
Tail lift service and maintenance solutions are crucial for keeping your vehicle's tail lift in good working condition. Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and ensure the tail lift operates safely and efficiently.
A well-maintained tail lift can last up to 10 years or more with proper care. This is significantly longer than a poorly maintained one, which may only last for a few years.
Proper maintenance includes regular inspections, lubrication, and replacement of worn-out parts. This can help prevent issues like hydraulic fluid leaks and electrical faults.
Tail lift service and maintenance solutions can be customized to meet the specific needs of your vehicle and operation.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Trailer Tail on Semi Trucks
Types of Tail Lifts
There are several types of tail lifts, each with its own unique features and advantages.
A hydraulic tail lift is a popular choice for its reliability and efficiency.
It operates by using hydraulic fluid to power the lift, making it a great option for heavy-duty use.
Consider reading: Tail Lift Market
A scissor tail lift, on the other hand, is ideal for smaller vehicles and lighter loads.
It uses a scissor-like mechanism to lift the load, providing a smooth and stable operation.
An electric tail lift is a great option for those looking for a more environmentally friendly solution.
It uses electric motors to power the lift, reducing noise and emissions.
Worth a look: Scissor Lift for Pallets
Slider
Slider lifts are a popular choice for heavy-duty lifting, folding and storing directly underneath the vehicle bed like tuckaway lifts.
They're designed for the heaviest lifting capacities, making them a great option for larger vehicles.
These lifts are extremely sturdy, featuring lifting platforms that slide out from underneath the vehicle bed instead of lowering and unfolding like other lifts.
Commercial vehicle diagnostics for tail lifts, including slider lifts, must take place at least every six months.
Lift Type Identification and Classification
To identify and classify your tail lift, you need to know its exact specifications. This is crucial for ordering the right spare parts and finding the correct wiring and hydraulics diagrams.

The lift capacity is a key specification, and it's usually indicated as a weight, such as 1000 kg for a standard load distance.
Knowing the tail lift model is also essential, and it's often represented by a code, like KUZF.
The date of manufacturing is important, especially if there have been any technical changes due to technological progress.
You can find all this information on the type plate of your MBB PALFINGER tail lift, which is usually located on the back of the platform (for MBB lifts) or at the bottom of the mounting tube/main beam.
Here are the key specifications you should look for on the type plate:
- Lift capacity (e.g. 1000 kg)
- Tail lift model (e.g. KUZF)
- Date of manufacturing
Make sure to keep the inspection control booklet in your vehicle's documents, as it's needed for routine inspection according to the European machine norms.
Hydraulics
The hydraulic system in PALFINGER Tail Lifts is reliable and designed according to a tried and proven system.
A look at the hydraulic system diagram will make the mode of operation clear to anyone.
The hydraulic system diagrams are available for all PALFINGER Tail Lifts models.
You can find the hydraulic system diagrams sorted by model on the PALFINGER website.
Here are the hydraulic system diagrams available for the H, K, and Athlet Quattro series:
- Standard
- Hydraulic with 2 stabilizers
- Hydraulic with swiveling underrun protection
Servicing and Maintenance
Regular tail lift servicing is crucial to ensure your commercial vehicle is safe to use at all times. It's essential to perform maintenance as the need arises and service it regularly.
You should grease all pivot points on a regular basis, as recommended by PALFINGER Tail Lifts. This simple step can go a long way in maintaining the longevity of your tail lift.
Here are some common failure points that can be prevented with regular maintenance:
- A short or bad ground in the electrical components that operate the tail lift.
- The hydraulic cylinders are damaged in some way, typically worn seals or pitting on the shaft.
- The solenoid on the motor is malfunctioning.
- The hydraulic hoses are leaking or inhibiting flow.
- The valves, coils or pump are not working correctly.
By staying on top of regular maintenance, you can minimize downtime and costs associated with tail lift failure.
Service and Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your tail lift in top condition. It may not be immediately apparent that your tail lift needs servicing, but some useful signs that you may need tail lift servicing include worn seals on the hydraulic cylinders, pitting on the shaft, and leaking or inhibiting hydraulic hoses.
You should perform maintenance on your tail lift as the need arises and make sure to service it regularly. This includes lubricating the bearings and checking the cap bolts, as well as checking the hydraulic hoses and hydraulic oil.

