Or the question: What do I generally need to know about using the tail lift?
A tail lift increases efficiency in goods handling – provided it is used correctly. In practice, however, it is often the case that even experienced users overlook fundamental aspects: the actual weight of the load is misjudged, (legal) regulations are not fully understood, or the loading process does not run smoothly.
This article summarises the most important practical rules in three lessons – for drivers who work with the tail lift on a daily basis, and for operators and fleet managers who are responsible for ensuring safe and compliant use.
Lesson I: Your load versus the lift’s maximum load capacity
Every tail-lift is designed for a maximum weight (the so-called load capacity). This load capacity in kilograms (kg) is always associated with a defined point on the platform – the so-called load centre in millimetres (mm). The load distance represents the centre of gravity for which the lift was designed and tested. You will find this information on the type plate on the lift as well as in the operating instructions.
As a general rule: the further the load is placed towards the tip of the platform, the lower the load capacity. Similarly, loading on one side reduces the load capacity – see blog post on load capacity with load diagrams. But what does this mean for your specific loading situation?
Pallet transport
If you are transporting pallets, you are likely to know the weight of each individual pallet. It is often forgotten that you need an industrial truck, such as a hand pallet truck or an electric pallet truck, to move the pallet.
Bear in mind that the sometimes considerable additional weight of the pallet truck is also part of your load on the platform!
In addition to the extra weight, the positioning of the load on the platform is a key consideration. The larger the platform, the more attention must be paid to this.
The tail lift achieves full performance at the load centre. Position the pallet centrally across the width of the platform and as close as possible to the bodywork!
Loading the load to the side or placing it at the tip of the platform reduces the load capacity.
Lower pallets before operating the lift to prevent them from rolling away unintentionally.
Click here for the blog post on palletised loads
Transport of trolleys
Individual roll containers are not usually as heavy as pallets. However, a roll container rarely comes on its own.
Trolleys must be placed on the platform against a roll-stop to prevent them from rolling away unintentionally.
Trolley stops are always positioned at the tip of the platform. In addition to the weight of the individual roll-off container, the number of containers plays a particularly important role.
Please note that the lift at the tip of the platform has a reduced load capacity!
Click here for the blog post on roll-off containers
What counts as part of the load?
Please note that everyone and everything that is lifted or lowered onto the platform is part of the load. Last but not least, this also includes the operator.
Lesson II: General guidelines – Dos and don’ts
You have already learnt about the correct positioning of loads on the platform Lesson I.
Don't - Tail-lift and forklift
Keep your hands off the tail lift and forklift! Both driving onto the platform with a forklift and loading the lifted platform with a forklift can cause irreversible damage!
Caution – Vehicle suspension and weight transfer
Take care when relocating the load within the vehicle during unloading: there is a risk that the vehicle may bottom out when the load is placed on the platform.
Caution – Correct use of the lift at the ramp
At the loading ramp, the platform must rest on the ramp by at least 150 mm before the load is driven over it.
When driving under the ramp, there should be at least 200 mm of clearance above the open platform.
A transition plate between the platform and the loading ramp is NOT permitted!
All this information can also be found on every tail lift. There is a sticker there from the European Tail Lift Manufacturers Association (ETMA).
Lesson III: Loading process
» Commissioning
Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling away.
Switch on the lift – see blog posts on controls.
Keep a safe distance and keep an eye on the platform’s range of movement!
Pay particular attention to crush and shearing points!
Move the platform into the working position – see blog posts on operating functions and controls.
» Loading and unloading
You can find out how your control element works in the blog posts on control elements.
Please respect the operating position on the platform! There you are protected from crushing and shearing hazards.
Pre-tensioning prevents the platform from sagging if it is loaded with heavy goods whilst unloading the vehicle. To do this, lift the platform a little bit longer after contact with the bodywork.
For safe unloading:
Tilt the empty platform into the correct position BEFORE LOADING.
Before moving the platform, secure the load to prevent it from rolling away or slipping! So: Lower the pallet, position the roll containers against the trolley stop and the operator standing at a safe position.
