The back end of a Luton van is a busy, busy place. The rear of a Luton is where the tail lift is. The tail lift or platform happens to be one of the most important features of the vehicle. The practical use and efficiency of a tail lift makes such vehicles the preferred choice for man and van in Manchester. So why is a tail lift so important for whole removal and transportation process?
Quick and safe loading and unloading of items
The main advantage of Luton vans fitted with a tail lift is that heavy or bulky items can be easily loaded and unloaded without too much physical strain on behalf of the mover crews. This not only shortens loading/unloading time but also makes the process itself safer as movers don’t have to lift and struggle with heavy object during loading and offloading i.e. less chance of an injury.
Lifting and lowering of heavy objects or multiple items
A tail lift is invaluable help when trying to load and offload heavy or bulky objects to and from the cargo box. Most tail lifts fitted on Luton vans can lift up to five hundred kilograms of weight without too much strain. Furthermore, a tail lift can be loaded with multiple smaller sized boxes, crates or other containers which are then lifted to cargo box level and distributed properly inside the van quickly and safely by one or more members of the removal team.
Proper use and safe operation of a Luton van tail lift
It is essential to use a tail lift safely and properly to avoid physical injury and/or mechanical damage to the lift itself.
- Removal teams must be properly trained in safe use of tail lift, the platform is able to lift and lower items of up to five hundred kilos meaning it can easily crush or even sever limbs.
- Removal teams must always watch their step and mind their hands when lifting or lowering the platform, this also applies to items of clothing which can also get stuck in moving parts of the tail lift.
- Weight of load must always be distributed evenly across the platform during lifting and lowering procedures as to prevent physical injury (from falling objects) or damage to items.
- Tail lift must always be as levelled as possible when in operation, this will prevent damage to the platform’s mechanics and moving parts. Keeping the platform levelled is not always possible due to terrain and surface on which the vehicle is parked. This is usually compensated by placing struts or other type of support under the tail lift.
- Tail lift circuit breaker must be turned off when platform not in use or prior to maintenance and repair.
Types of tail lifts
Generally, 3.5 ton Luton vans are fitted with two types of tail lifts. In both cases the platform is electrically operated but one version uses a chain, the other uses hydraulics. Chain operated tail lifts are lower maintenance whereas hydraulic ones require more care but are less susceptible do damage.