Yes, a liftgate can be added to a box truck. A delivery box truck is renowned for protecting goods as they are conveyed to different locations. As an extra benefit, the confined cargo area makes it possible for the delivery truck to carry more items than a conventional pickup truck. A box truck is designed to give commercial shipments when acquired from the factory.
What is a Liftgate?
A liftgate is a mechanical system attached to the rear of a box truck that brings down and facilitates shipments from the truck to the floor. It is required when transporting bulky cargo to different locations. The cost of a liftgate is approximately $45, the delivery fee is incorporated into the sum.
Liftgates are available in different forms, performing based on their features. It is imperative to take into account the things you’ll be hauling. The mass and proportions of the freight will determine the sort of liftgate you need for your box truck.
Liftgate Options for a Box Truck
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Conventional
The conventional liftgate is renowned in the industry as it stands upright against the truck body’s entrance when it’s not occupied. It will also assist in finding designs that act as the main entrance to the truck body. This is used for overall cargo loading, and it has massive systems with high hoisting abilities. It is cheaper compared to other liftgates.
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Rail Gate
Rail liftgates are capable of removing heavy and larger items due to their structure, and they tend to have more loading space than tuck-unders.
Whenever the deck is turned on, it reclines and moves straight upward and downward. They keep materials safe when turned on due to the straight up-and-down motion, which improves packing and offloading. Most people see this as a benefit because of the additional layer of protection against looters.
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Tuck-Away/Tuck-Under
The perfect time to use the tuck-away and tuck-under lifts are when they are yanked out, dropped, or unfolded as deck space. When it isn’t in use, fold it under your truck and keep it away from the freight door, thus the moniker. The tuck-under liftgate is well-known in the truck logistics sector because of this characteristic.
They are ideal for anyone who does not always need a liftgate for loading and offloading in their day-to-day operational processes since they stay out of the way unless required. Most people consider this type of rail gate because it provides flexibility when loading from a dock, with a forklift, or pallet lifts and dollies.
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Cantilever
A cantilever liftgate maintains freight level all through loading or unloading irrespective of landform. This kind of liftgate that can be adjusted in any manner necessary to keep it level with the ground, allowing transportation on exceptionally uneven terrain. It has a large interface that enables simple loading from either the back or sides.
This type of liftgate usually arrive with remote controls, so there is no need for conventional folding or unfurling of systems, and it is pallet-compliant and cart-welcoming. The only drawback is that, it could have clearance issues if the truck chassis includes rear fuel tanks.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Liftgate for a Box Truck
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Weight Capacity
Aside from size the and configuration, liftgate’s weight capacity and dimensions ought to handle not only the freight but also anything else that may be put on it, such as pallet jacks and individuals. Note that it is necessary to have an extra weight allotment on hand to prevent complications.
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Load and Unload Locations
Ensure you are aware of loading or unloading difficulties your delivery drivers may encounter, either on an elevated dock or at ground level. Whenever you need to drop off and pick up from both dock and the ground, you’ll need to get a liftgate that does not block the back side of your box truck. A tuck-under is preferable and can be considered.
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Vehicle Compatibility
With this, you would need to be careful and conscious of floor dimensions, sizes, and clearances. A thin lift, for instance, can never operate on a broad vehicle; however, a broad lift would not work on a slimmer vehicle.
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Platform Materials
Steel or Aluminum. In this classification, aluminum seems to last longer, and could cause more weight. It is ideal for large-scale application, but costly. While steel rusts easily and offers a limited lifespan. It is cheap and is most likely the best option for a small venture.
Conclusion
There are several factors to consider prior to adding a lift gate to your box truck. The various vehicle setups for flatbed, stake, or box truck liftgate applications can be innumerable. Truck owners must therefore look for a liftgate that is not just appropriately sized for their vehicle, but also a version that is right for the task and provides the comfort required.