What is a van tail lift?
A van tail lift is a hydraulically powered lifting platform mounted permanently to the rear of a commercial vehicle—such as a van, box truck, or lorry. Its primary function is to raise and lower goods safely between ground level (or a loading dock) and the vehicle’s load bed. This eliminates the need for manual heavy lifting and reduces reliance on forklifts or loading ramps.
Modern tail lifts are engineered to handle a wide range of load capacities, typically including:
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300–500 kg for small van tail lifts
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500–750 kg for medium commercial vans
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1,000–2,000+ kg for large vans, Luton, and trucks
Because of this versatility, tail lifts dramatically improve loading efficiency, reduce injury risks, and help businesses comply with manual handling regulations.
Tail lifts are available for many vehicle types—from compact delivery vans to articulated lorries—though the Luton van with a tail lift remains the most common configuration for general transport, removals, and logistics operations.
Why your van might need a tail lift
Many businesses rely on tail lifts because they enable safe, efficient, and professional handling of heavy or awkward loads. Tail lifts are commonly used by:
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House removal firms – for lifting furniture, appliances, and bulky items
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Courier and parcel networks – for palletised or high-volume delivery routes
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Retail, e-commerce, and wholesale suppliers – transporting stock and equipment
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Construction and trade services – moving tools, materials, or machinery
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Fleet operators and rental providers – offering flexibility to a wide range of customers
Adding a tail lift to a van provides several advantages:
1. Improved safety
Reduces manual handling injuries by removing the need to lift heavy goods into the vehicle.
2. Increased productivity
Loading and unloading become significantly faster, especially for bulky or awkward cargo.
3. Greater flexibility
Ideal for environments without loading docks or forklift access.
4. Cost efficiency
A tail lift can reduce labour requirements and improve turnaround times, which is valuable for fleets operating on tight schedules.
Types of tail lifts available
To ensure the right solution for each industry, tail lifts come in several configurations:
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Cantilever lifts – These fold down to create a platform and offer excellent stability; ideal for Lutons and medium/large vans.
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Column lifts – Provide precision vertical movement, commonly used for pallet work.
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Tuck-away lifts – Fold away under the chassis, keeping the rear doors clear—perfect for multi-drop deliveries.
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Slider lifts – Heavy-duty designs suitable for larger vehicles and higher load capacities.
Your choice depends on the type of goods you handle, loading environment, and operational preferences.
Leasing a Luton van with a tail lift
If you are looking to lease a Luton van with a tail lift in the UK, Commercial Vehicle Contracts offers a comprehensive solution tailored to your needs.
Our process includes:
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Vehicle selection
We help you choose the most suitable Luton van based on payload, load space, and usage. -
Tail lift specification
Working with leading UK tail lift manufacturers and fitters, we offer a wide range of lift options, including 500 kg, 750 kg, and 1,000 kg capacity units to match your operational requirements. -
Professional installation
The tail lift is installed before delivery, ensuring your leased van arrives fully equipped and ready for immediate use. -
Tailored solutions
Whether you require additional features—such as platform extensions, remote controls, safety gates, or non-slip platforms—we can incorporate these into your package.
Our streamlined process ensures a smooth, hassle-free leasing experience, with expert guidance at each step to ensure your vehicle is built to your exact specification.
Safety and compliance benefits
All tail lifts supplied and installed through Commercial Vehicle Contracts adhere to relevant UK legislation and safety standards, including:
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LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)
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PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)
Routine inspections, servicing, and weight testing can also be arranged to keep your equipment compliant and operating safely.
At Commercial Vehicle Contracts, we can help you choose the right vehicle for your needs and then arrange to have a tail lift installed on that van - all as part of our van leasing deal. What's more, the installation takes place prior to delivery, which means that you'll be able to use your new tail lift van as soon as it gets delivered to you.
We work with UK-leading tail lift fitters and can supply a range of different options designed for various applications and vehicles, all of which can be tailored to your specific needs and requirements.
Our process is simple and straightforward, making your tail lift van leasing experience as smooth as possible. We also provide a full manufacturer's warranty on our van tail lifts and an optional vehicle maintenance package for that extra peace of mind.
Not sure what the difference is between a maintained agreement and a manufacturer’s warranty?
Understanding these two types of cover is essential when choosing the right lease for your business. A maintained agreement looks after your vehicle’s routine servicing, tyres, MOTs and wear-and-tear repairs, while a manufacturer’s warranty covers faults caused by defects in materials or workmanship. If you’d like a clear, detailed breakdown of how they compare — and what each one includes — you can read our blog titled: ‘Maintenance vs Warranty: What’s the difference?’.
How can we help?
By choosing the right type of tail lift and leasing from a reputable company like Commercial Vehicle Contracts, you can ensure that your business runs smoothly and efficiently. Our knowledgeable team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect tail lift solution for your business needs. From selecting the most suitable tail lift model and weight capacity to guiding you through the van leasing process, we are here to ensure a seamless experience.
Need professional guidance?
Don't hesitate. Our team is standing by to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect plan for your needs.
Call our expert team on 01424 863 456 for friendly, no-obligation advice.
Drop us a message
Request your quick quote online
...and get a personalised deal in minutes.
We’ll help you design the perfect vehicle specification and financing solution to meet your operational requirements, delivering a bespoke van tail lift lease that enhances your business operations.
Tail lift van FAQs
The van tail lift is attached to the vehicle's chassis by rams. The rams are hinged, so they can change angles as they expand or contract, and they can tilt or raise and lower the working platform. The majority of tail lifts are hydraulic or pneumatic in operation. They can also be mechanical and controlled by an operator using an electric relay switch.
