Tail-lift
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THREE multi-purpose scissorslift boxvan Ford 16-tonners, put into service by British Caledonian Airways, have Scan tail-lifts fitted to their chassis to ease the loading of trolley-transported catering stocks at its main Gatwick base.
The Scan tail-lift is manufactured by Ray Smith (Tail Lifts).
Because the Scan tail-lift is chassis mounted, it does not restrict body design. When scissors-lift Edbro bodies on airport trucks are elevated to reach the doorways of wide-bodied DC10 aircraft, the tail-lift, stowed in an upright position at the rear of the chassis is left behind.
British Caledonian, specified 'extra deep tail-lift platform adding 450mm (18in) to the standard 1200mm (4ft) depth to handle ioads up to 1,350kg (26cwt).
Operation is fully hydraulic, using four short-travel rams. The outer pair...tilt the angle of the platform, while the inner pair do the lifting. Three push-buttons control the operation and •a simple pull-and-twist handle mechanically locks the platform in the vertical position.