Categories
Platform
The history of the tail lift
Transportation underwent a revolution in the period 1950 to 1970. Transport by sailing ship and steam locomotive disappeared. The ocean liner was overtaken by the aeroplane, and cargo transport by sea grew enormously. It was the automobile, however, that truly changed things: the passenger car led to a mobility explosion, and the truck was barely able to keep up with the exponential industrialization.
Basic constructions of the tail lift
Tail lifts are divided into two types of lift constructions: The first is the parallel arm lift construction, where the mechanics of the tail lift are based on the principle of the parallelogram and raising and lowering are achieved entirely hydraulically.
Drive with a hydraulic cylinder
The double-acting cylinder retracts and extends the tail lift. The stroke of this cylinder corresponds to the slide-under length. The downside of this is that the cylinder is mounted far back under the cargo body, often in a hard-to-reach area above the axles.
Drive with a hydraulic motor
The biggest advantage of drive with a hydraulic motor is the direct power transfer at the two mounting plates, resulting in smooth, controlled movement, which is something that drive with a hydraulic cylinder cannot provide.
Safety
In 1995 CE regulations were established for the manufacture of tail lifts. CE stands for 'Conformité Européenne' and is a conformity marking. The label indicates that the manufacturer or importer declares that the products which carry the label meet the requirements in European directives (EC directives) that apply to these products.
Tail lift Flags and tail lift lighting
The main reason for good visibility of an open tail lift is to prevent road casualties that could occur as a result of collision with an open tail lift.
Hose break protection
Selenoid valves control the pressure, volume flow or flow direction of hydraulic fluids in the cylinder. Hose burst protection valves are screwed into a manifold block or directly into lift cylinders and tilt cylinders. These hose burst protection valves serve as a sort of hydraulic 'gate' that closes off all the cylinders until the valves are operated by a push button.
Speed control for opening and lowering
The main function of the lowering brake valve (brake valve) is to maintain a safe speed during lowering and closing of the tail lift. The maximum lowering speed is 0.15 m/s and the maximum opening speed is 4 degrees/second.
Cabine switch (TÜV)
The cabine switch, mounted on the dashboard in the driver's cab, is optional: this switch allows the operator to switch power to the tail lift on and off as well as protect the cab against unauthorized use. The switch is also equipped with an indicator that shows whether or not the platform is correctly stowed in the driving position, based on a signal from a mercury switch or tilt switch. A cabine switch is mandatory in Germany and optional in the rest of Europe (TÜV rule).
Marker of point of gravity
The marker of point of gravity shows the position of the load at maximum load and must be permanently affixed to the platform. In practice, this marking is either a pair of triangular plates, one on each side, to indicate the centre of gravity line or a centre point mark. For example, on a Bär Cargolift this is a rivet in the middle of the platform and on a Mariba it is a round plate, printed with the maximum load, located in the middle of the platform (the tail lift).
Mechanical platform locks
Mechanical platform locks ensure that the platform cannot open while driving.
Foot control
The foot control is fitted with a two-button control. Movement stops immediately when one of the two buttons is released. Accidents are prevented because the person who operates the foot control must place his feet on the foot buttons to operate the tail lift.
Control box
The control box is permanently mounted on the inside of the cargo body. This only has the drop and raise function, just like the manual controller. To ensure that the upper or lower limbs or the head cannot become trapped between the platform and the rear frame of the truck the inside control can only be operated from inside the cargo body. The inside control is often connected to the safety switch in the control box so that the outside control is disabled when the inside control is operated.
Manual control or remote control
The manual control (hand operated) has the same function as the foot control. Manual controls are available in two- and three-button versions. The manual control is used for raising and lowering. The third button, often in the middle, serves as a safety.
Remote radio control
It is very important to observe the safety requirements when a remote radio control is used. With this control it is possible to operate the tail lift from various locations. This includes: extension and retraction, opening and closing, raising and lowering.
AMA
AMA was founded by Mr Staartman in the Netherlands in 1981. Staartman moved the production of the AMA tail lift to Poland.
Anteo
Anteo was founded in 1969. In the beginning Anteo produced hydraulic cylinders to customer specifications.
Bär Cargolift
In 1981 Gerd Bär started Bär Ladebordwand in Heilbronn, Germany. In 1983 this company developed the first double-folded, fold-under tail lift. Following a large fire and relocation to a new site the turnover rose by more than 50%.
Dhollandia
Dhollandia was founded by Omer Dhollander in Belgium in 1968. With 43 years of experience in the world of hydraulic tail lifts, Dhollandia has grown to become Europe's number one manufacturer of hydraulic tail lifts, producing over 28,000 units per year.
Erhel-Hydris
Erhel Hydris International is one of today's most important brands of tail lifts for trucks and commercial vehicles. Erhel Hydris International offers products '100% made in France' that meet their customer's quality requirements.
Mbb-Palfinger
In 1932 Richard Palfinger started a metalworking company that mainly produced and repaired agricultural vehicles and trailers.