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What is a liftgate?
A liftgate is a device used to raise and lower items from ground level to the level of a tractor trailer. Beverage delivery companies delivering items with a van trailer can be 56 inches above the ground. Unlike traditional side-load trailers, these trailers are designed to load and unload at a loading dock or with a fork-lift. If your any of your delivery locations do not have a loading dock or forklift, then you may need a liftgate.
Choosing a liftgate
When making a liftgate purchase decision it is paramount that the original purpose of improving delivery route and driver productivity not be lost or forgotten. Far too frequently the decision is made on price without a clear understanding of the operating and user negatives attached. Base your decisions on a clear understanding of the range of load capacities and types (cases, pallets, carts), safety considerations, maintenance cost & damage expectations, flexibility in types of delivery and loading; including both dock delivery and parking lot pavement level, driver ease of use and convenience.
A basic rear mount conventional gate will be among the lowest cost alternatives with tuck-away gates in the same cost neighborhood. Neither of these types has the rail lift’s range of flexibility and use. Rear mount tuck-away gates probably experience the most damage and are clearly the least driver friendly gate design. Rail lift gates, as a class will be more expensive than conventional or tuck-away. But rail lifts are considered to be the most productive and flexible gate in types of delivery and loading uses along with superior driver ease of use, safety and convenience along with relatively low maintenance cost when properly and regularly serviced and maintained.
American Body is proud to be a liftgate dealer and liftgate warranty facility for industry leaders Leyman Liftgate, Thieman Tailgates, and SAF Holland Liftgates.
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