Recent years have seen a number of technical developments in the tail lift industry, ranging from the incorporation of smart technology to more eco-friendly and economical designs. The efficiency, security and adaptability of tail lifts are being revolutionised by these modifications, making them essential for material handling, transportation and logistics.
One important development is the integration of smart technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT). These days, modern tail lifts come with sensors that allow operating performance to be checked in real time. By supplying predictive maintenance data, these sensors lessen downtime and avert unplanned malfunctions. For instance, sensors can identify the amounts of hydraulic fluid, component wear and general system health. Long-term cost reductions are achieved by this technique as it increases equipment longevity and enhances dependability.
Tailored lifting solutions
The industry is seeing a rise in the customisation of tail lifts to accommodate various vehicle types and operating requirements. Highly specialised platforms are provided by manufacturers for a range of sectors, including waste management, emergency medical services and logistics. Due to their specialised cargo and vehicle configuration handling capabilities, these tail lifts provide increased flexibility and operating efficiency across industries.
Palfinger offers individual software solutions, specially adapted to the daily processes of the individual customer. This is partly due to its powerful circuit boards, but also because Palfinger maintains its own department devoted to the interaction of control, sensor technology, and software. This not only impacts speed, but also safety, efficiency, and the implementation of different regional standards.
End-users and bodybuilders require different things from tail lifts. Operators want them to be reliable, robust, and lightweight, while bodybuilders demand solutions that are easy to install and minimise fitting costs. Palfinger’s PTC 1000 LLW ticks both boxes.
As the lightest 1,000kg tail lift for the 5- to 7.99-tonne segment on the market, this tail lift sets a new industry benchmark. This makes it suitable for users looking to maximise payloads while reducing their carbon footprint due to lower fuel consumption.
Green and energy efficient
Manufacturers of tail lifts are reacting to the growing emphasis on sustainability in the transportation industry by launching electric and hybrid variants. These models are appropriate for use in ecologically sensitive locations or in places where noise regulations are in effect, since they drastically minimise emissions and noise pollution. In order to be compatible with greener fleets, the transition to electric tail lifts also fits with the larger movement in logistics towards electric vehicles.
Certain manufacturers are creating lifts equipped with regenerative braking systems and solar charging kits. For instance, Maxon Lift Corp provides a solution that lessens the need for conventional power sources by using the vehicle's lighting system to create electricity for the tail lift‘s battery while it is in use. This invention helps fleet operators achieve their environmental goals while simultaneously cutting operating expenses.
Hiab UK provides solar charging solutions to help power tail lifts which help reduce emissions on traditional internal combustion engine vehicles or protect the range of electric vehicles. The modular solar panels are lightweight, less than 3mm thick and easy to install as a retrofit to any vehicle.
Dhollandia showcased a tail lift with adjustable speeds at IAA Transportation exhibition in Hanover in September 2024. In this concept, which the company claims is probably a world first in the tail lift industry, proportional valves and a brushless motor with adjustable rpm allow adjustable and programmable speed of movement leading to significant improvement in terms of safety for operators.
Additionally, Dhollandia expects a lower amperage consumption per cycle, which it says will result in improved battery usage, including a longer range on electrical distribution vehicles, or an increased number of lift cycles within a given ‘power budget‘.
Finally, conventional DC motors with carbon brushes are relatively susceptible to premature wear or, in the worst case, failure if being exposed to too low battery tension for excessive lengths of time or on a repetitive basis (low-voltage abuse). Brushless electromotors are expected to perform better in low voltage conditions and contribute to the longevity of the tail lift.
Enhanced safety features
Given the large weights involved, safety has always been a top priority in tail lift operations. As a result, producers are reducing the amount of physical involvement by incorporating sophisticated hydraulic systems and computer controls. In order to improve operator control and safety and reduce mishaps brought on by clumsy handling or damp surfaces, many lifts now come equipped with wireless remote controls and non-slip surfaces.
Emergency stop systems, which guarantee that the lift can be stopped right away in the event of a failure, are another example of safety advancements. Certain versions come with grip strut platforms, which improve traction and are particularly helpful in sectors such as construction where hazards from waste and uneven ground might arise.
Falling from heights has been a genuine concern in the development of the tail lift-specific CE safety standards in the last ten years (EN-1756-1). For many decades, a variety of guard rails have been developed to prevent operators from falling off the side edges of the platform. But participants in the technical CE work groups have also highlighted the limitations and certain negative consequences of guard rails.
Perimeter marking is one of the alternatives advanced by tail lift manufacturers to increase the visibility of the edge of the platform to operators. Dhollandia can install side-marker flashing lights alongside the side edges of platforms. For night-time (off-)loading activities, flashing electric side-marker lights offer advantages over the painted perimeter marking.
Dhollandia has also introduced illuminated roll-stops, increasing the visibility of the platform for nearing cars and trucks in traffic, as well as the visibility of the roll-stops themselves for the operator manoeuvring pallets or trolleys around on the platform in dark conditions.
The future of tail lifts
The tail lift sector is about to undergo further changes. Forecasts indicate that the worldwide market will likely keep expanding, reaching a value of more than US$148 billion by 2034. A large portion of this development is being driven by fleet operators‘ desire to lower costs, increase operating efficiency, and comply with environmental requirements. These operators are turning towards smart technology, green energy solutions and safety features.
The transportation of goods will change as new technologies such as IoT integration and sustainable power sources proliferate, improving the sector‘s efficiency, safety and environmental impact. In the fields of emergency services, waste management or logistics, the newest developments in tail lift technology provide a multitude of prospects to optimise operations.