Some common failure points in tail lifts include a short or bad ground in the electrical components, damaged hydraulic cylinders, and malfunctioning solenoids on the motor. These can be costly to repair or replace, whereas regular maintenance is a much lesser cost.
To ensure your tail lift is running smoothly, it's essential to have it serviced by a qualified technician. They can diagnose and resolve a wide range of issues, from routine maintenance to emergency breakdowns.
Here are some recommended tips for maintaining your PALFINGER Tail Lift:
- Grease all pivot points on a regular basis
- Lubricate the bearings and check the cap bolts
- Check the hydraulic hoses and hydraulic oil
- Check the electrical components for any signs of wear or damage
By following these tips and having your tail lift serviced regularly, you can help prevent costly repairs and ensure your vehicle is safe to use at all times.
Palfinger Training Sessions
Palfinger Training Sessions are a crucial part of maintaining the high quality of their tail lifts.
These training sessions are organized on-site, right where the specialists work, to ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest technology.

The training is designed for specialized skilled staff who perform maintenance and repair work on vehicles and vehicle accessories.
Trainers focus on the hydraulics and electronics of tail lifts, using demonstration materials like lift and closing cylinders, power packs with motor and pump, valves, control boards, operating consoles, and connectors.
Each participant receives a certificate upon completing the training, which makes them a technical expert authorized to perform regular inspections on tail lifts.
The training sessions use a variety of tools, including models, circuit diagrams, technical data sheets, and diagnostics programs, to explain how equipment is constructed and how to troubleshoot more accurately.
Troubleshooting and Repair
Our skilled technicians are experts in diagnosing and resolving a wide range of tail lift issues, from routine maintenance to emergency breakdowns.
You can identify potential problems by checking the tail lift's electrical and control system, hydraulics, cylinder setup, and emergency functions. It's also essential to perform regular general maintenance and service tips.

If you notice strange or loud noises when moving the tail lift, such as squeaks, screeches, rattling, or squeals, it's a sign that something isn't working correctly and should be assessed by a professional as soon as possible.
Here are some common areas to focus on for troubleshooting and repair:
- Electrical and control system
- Hydraulics
- Cylinder setup and repair
- Emergency functions
- General maintenance and service tips
In some cases, issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently, such as replacing a seal kit for the tilting rams, which can be done in about an hour by one person, even on the vehicle without removing the entire cylinder.
Troubleshooting and Repair
If the tail lift on your vehicle isn't moving, there's likely a problem with the motor, controls, or circuit breaker. A broken tail lift can prevent you from completing a job, so it's best to get a professional involved as soon as possible.
If you're experiencing an emergency on the road, the first priority is to remove the vehicle from the danger zone. This can be done by systematically shutting down unnecessary consumers to eliminate them as possible sources of the malfunction.

To troubleshoot the issue, you can try shutting down the control systems of your PALFINGER Tail Lift. This can be done by unplugging the following connectors one after the other and checking after each one whether the malfunction has been resolved.
Here's a list of the connectors to try unplugging:
- J3: Warning lamps and foot switches
- J41: Sensors and switches (B13, B15 or B16)
- J31: Manual cable control
- JK: Trunk lighting
It's also recommended to cut off the power to the circuit board one time for two seconds after each step. This can be done by pulling off connector J1.
Noisy Operation
Noisy Operation is a sign that something isn't working correctly. Squeaks, screeches, rattling, and squeals are not normal and should be assessed by a professional as soon as possible.
These noises may simply indicate that the system needs lubrication. However, they could be something more complex that will require a more expensive repair if not seen too quickly.
If you notice any unusual noises when moving the tail lift, don't ignore them. It's always better to be safe than sorry and have a professional take a look.
Ignoring the issue could lead to more serious problems down the line. So, if you hear any strange noises, don't hesitate to seek professional help.
Slow/Stuttering Operation

If your hydraulic tail lift is moving excessively slowly or has any inconsistency, it's likely a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed.
A slow or stuttering operation can be a major issue, as it can lead to more costly repairs down the line.
It's worth getting in touch with a vehicle testing facility to find out how serious a problem you have, as early detection can save you a lot of hassle and expense.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting is a crucial step in diagnosing and resolving issues with your tail lift. If your tail lift is not moving, it could be due to a problem with the motor, controls, or circuit breaker.
A broken tail lift is a major issue, as it can prevent you from completing your job. In this case, it's best to get a professional involved as soon as possible to run some vehicle diagnostics.
To troubleshoot the issue, you can try checking the control systems of your PALFINGER Tail Lift. If you're experiencing a slow or stuttering operation, it may be a sign of a problem with the hydraulic system.

