  i.e.  if the maximum load is estimated at 1100kg, then a 1500kg capacity lift should be selected.

Type of load being handled (pallets or roll cages)?

The different types of loads being transported are numerous, but in general fall into two main categories:

Non-mobile loads such as pallets or stillages

Mobile loads, such as roll cages or trolleys.

The size (rather than the weight) of the load will determine the size of platform required.

Type and size of vehicle/trailer being used?

The size and capacity of the vehicle must also be taken into account when choosing the lift – a large heavy lift on a small vehicle may render the vehicle unsafe and infringe the vehicle warranty.

As a general rule:

	Vehicle Type	Lift Capacity
	Factory Built Panel Vans	125-500kg
	3.5 to 7.5 tonne chassis cabs	500kg to 1000kg
	7.5 to 17 tonne chassis cabs	1000kg to 1500kg
	Semi trailers and 17 tonne +	1500kg to 2000kg
	As above	(special applications 3000kg, road jacks required)

There is some overlap on chassis sizes but unless there is a special application, these rules should apply.  If a large lift is being fitted to a light chassis advice from the chassis manufacturer should be sought, as ground jacks may be required.

Type of Distribution Operation (demount bodies, loading docks, kerbside)?

The final consideration is the type of distribution operation being used.  Most operations fall into one of the following types.

Docking Loading

If the platform depth exceeds the vehicle floor height, the platform could become a hazard.  Retractable, Tuk-a-Way or column lifts with a folding platform may suit this type of operation.

Fork Truck Loading

Again, if the platform depth exceeds the floor height when the vehicle is fully laden, there may be a problem.  However, this is often overcome by having side curtains or doors – also see comments above.  Never drive a fork truck onto or over the platform.

Demount Body Systems

When using a demount body system it makes good commercial sense to fit a chassis mounted lift to each vehicle, rather than a column lift to every box, (unless the lift is required to load/unload the box when in its demount state) together with special long runners. (note: auxiliary batteries and clang couplings would then be required).

Multi-Drop where lift is not always needed

In multi-drop applications, time can be lost by lowering the platform clear of the rear aperture, even when the load is manually handled.  In many cases a Tuk-a-Way model (stowed under the chassis) or half-width platform cantilever (leaving half the rear aperture clear) could resolve the problem and give optimum efficiency.

Rental Use

In the main, Rental vehicles are used by people who have no or very limited experience of using tail lifts.  Column lifts operated by simple two button controls are strongly recommended for this application.

Temperature Controlled Loads

Since the introduction of insulated shutters, it is now possible to fit almost any type of lift to a fridge vehicle. However we do not recommend a Tuk-a-Way model since insulation is lost via the floor end plate.