How to Choose the Best Liftgate for Your Work Vehicle

 

When it comes to selecting the right liftgate for your work vehicle, it’s essential to consider factors like load capacity, frequency of use, and specific industry needs. Liftgates serve as a critical tool in making loading and unloading more efficient, especially for contractors, landscapers, and delivery drivers who frequently move heavy materials, equipment, or products. The right liftgate can help improve productivity, reduce strain on workers, and ensure the safe transportation of goods. Choosing the right liftgate style for your needs is easy when you know the options and what they’re best suited for, so here’s what you need to know about some of the liftgate styles available to you!

Understanding Liftgate Styles

Tuck-Away Liftgates

Tuck-away liftgates are one of the most popular options for businesses in need of a versatile and compact solution. These liftgates are designed to “tuck away” underneath the truck bed when not in use, keeping the vehicle’s overall profile low and streamlined. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that need to maintain an unobstructed cargo area. 

Rail Liftgates

Rail liftgates, also known as “rail-style” or “slider” liftgates, are an excellent choice for vehicles which are transporting heavy items. As they can typically lift items up to 6,000 pounds, the platform can be raised and lowered to provide a sturdy surface for lifting heavy loads between the ground and the truck bed.

Lift and Dump Liftgates

As they provide quick and easy loading and unloading of cargo, Lift and Dump liftgates are popular for landscapers and contractors. Some models even have pins to lock the platform when it is not in dump-through mode.  

Pickup/Service Body Liftgates

These liftgates are flush against the tailgate of trucks and simplifies the loading/unloading of heavy cargo by raising and lowering goods between the truck’s cargo area and the ground. 

Cantilever Liftgates

Unlike other styles, cantilever liftgates extend outward without the need for a supporting column or side rails. This unique design allows for easier loading and unloading, especially in tighter spaces or situations where it’s important to avoid obstructions.

Selecting the Best Liftgate for Your Needs

When choosing the right liftgate, it’s important to think about how often you’ll be using it and the type and weight of cargo you’ll be transporting. Also, you need to understand what type of liftgate your vehicle can support. 

 

The experts at Levan Machine and Truck Equipment, can help you determine what liftgate will work best for your needs and vehicle. They offer a wide range of high-quality liftgates to meet the specific needs of contractors, landscapers, and delivery vehicles. The liftgates they offer are designed with durability, ease of use, and reliability in mind, ensuring your work truck or service vehicle is equipped for maximum productivity.

Installation Services

In addition to providing premium liftgates, Levan Machine and Truck Equipment also offers professional installation services to ensure that your liftgate operates at its best. Proper installation is critical to the long-term functionality of your liftgate, and our expert technicians have the experience and knowledge to install it securely and efficiently. We also offer ongoing maintenance services to keep your liftgate in top condition, helping to minimize downtime and extend the life of your equipment.

 

Selecting the right liftgate is an essential decision for contractors, landscapers, and delivery vehicles looking to enhance their operational efficiency. By considering your specific needs, you can choose a liftgate that works best for your business. Contact our team at Levan Machine and Truck Equipment today to learn more about our liftgate solutions and how we can help you enhance your fleet’s productivity!