
A hydraulic liftgate for a box truck is a crucial component for efficient loading and unloading of goods. It's an industry standard for many box truck operators.
The most common type of hydraulic liftgate is the scissor liftgate, which uses a scissor-like mechanism to lift the gate up and down. This type of liftgate is widely used due to its reliability and durability.
Box truck operators often prefer hydraulic liftgates because they can handle heavy loads with ease, up to 3,000 pounds or more, depending on the model. This is a significant advantage over manual liftgates, which can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Some box truck operators may opt for a hydraulic liftgate with a higher lift height, such as 60 inches or more, to accommodate larger cargo. This can be especially useful for operators who need to transport oversized or heavy items.
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Liftgate Basics
To choose the right hydraulic liftgate for your box truck, you need to consider a few essential factors.

First, you must think about the maximum weight the liftgate will need to lift. This will help narrow down your options and ensure you get a liftgate that can handle the job.
A Railgate's load width can vary slightly depending on its design features, so it's not always a straightforward measurement. For example, a Railgate's stated load width of 83 inches can be closer to 80 or 81 inches at the platform's back.
If you're planning to transport heavy loads, you'll want to look for a liftgate with a high maximum permissible lifting capability. This will give you more flexibility and options for your specific needs.
Consider the type of cargo you'll be lifting and whether it requires any special features, such as a Cart Stop or Retention Ramp. These can be a big help if you're working with heavy or bulky items.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
- Load width: 83 inches (but can vary depending on design features)
- Maximum permissible lifting capability: varies depending on the liftgate and its intended use
- Special features: Cart Stop or Retention Ramp may be necessary for certain types of cargo
- Corrosion resistance: important for operators in very corrosive locations
- Loading surface material: should allow liquids to flow through it for easy cleaning
What Will the Liftgate Be Lifting?

To choose the right liftgate, you need to consider what it will be lifting. This might seem obvious, but it's crucial in determining the necessary style, lifting capability, and platform size.
The load width is a critical factor, as it can vary depending on the liftgate's design features. For example, a Railgate's stated load width of 83 inches can be closer to 80 or 81 inches at the platform's back.
You should consider every possible scenario to determine the space needed for loading. This includes thinking about the self-closing mechanisms and other design features that might affect the load width.
The maximum permissible lifting capability is also a key consideration. If you know the liftgate will never have to move more than 800 pounds at a time, you'll have a greater selection of lifts to choose from.
Lifting equipment that requires wheels or a cart often benefits from a Cart Stop or Retention Ramp. However, these features are not always standard on Railgate and Tuckunder versions, so be sure to ask about them when considering your next liftgate.
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Operators in very corrosive locations will want a platform resistant to corrosion. Those transporting liquids that are easily spilled will benefit from a loading surface made of a material that enables liquid to flow through it.
Here are some key factors to consider when determining what your liftgate will be lifting:
- Load width: Consider the self-closing mechanisms and other design features that might affect the load width.
- Maximum permissible lifting capability: Determine the weight of everything that will be on the liftgate at a given time.
- Corrosion resistance: Choose a platform that can withstand corrosive environments.
- Loading surface material: Select a material that allows liquids to flow through it.
Industry Standard in Power Liftgates
The Tommy Gate has become the industry standard in power liftgates for any application. It's a title that's hard to believe was earned by a product developed in 1965 by Delbert Brown of the Woodbine Manufacturing Company in Iowa.
The Tommy Gate is known for being the most dependable and longest-lasting liftgates in the world. They're sold on five continents and used on all of them.
Hand-built with a commitment to quality that's still evident today, the Tommy Gate has stood the test of time.
G2
The G2 liftgate design was created to meet a specific need: a smaller drive system that still offered parallel arm technology in a fully enclosed hydraulic system.

This design change was crucial as vehicle design evolved and more hitches were mounted higher into vehicle frame rails.
The G2 liftgate allows for unhindered access to beds and cargo areas by flush mounting the frame, making it ideal for vehicles that need to tow.
The G2 design is just as robust as the original, but it's built for vehicles with specific requirements, such as higher hitch mounts.
This design consideration is essential to ensure that the liftgate can still perform its job safely and efficiently.
The G2 liftgate is a testament to the innovation and commitment to quality that has made Tommy Gate a world standard in power liftgates.
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Box Truck and Liftgate
Choosing the right liftgate for your box truck is crucial, and it all starts with understanding what you'll be lifting. You need to consider the maximum permissible lifting capability, as it will greatly narrow down your options. If you only need to move 800 pounds at a time, you have a wider selection of lifts to choose from.

To determine the required lifting capability, you'll need to consider the size and weight of the cargo you'll be handling. It's also essential to consider the space you'll need for loading, as a liftgate with a stated load width of 83 inches might be closer to 80 or 81 inches at the platform's back.
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a liftgate for your box truck:
By considering these factors, you'll be able to choose the right liftgate for your box truck and ensure efficient and safe cargo handling.
Dock Loading/Unloading Requirements
When you're dealing with a raised dock, you need to consider how your box truck will load or unload cargo. Some businesses may experience issues with loading and unloading cargo at both elevated ports and street level.
There are various types of liftgates that can help address this issue. For instance, tuckunder lifts can stow away under the truck's bed, so they're out of the way whenever the back of the truck meets a dock.

