A lift gate is an enclosure at the rear of the truck that can be raised mechanically during the loading and unloading of cargo. It enhances the efficiency of shipping operations since the time taken to complete work is significantly reduced. Lift gates also help to reduce risks of accidental injuries when the cargo being handled is heavy. Lift gates are available for many sizes of vehicles, from standard vans to heavy trucks. To get the most out of a lift gate, it is essential to ensure to choose the right one. Here are the top three aspects to take into account when choosing a Truck Lift Gate.
Compatibility with the Truck’s Rear Door
There are many types and configurations of lift gates that are manufactured to match with different vehicle sizes. However, not all lift gate designs are compatible a compatible with a truck’s rear door. For instance, one cannot purchase a rail-style lift gate for a swing-open rear truck door. The rail-style lift gates are designed to attach to truck mounts that are positioned on the corner joints of the truck’s body. In swing-open rear truck doors, rails cannot be connected since the hinges are attached in the same position. Slider and cantilever lift gates are ideal for these types of rear doors.
Weight Capacity Requirements
Before choosing a lift gate, it is essential to determine the total weight capacity requirements. This includes the weight of the cargo, weight of loading devices and weight of the workers on the platform. These details will vary depending on the nature of the business and truck size. It is recommendable to overestimate the total weight capacity requirements in preparation for business growth. Moreover, this will help to extend the durability of the lift gate.
Compatibility with the Truck Bed Height
To allow the platform to operate correctly and safely, the lift gate must be compatible with the height of the truck bed. A short lift gate can cause loading and unloading difficulties, especially when using wheeled trolleys. On the other hand, a lift gate that has a higher elevation than the truck bed height may not open fully due to lack of enough clearance space.
These are some of the key factors to consider when choosing a Truck Lift Gate. For additional info about quality truck lift gates, please contact Truck Parts & Equipment Inc. You can also like them on Facebook.
