Liftgate Basics reviewed for 2023 and Beyond

• What is a liftgate?
• What components make up a liftgate?
• What are the benefits of a liftgate?
• What is the purpose of a liftgate’s cylinder?
• What is the purpose of a liftgate’s power unit?
• What is the purpose of a liftgate’s platform?
• What types of liftgates are there?
• Who manufacturers liftgates?
• How many liftgates are there in the United States?
• How is a liftgate installed?

A truck liftgate is a mechanical device that is attached to the back or side of a truck or trailer and is used to raise and lower cargo from ground level to the bed of the truck or trailer. Liftgates are commonly found on delivery trucks, box trucks, and semi-trailers and are essential for loading and unloading heavy or bulky items that cannot be easily lifted by hand. They were created to reduce employee risk of injury, raise overall safety of the loading and unloading process, and increase productivity.

Liftgates most commonly consist of several mechanical components, including a platform, cylinders, framing, and a power unit.

The platform is the horizontal surface that is used to support and transport cargo. The platform can be one, two, or three separate pieces depending on the style of gate you have.  

The cylinders are hydraulic components that are used to power the movement of the platform. Cylinders commonly found on a liftgate include a push/pull, tilt, open (aka a “fold” cylinder), and close cylinders.

The power unit is a mechanical component that generates and provides the power needed to operate the liftgate. It will be complete with pump, motor, reservoir, solenoid, etc.  

Although the majority of models have a single power unit, some liftgates have dual power units - a primary and a secondary. The secondary power unit is commonly only a motor and pump without a reservoir. It has the same function as the primary unit and attaches to the primary power unit through a valve block.  

There are several benefits to using a truck liftgate:

1. Increased safety: Liftgates allow workers to load and unload cargo without having to manually lift heavy items, which reduces the risk of injury.
2. Improved efficiency: Liftgates can significantly speed up the loading and unloading process, especially for large or heavy items. This can help reduce downtime and increase productivity.
3. Greater versatility: Liftgates can be used to load and unload a wide range of cargo, including pallets, drums, furniture, appliances, and more.
4. Enhanced convenience: Liftgates make it easier to load and unload cargo from a truck or trailer, especially for those who do not have the physical strength or capability to lift heavy items.

Overall, truck liftgates are an essential tool for businesses that rely on trucks and trailers to transport goods. They provide increased safety, improved efficiency, greater versatility, and enhanced convenience, making them a valuable investment for the majority of companies.

The platform on a liftgate is the horizontal surface that is used to support and lift cargo. It is most commonly located at the back of a truck or trailer and is raised and lowered by the liftgate's cylinders.

The platform is an essential part of the liftgate and serves several important functions:

1. It provides a stable surface for loading and unloading cargo.
2. It allows workers to easily access the bed of the truck or trailer to load and unload cargo.
3. It can be used to load and unload a wide range of cargo, including pallets, drums, furniture, appliances, and more.

A liftgate’s platform is an essential component of the liftgate and plays a crucial role in the loading and unloading process.

There are several types of truck liftgates available on the market, each with their own unique features and benefits. Some common types of liftgates include:

1. Tuckaway gate: A tuckaway gate is a type of liftgate that can be tucked under the truck or trailer when not in use. Tuckaway gates are typically used on delivery trucks and are designed to be compact and easy to store.
2. Column Lift - One column on each side of the liftgate to raise and lower the platform.  
3. Railgate: Similar to a Column Lift. A railgate is a type of liftgate that uses a left and right rail to support and guide the movement of the platform. Rail gates are often used on delivery trucks and are designed to be more lightweight than a column lift and easy to operate.
4. Cantilever liftgate - Commonly consists of a solid platform that will fold up against the back of the truck. These gates can also take the place of a rear door, sealing the rear of the cargo body from the elements through a set of seals.
5. Side loader - The platform is located on the side of the trailer/truck instead of the back hence the name side loader. Used for curbside deliveries where loading docks are not available.
6. Gas bottle liftgate - Commonly a repurposed rail gate or column lift model to safely help raise and lower cylinders on the platform. These gates normally have side support chains and arms to help prevent the bottled gasses from being able to fall off a platform while in motion.