» Switch off
Move the platform into the driving position – see blog post on controls.
Switch off the lift – see blog post on controls.
If the indicator light in the cab remains lit after switching off, the platform is not yet in driving position. Correct this before setting off to prevent wear and tear.
If the warning light in the cab continues to flash after the lift has been switched off, there is a fault. Please contact your nearest service partner.
How does my lift work? HowToCargoLift has the answers
In the glossary, BÄR can only provide a general explanation of the operating and equipment options available. If you’re wondering exactly how your Bär Cargolift works, you’ll find the answer in the HowToCargoLift web application. To launch the online operating instructions for your Bär Cargolift, scan the QR code on the lift. The HowToCargoLift web application will then start with your lift’s serial number and answer the following questions:
- Which Bär Cargolift is it? To help you identify it, BÄR recommends the lexicon article on the type code.
- How do I switch on the lift?
- What safety instructions are there?
- How do the controls work?
- How does the trolley stop work (if fitted)?
- What load can be lifted? See also the load diagram in the lexicon article on load capacity.
- The lift has stopped working – what now? Information what to do in the event of a fault
HowToCargoLift is available in eleven languages. The content is presented using graphics, photos, YouTube videos and short texts. The instructions are based on the Cargolift configuration at the time of ordering. Therefore, BÄR can only display the equipment with which the Cargolift was delivered to the installation company. If additional components were added during installation, these cannot be displayed.
As an alternative to the QR code, you can also access HowToCargoLift online using your serial number: www.howtocargolift.com
Conclusion: Safe, compliant and efficient – with the right preparation
Anyone who understands the three key principles and applies them consistently will realise the full potential of their tail-lift: correctly assessing the load capacity prevents overloading and damage, knowledge of the applicable regulations ensures legal compliance, and a structured loading process saves time and minimises risks.
For anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge or systematically train their team, Bär Cargolift offers HowToCargoLift, a free online user manual – practical, accessible at any time and specifically designed for daily use.
Of course, you will find documents – such as operating manuals – available for download on this website.
Now you may be wondering: How can I order this? Contact BÄR!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The total load on the platform encompasses everything and everyone being lifted or lowered at any given moment, which strictly includes the transported goods, the transport equipment, and the operator. Exceeding these limits can cause structural damage. Adhering to the official weight specifications (see article on load capacity) helps maintain the certified performance and safety margins of Bar Cargolift tail lifts.
Consistency starts with training that covers commissioning, loading, and switch-off as a structured three-step routine — securing the vehicle, switching on the lift at a safe distance, and tilting an empty platform into position before any load is placed on it. Reinforcing habits like lowering pallets before operation and securing roll containers against the trolley stop significantly reduces incident risk across a fleet. Bar Cargolift tail lifts support this with the HowToCargoLift platform, giving every driver serial-number-specific instructions on demand - accessible by the QR code on the lift or online.
Roll containers should always be positioned against a roll-stop or trolley stop to prevent unintended movement. Since trolley stops are typically located at the platform tip, operators must also consider the reduced load capacity in this area. As well as the weight of individual roll containers, the number of containers transported at the same time is a particularly important factor. Safe roll-container handling is a key operating principle for Bar Cargolift tail lifts. Find the suitable Bar Cargolift with the product finder MyCargolift.
When utilizing a cable or radio remote control, designated footprints marked on the platform surface indicate the "assigned operating position" where the driver is safe from movement hazards. Advanced radio systems even monitor the distance to the vehicle, automatically deactivating operation if the operator moves too far away from the critical danger zone. This smart distance monitoring and clear spatial marking optimize user safety during the operation of Bar Cargolift tail lifts.
No. Driving a forklift onto a tail lift platform or loading a raised platform with a forklift can cause severe structural damage and creates significant safety risks. Manufacturers strongly prohibit this practice, including for Bar Cargolift tail lifts.
Pre-tensioning involves lifting the platform slightly longer after it reaches body level. This reduces platform sagging when heavy loads are transferred during unloading and contributes to smoother operation. This general rule is also useful for operators of Bar Cargolift tail lifts.