Truck tail lifts commonly have rated capacities ranging from approximately 500 kg to 3,000 kg, while specialized equipment may fall outside this range. The usable capacity of a specific tail lift is the value shown on its identification plate and load chart, subject to the permitted load-center position.

A 1,500 kg rating does not mean every 1,500 kg object can be placed anywhere on the platform.

Capacity Depends on Load Position

The lifting system resists a turning effect called moment:

[ \text{Load moment}=\text{load weight}\times\text{horizontal distance} ]

The farther the load’s center of gravity is from the vehicle, the greater the load moment.

For example:

[ 1,000\text{ kg}\times0.6\text{ m}=600\text{ kg·m} ]

Moving the same load center to 1.0 m produces:

[ 1,000\text{ kg}\times1.0\text{ m}=1,000\text{ kg·m} ]

This is why manufacturers provide load-position instructions or a capacity diagram.

Count Everything on the Platform

The total includes:

• Product

• Pallet

• Pallet truck

• Roll cage

• Attachments

• Packaging or fixtures

• Operator only where the equipment and rules expressly permit it

Example

This combination is not suitable for a 1,000 kg tail lift even though the cargo alone weighs exactly 1,000 kg.

Typical Capacity Selection

Light Urban Delivery

Smaller tail lifts may support parcels, appliances, light roll cages, and low-weight commercial deliveries.

General Pallet Distribution

Mid-range capacities are often selected for standard palletized goods combined with a manual pallet truck.

Heavy Industrial Delivery

Higher-capacity equipment may be required for machinery, dense products, heavy pallet trucks, or demanding loading cycles. The truck chassis and axle loading must also support the installed system and cargo.

Other Limits That Matter

A suitable rated capacity does not resolve every issue. Confirm:

• Platform dimensions

• Load-center distance

• Platform deflection

• Wheel contact points

• Cargo stability

• Ground gradient

• Vehicle parking condition

• Rear-axle load

• Truck payload after installation

• Permitted duty cycle

• Maintenance condition

A compact heavy load may create concentrated wheel forces that require specific platform support.

Choosing Capacity for a Fleet

Do not select capacity from the average shipment. Use the heaviest intended combination that the fleet is genuinely expected to handle, including its pallet truck.

Then apply the manufacturer’s loading instructions and any required engineering margin. Overspecifying every vehicle also has disadvantages because a larger tail lift can cost more and reduce available payload.

Our Manufacturing Capability

Our factory manufactures hydraulic truck tail lifts with different platform materials, sizes, lifting capacities, controls, and mounting configurations. We also supply pallet trucks and other material-handling equipment used with the platforms.

As a heavy-duty commercial truck tail lift manufacturer, we review maximum cargo weight, pallet dimensions, handling-equipment weight, load-center position, truck-bed height, chassis space, operating frequency, and destination requirements. This information guides structural, hydraulic, electrical, and platform selection.

Capacity Answer

A tail lift can carry only the load permitted by its model plate and load diagram. Add the cargo, pallet, handling equipment, and all other permitted weight, then position the combined center of gravity within the approved loading zone. Never estimate capacity from platform size or appearance.