Light transport up to 3.5 t Lift gates

A lift gate, also called a tail lift, is a hydraulic platform mounted at the rear of the vehicle body. It functions as a movable bridge between the vehicle bed and the ground. When the operator activates the system, the lifting platform descends on hydraulic cylinders from the vehicle bed height to ground level, allowing cargo to be loaded or unloaded without the need for a ramp, dock, or manual lifting effort.

In modern logistics, lift gate equipped commercial vehicles are standard equipment for any transportation company that handles deliveries to locations without fixed loading infrastructure. The lifting platform removes the physical barrier between the vehicle and the delivery point – making it faster, safer, and more practical to handle heavy items, palletized goods, or equipment that cannot be carried by hand.

The tail lift on MAKO TSL’s Sprinter fleet uses a column lift design with hydraulic cylinders rated for the full load range of the vehicle body. The platform lowers smoothly to ground level, holds the cargo securely during movement, and raises back to vehicle bed height for transport. The mechanism is tested to full operational specification before dispatch and inspected on a regular maintenance schedule. Reliability is built into the system – not added as an afterthought.

For operators who need frequent access to goods at varying delivery locations across the Benelux region, the lift gate configuration is often the most practical dedicated transport solution available in the light commercial vehicle class.

Safe loading and unloading with lifting platform technology

The safety case for tail lift transport is straightforward. Manual loading and unloading of heavy items from a commercial vehicle bed generates a significant proportion of workplace handling incidents. A lifting platform eliminates the movement that causes most of these incidents – the transfer of a heavy load over a height difference without mechanical support.

MAKO TSL’s lift gate Sprinters are designed to prevent accidents at the loading and unloading stage. The hydraulic cylinders maintain a controlled, smooth descent and ascent. The platform surface is fitted with a non-slip finish. Safety features on the tail lift mechanism prevent unintended movement during cargo positioning. Operators work at ground level rather than on or below the vehicle bed, which significantly reduces the risk of falls and strain injuries.