Tail lifts under the vehicle body
The first part of the tail lift types dealt with the most conspicuous type of lifting system. This is because the platform, which covers the rear of the vehicle, is almost impossible to miss. If the loading aid is rarely used or should not be in the way when loading and unloading at the ramp, tail lifts that can be driven under or folded under can be considered. Below you can find out more about how they work, the typical areas of application and the models available from Bär Cargolift:
Retractable tailgates with single folded platform
BÄR calls this type of tail lift RetFalt. When driving, these retractable lifts disappear completely under the vehicle body. This means that loading ramps can be approached without moving the lift. All these Cargolifts have a rail - the so-called sliding mechanism or guide rail - on which the folded platform is extended and retracted hydraulically, this means with the aid of a sliding cylinder. The platform is folded once by hand with the help of a spring relief..
Functionality
For operation, the platform package is extended hydraulically via the operating element - for example the Bär Control EVO operating unit. The aluminium platform is then unfolded by hand. The lift is now ready for use and the platform can be loaded. When the platform is raised and lowered, it automatically tilts up and down on the ground. After loading/unloading, the platform is folded back in by hand before the platform package is retracted - this means pulled back under the vehicle body - and raised.
If there is little space at the rear of the vehicle, it is possible that the platform must be extended further for folding than for operating. In this case, BÄR refers to this as an additional working position. More specifically; the platform package is extended as far as possible, the platform is unfolded manually and then retracted again slightly. The platform stops automatically at a sensor that signals to the operator the correct position for use when the platform is unfolded. After the lift has been used, the platform is fully extended again, folded up and then retracted hydraulically under the vehicle.
Areas of application
Retractable lifting systems are mainly used when the lift is not always needed. Or when the rear of the vehicle should not be covered. In long-distance transport or similar applications, partial loads or entire loads can be loaded or unloaded directly at the customer's premises where there is no ramp. RetFalt Cargolifts are also an advantage when transporting long materials that protrude from the loading area. The same applies to loading trucks with heavy forklift from the rear, where the lift remains protected under the vehicle body in the travelling position.
BÄR differentiates the RetFalt Cargolifts with single-fold platform according to the carrier vehicle.
» Retractable tailgates for mounting on trucks
RetFalt Cargolifts for mounting on lorries are:
- BC 1500 R21
- BC 1500 R4U
- BC 2000 R41
- BC 2000 R4U
- BC 2500 R41
- BC 3000 R41
» Retractable tailgates for fitting to semi-trailers
The RetFalt product group includes the following Cargolifts for mounting on semi-trailers:
- BC 2000 R2T
- BC 2000 R4C
- BC 2000 R4K
- BC 2000 R4T
- BC 2500 R4C
- BC 2500 R4K
- BC 2500 R4T
Wondering what this abbreviation means? In a nutshell:
BC stands for ‘Bär Cargolift’, followed by the load capacity (e.g. 2000 kg), R means RetFalt (retractable - can be driven under with the platform one time folded by hand), 4 indicates four cylinders, the letter after that indicates a special technical feature. Further information can be found in the article on the Bär Cargolift type code.
Retractable tailgates with double-folded platform
Just like the RetFalt product group, the Cargolifts of the Ret/HydFalt product group are located under the carrier vehicle during the drive. The folded platform extends horizontally with the aid of a sliding cylinder and a guide rail. The platform of these lifts is folded twice - either manually (BÄR then refers to this as RetFalt) or hydraulically using the control unit. BÄR refers to the hydraulic platform folding as HydFalt.
Compared to RetFalt Cargolifts with a single folded platform, Ret/HydFalt Cargolifts are more compact. As a result, they require less overhang - this means free space at the rear of the vehicle. At the same time, the double platform folding means additional work steps.
Functionality
As with RetFalt, the platform package of Ret/HydFalt Cargolifts is extended hydraulically via the operating element - for example the Bär Control EVO operating unit. The platform is then unfolded in two steps, either manually with spring support (RetFalt) or hydraulically (HydFalt) Depending on the fitment situation, it may be necessary to return the unfolded platform to the working position - meaning to move closer to the vehicle in order to be able to reach the loading floor (additional working position - see RetFalt function above).
The control element can be used to lift the unfolded platform to the loading floor or lower it to the road. On the ground, the platform automatically tilts up and down. After loading/unloading, the platform is fully extended, then folded in - manually (RetFalt) or hydraulically (HydFalt) – before the platform package is pulled under the vehicle body and automatically lifted. This braces the Cargolift in the travelling position.
Areas of application
Ret/HydFalt Cargolifts with double platform folding are more compact to mount. These Cargolifts can therefore also be used with a short body overhang. They can also be attached to BDF swap systems. The intelligent control system and additional sensors in the guiding rail make it easier to stop at different swap bodies in accordance with EN 284. In addition, two support arm stops and a folding bridge enable safe loading and unloading of the load with changing body lengths.
The product group Ret/HydFalt includes the following Cargolifts:
- BC 1500 R42 with double hand-folded platform
- BC 2000 R42 with double hand-folded platform
- BC 1500 H42 with double hydraulically folded platform
- BC 2000 H42 with double hydraulically folded platform
What does the product name say? In short:
BC stands for ‘Bär Cargolift’, followed by the load capacity (e.g. 2000 kg), R means RetFalt (an be driven or slided under with manually folded platform), while H stands for HydFalt (can be driven under with hydraulically folded platform), 4 indicates four cylinders, the following 2 indicates double platform folding. Further information can be found in the article on the Bär Cargolift type code.
Tuck-away lifts
In the truck driving position, the aluminium platform of the Bär Cargolift Falt is positioned diagonally under the body floor. When in use, the platform is folded twice manually with spring support. These lifts are used when a loading aid is rarely needed.
Functionality
During use, the platform is first lowered using the operating element - for example the Bär Control EVO operating unit. The platform is then unfolded twice. The lift is now ready for use. During lifting and lowering, the platform automatically tilts up and down on contact with the ground. After loading/unloading, both platform sections are folded in again manually. The folded platform is then lifted to the travelling position using the control unit.
Areas of application
Falt Cargolifts are used when a loading aid is rarely needed. They are available in two versions: If the platform inclination is to be adjustable in all height levels, the F4 version offers so-called inclination equalisation or tilt levelling using two inclination cylinders.
BÄR offers the following Cargolifts in the product group Falt:
- BC 1000 F2
- BC 1000 F4
- BC 1500 F2
- BC 1500 F4
- BC 2000 F2
- BC 2000 F4
What does the product name mean? In a nutshell:
BC stands for ‘Bär Cargolift’, followed by the load capacity (e.g. 1500 kg), F means Falt (tuck-away, can be folded under), 4 indicates four cylinders. You can find more information in the article on the Bär Cargolift type code.
Conclusion
After tail lift types part I and II, you have gained an overview of the lift types at Bär Cargolift. You can build on this basis!
The tail lift lexicon deals with the following questions:
- What load does the platform lift?
- Which vehicles can tail lifts be fitted to?
- How do I find the right tail lift?