Foldaway lift from Ross and Bonnyma
Page 10
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• An underfloor tail lift. which folds away automatically beneath the vehicle body when not in use, has been launched by Ross and Bonnyman.
The new Autostow offers most features found in twincolumn lifts. Its platform stays level throughout its travel. Twin parallel arms each side are operated by a single hydraulic ram so that the slim 60mm platform, with tapered trailing edge, lifts instead of pivots at the heel.
To stow, the rear section is folded forward but from then on the press of a button makes the rest of the operation automatic.
The platform does not obstruct access to the load and nothing has to be lowered or retracted to reverse on to the loading bank.
Proximity switches sense the end of each stage of the lift's movement, sending signals to a microprocessor which controls directional valves in the hydraulic circuit.
The lift is available in capacities of 1,000 and 1,500kg with platform widths of 1.85m and 2m.
The main assembly is bolted to the chassis and weighs about 400kg.
Priced at about £1,900 retail, it is "less expensive than other cantilever tail lifts on the market but carries a modest premium for the extra versatility over comparable twin-column tail lifts," according to the company.