There are several companies that manufacture liftgates for trucks and trailers. Some of the leading manufacturers of liftgates include:

1. Maxon Lift: Maxon Lift is another leading manufacturer of liftgates for trucks and trailers. They offer a variety of liftgate models, including railgates, tuckaway gates, and platform gates.
2. Hiab (formerly Waltco Lift Corp): Waltco Lift Corp is a leading manufacturer of liftgates for trucks and trailers. They offer a wide range of liftgate models, including railgates, tuckaway gates, and platform gates. They are also currently supporting Ultron Lift Corp. and Zepro.
3. Palfinger, formerly known as Interlift, has offered all styles of gates since 1993. Known for high level engineering and reliable equipment.
4. Eagle Omaha Standard - a subsidiary of Palfinger but a separate entity unto themselves offer a smaller style gate for smaller vehicles.  
5. Thieman Tailgates: Thieman Tailgates is a well-respected manufacturer of liftgates for trucks and trailers. They offer a variety of liftgate models, including telescoping gates, platform gates, and swing gates.
6. Anthony Liftgates: Anthony Liftgates is a well-known manufacturer of liftgates for trucks and trailers. They offer a range of liftgate models, including telescoping gates, platform gates, and swing gates.
7. Leyman Liftgates
8. Tommy Gate: Tommy Gate is a leading manufacturer of liftgates for trucks and trailers. They offer a wide range of liftgate models for various applications, including delivery trucks, box trucks, and semi-trailers.

It is difficult to determine the exact number of liftgates in the United States, as liftgates are commonly found on a variety of vehicles including delivery trucks, box trucks, and semi-trailers. In addition, liftgates are often used by businesses that operate fleets of vehicles, which makes it difficult to accurately estimate the total number of liftgates in the country.

According to Trucking.org, in 2020 there were 38.9 million trucks registered and used for business purposes and 4.06 million trucks, including tractors and straight trucks, in operation in 2021. Many of these trucks are equipped with liftgates, though it is not clear how many of them have liftgates installed.

It is also worth noting that liftgates are not just found on trucks and trailers. They are also commonly found on other types of vehicles, such as buses and vans, which further complicates the task of estimating the total number of liftgates in the United States.

The process for installing a liftgate on a truck or trailer varies depending on the specific make and model of the liftgate. However, there are a few general steps that are typically involved in the installation process:

1. 1. Preparation: Before installing the liftgate, the vehicle must be prepared. This typically involves removing any existing hardware or equipment that may interfere with the installation of the liftgate.
   2. Mounting: The liftgate is then mounted to the back of the truck or trailer. This typically involves attaching brackets or other mounting hardware to the vehicle. Some liftgates are also directly welded to the vehicle or trailer.
   3. Wiring: The liftgate's electrical system must then be wired into the vehicle's electrical system. This typically involves running wires from the liftgate's power unit to the vehicle's battery and/or other electrical charging components.
   4. Hydraulics: The liftgate's hydraulic cylinder system must then be connected to the power unit of the gate.
   5. Testing: After the liftgate is installed, it should be tested to ensure that it is functioning properly. This typically involves activating the liftgate and raising and lowering the platform to verify that it is working correctly.

Overall, the process for installing a liftgate on a truck or trailer is typically complex because it requires electrical, hydraulic, and welding work to be completed. Installation requires a skilled mechanic to ensure that it is done properly - luckily, our team can frequently assist in finding a reputable installer near you.

At LiftGateMe we’re proud of what we do. In 2021, there was 10.93 billion tons of freight transported by trucks, many of which have liftgates to assist in a more efficient means of delivery. Because of this, it’s clear that our liftgate industry will continue to play a vital role in the transportation of goods and we’re proud to be a part of it.

We have over 30 years of combined experience here at LiftGateMe and we are here to help!

If you have any other questions about liftgates or have suggestions, please reach out, we’re here for you!

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