Dropping platforms are also available on some Railgate types, allowing the platform to be stored out of the way when not in use. This can save space and make it easier to maneuver the truck.
In cases where the truck bed height falls short of loading dock height, the "above bed" feature of the Railgate paradigm can be very useful.
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Box Van
Box vans are a type of truck with a flat bed and no sides. They typically range from 48 to 53 feet in length.
To outfit your box van with a liftgate, you'll need to consider its dimensions. The liftgate should be spec'd to match the width and bed height of the truck, ensuring it has enough range of travel to reach the ground without affecting clearance of the platform during stowing and unstowing.
The height of the truck's bed is crucial when choosing a liftgate. Measure from the floor of your box to the ground, and make sure your truck is parked on flat ground. This will help you determine the required bed height range.
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Knowing the overall body width of your box van is also vital. Most liftgates are designed to fit certain body widths, so it's essential to choose one that matches your vehicle's specifications.
You can choose from various liftgate options for your box van, including hydraulic lift gates with a max capacity of up to 6,000 lbs.
Box Truck Installation and Repair
We're happy to support the success of companies in Dallas, Desoto, and Mesquite, Texas, where we grew up. If your lift gate for box truck stops working correctly, you can rely on us to help you replace it or solve the problem quickly.
Just like the cost of the liftgate itself, it’s essential to consider the installation costs. The best liftgate installation companies in Texas will help reduce the financial burden by offering a complimentary preventative maintenance visit within six to eight weeks of the installation.
We're conveniently located in the DFW Metroplex area, so contact us today about your liftgate installation. Our team specializes in installing liftgates as instructed by the manufacturer, confirming that it’s running up to spec, and giving you a demonstration of how to use it.
If you need a liftgate installed or repaired on your box truck, please don't hesitate to give us a call. We work with all the liftgate manufacturers in North America, which allows us to find one that’s best for you.
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Service Body

You can upfit your service truck with a hydraulic lift gate that has a max capacity of up to 1,600 lbs, thanks to options from Tommy Gate and Maxon Lift.
If you're looking for a specific lift gate or have questions, you can click the button to fill out a short form and a knowledgeable professional will reach out to you.
The process is pain-free, with no up-selling, hard-selling, or continual calls or emails.
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Dump Body
If you're looking to upgrade your dump body, you have options for hydraulic lift gates with a max capacity of up to 2,000 lbs with Tommy Gate.
Tommy Gate and Maxon Lift are two brands that offer hydraulic lift gates for dump bodies, with capacities of 2,000 lbs and 1,600 lbs respectively.
If you need help finding the right lift gate for your dump body, a knowledgeable professional can assist you by filling out a short form.
You can get in touch with a professional by clicking the button below, and they'll reach out to you with no up-selling, hard-selling, or continual calls or emails.
Tuck Under

The Tuck Under liftgate is a fantastic solution for businesses with limited cargo space. They're designed to fit tightly against the underside of the vehicle, leaving more room for cargo.
One of the best features of the Tuck Under liftgate is its compact design. This allows it to be used in a variety of applications where space is limited.
The Tuck Under liftgate is also incredibly easy to use, even for those who are new to using liftgates. It features intuitive controls and simple operating instructions.
Automatic safety legs, non-skid platforms, and hydraulic lockouts are just a few of the safety features that come standard on the Tuck Under liftgate. These features ensure the safety of the operator and the cargo being loaded and unloaded.
The Tuck Under liftgate is built to last, with high-quality materials like corrosion-resistant aluminum and stainless steel. This ensures that it will operate smoothly and efficiently, even under heavy use.
Cantilever

A well-designed and executed box truck can be incredibly efficient, especially when paired with the right liftgate. The Tommy Gate Cantilever Series liftgate is a game-changer for fleets and trades.
The Cantilever Series is self-contained under the truck, with no exterior modifications needed for installation. This means you can get back to work quickly without any hassle.
The ramp folds in half and stores in front of the left door, providing easy access to the cargo area of your truck.
Liftgate Installation
Liftgate installation is a crucial aspect of owning a box truck in Dallas, Texas. We're happy to support the success of companies in Dallas, Desoto, and Mesquite, Texas, where we grew up.
The cost of liftgate installation varies, but it's essential to consider the installation costs in addition to the cost of the liftgate itself. The best liftgate installation companies in Texas will offer complimentary preventative maintenance visits within six to eight weeks of the installation.
We specialize in liftgate installation and work with all the liftgate manufacturers in North America, allowing us to find one that's best for you.
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Liftgate Installation Cost

The cost of liftgate installation can be a significant factor in your overall budget. The installation cost is separate from the cost of the liftgate itself.
Some liftgate installation companies offer complimentary preventative maintenance visits within six to eight weeks of the installation, which can help reduce the financial burden.
You can expect a professional installation company to install the gate as instructed by the manufacturer and confirm that it's running up to spec.
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Install Liftgate in Dallas, TX
If you live in Dallas, Desoto, or Mesquite, Texas, you can rely on local companies to help you with liftgate installation and repair for your box truck.
We're lucky to have companies in the area that specialize in liftgate installation, including Texas Hydraulic & Equipment Company, which is conveniently located in the DFW Metroplex area.
In Texas, the cost of liftgate installation can vary, but some companies offer complimentary preventative maintenance visits within six to eight weeks of installation to help reduce the financial burden.
To find the best liftgate installation company for you, look for one that works with all the major liftgate manufacturers in North America.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the liftgate capacity of a 26ft box truck?
The liftgate capacity of our 26ft box truck is 2,500 lbs. This allows for safe and efficient unloading of heavy cargo.
Sources
- https://www.texhyd.com/blog/box-truck-liftgates-what-to-know
- https://www.onestoptruckequipment.com/lift-gates
- https://www.texhyd.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-liftgate-for-your-box-truck-flatbeds
- https://www.tommygate.com/liftgates/flatbed-and-van/
- https://expertec.ca/products/truck-equipment/tommy-gate-liftgates/
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