Here are some common issues to look out for:
- Motor problems
- Control system issues
- Circuit breaker problems
- Hydraulic system issues
In case of an emergency on the road, it's essential to remove the vehicle from the danger zone quickly. To do this, you can shut down unnecessary consumers systematically and put the tail lift into its transport position.
If you're not sure where to start, it's always best to consult the user manual or contact a professional for assistance.
Service and Support
Our team of skilled technicians is dedicated to providing top-notch service and support for your tail lift. We offer comprehensive service and repairs, from routine maintenance to emergency breakdowns.
We utilize ServiceM8's asset management system to enhance our service offering, providing our customers with unparalleled benefits. This includes complete service history, scheduled maintenance, quicker diagnoses, and proactive asset care.
Our service vans carry a large stock of approved parts to ensure a first-time fix rate that is second to none. We know that tail lift failure is hugely expensive, and our service performance makes sure that your downtime and costs are minimized.
Here are some of the services we offer:
- Commercial vehicle diagnostics and tail lift servicing
- LOLER inspections and weight testing
- Double-deck service and vehicle maintenance
With our team of experts, you can depend on us for your trailer, commercial vehicle maintenance, and repair in Derby, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire, and Yorkshire.
Benefits and Options

Reduced downtime is a major benefit of regular tail lift service. With fast and efficient repairs, you can get back on the road quickly.
Cost savings are also a significant advantage. Preventative maintenance can avoid costly breakdowns and extend the life of your tail lifts.
Regular servicing ensures your tail lifts operate safely and reliably, protecting your staff and cargo.
Here are the key benefits of our tail lift service:
- Reduced Downtime: Fast and efficient repairs to get you back on the road quickly.
- Cost Savings: Preventative maintenance avoids costly breakdowns and extends the life of your tail lifts.
- Enhanced Safety: Regular servicing ensures your tail lifts operate safely and reliably, protecting your staff and cargo.
- Stress-Free Compliance: Our record-keeping makes it easy to meet safety and regulatory standards.
Benefits for Customers
Reduced downtime is a major benefit for customers, thanks to fast and efficient repairs that get you back on the road quickly.
Our record-keeping makes it easy to meet safety and regulatory standards, giving you peace of mind.
Cost savings are a significant advantage of preventative maintenance, which avoids costly breakdowns and extends the life of your tail lifts.
Regular servicing ensures your tail lifts operate safely and reliably, protecting your staff and cargo.
By prioritizing safety, you can avoid accidents and injuries, which is a huge stress relief.

Here are the key benefits for customers:
- Reduced Downtime: Fast and efficient repairs to get you back on the road quickly.
- Cost Savings: Preventative maintenance avoids costly breakdowns and extends the life of your tail lifts.
- Enhanced Safety: Regular servicing ensures your tail lifts operate safely and reliably, protecting your staff and cargo.
- Stress-Free Compliance: Our record-keeping makes it easy to meet safety and regulatory standards.
Advanced Asset Management
Advanced Asset Management is a game-changer for our customers. We use ServiceM8's asset management system to provide unparalleled benefits.
With this system, every tail lift serviced or repaired by us has a detailed digital history, giving you full transparency and record-keeping for compliance and audits. This means you can access a complete service history at any time.
Scheduled maintenance is also a breeze with our system. We track your tail lift's servicing schedule and send timely reminders, so you never miss a maintenance interval. This helps prevent unexpected downtime and keeps your equipment running smoothly.
Our technicians can quickly pinpoint issues and suggest solutions with detailed logs and photos stored in the system. This saves time and reduces the need for costly repairs down the line.
Regular updates on the condition of your equipment allow us to recommend repairs or replacements before a problem affects your operations. This proactive approach helps prevent costly breakdowns and ensures your business stays on track.
Here are the benefits of our Advanced Asset Management system:
- Complete Service History
- Scheduled Maintenance
- Quicker Diagnoses
- Proactive Asset Care
Lifts and Equipment

Reddy Mechanical Solutions specializes in supplying and installing high-quality tail lifts that meet your business needs. Our team ensures every tail lift we provide is robust, reliable, and compliant with Australian safety standards.
We tailor our tail lifts to meet specific business requirements, providing a solution that fits your needs. With years of industry experience, our team has the expertise to get it right.
Cantilever
Cantilever lifts are a type of lift that's perfect for large loads. They're mounted on the chassis and can lift heavy objects with ease.
These lifts are fully hydraulic, which gives them bigger lifting capabilities compared to other types of lifts. They're designed to handle loads that can't be accommodated by column lifts.
Cantilever lifts fold upwards to form part of the rear, making them a great space-saving solution. They're a reliable choice for any heavy-duty lifting needs.
Tuckaway
Tuckaway lifts are a great option for those who need to store them in a compact space.

They have a foldable split platform, which allows for easier storage and less restricted access to the rear of the vehicle.
Tuckaway lifts require more ground space and clearance than other types of lifts.
However, they are mounted beneath the rear, making them less likely to get damaged.
This design also keeps them out of the way, making it easier to maneuver around them.
Railgate
Railgate lifts support lower lifting capacities compared to other types of lifts. They're great for smaller vehicles or lighter loads.
Railgate lifts get their name from the outrail that installs directly onto the vehicle body, serving as a guide for the tail lift platform. This design is quite similar to column lifts.
Platforms on railgate lifts are larger than parallel arm lifts, which can be a big advantage for certain applications. They also fix at a 90-degree angle from the outrails and lift vertically.
Lifts
We specialize in providing high-quality lifts that meet your business needs. Our team at Reddy Mechanical Solutions has years of industry experience.
At Reddy Mechanical Solutions, we supply and install tail lifts that are robust, reliable, and compliant with Australian safety standards.
Mounting Studies
Mounting studies are crucial before placing an order for a tail lift. Our team has experience with different assembly situations to decide how the tail lift has to be installed on the vehicle.
You can get a personal mounting proposal for your project by filling in the provided document and sending it back to us. This ensures that all necessary tasks are considered when special equipment is used.
To get started, you can fill out the form online for Tail Lifts or the dimension sheet online for Vertical Lifts. We also offer technical support and documents if you need them.
An important notice is that there is an electrical connection and hydraulic diagram included with all PALFINGER Tail Lifts. These diagrams can be found right next to the circuit board in the main tube.
Why You Need Tail Service
Regular tail lift servicing is crucial to prevent serious damage to property or injury to individuals in an accident. Tail lifts often support heavy loads, and if they malfunction or break, the consequences can be severe.

A malfunctioning tail lift can cause costly repairs or even replacement. Regular maintenance is a much lesser cost compared to fixing a broken tail lift gate.
Some common failure points of a tail lift include a short or bad ground in the electrical components, damaged hydraulic cylinders, a malfunctioning solenoid, leaking or inhibiting hydraulic hoses, and malfunctioning valves, coils, or pump.
Here are some signs that you may need tail lift servicing:
- A short or bad ground in the electrical components that operate the tail lift.
- The hydraulic cylinders are damaged in some way, typically worn seals or pitting on the shaft.
- The solenoid on the motor is malfunctioning.
- The hydraulic hoses are leaking or inhibiting flow.
- The valves, coils, or pump are not working correctly.
If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's essential to have your tail lift serviced as soon as possible to minimize downtime and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fit a tail lift?
A 500kg capacity tail-lift for a typical Luton 3.5T van costs approximately £1250.00 ex VAT, fully installed. This price includes pre-wired tail-lifts that are relatively straightforward to install.
What is a tailing lift?
A tail lift is a mechanical platform on a vehicle that helps load and unload cargo between the vehicle and the ground. It raises or lowers loads with ease, making transportation and delivery more efficient.
What is the best lubricant for a tail lift?
For optimal performance, use VG22 grade oil in your tail lift, which is the recommended lubricant by most manufacturers. Our oil products meet this standard and are designed to keep your tail lift running smoothly.
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