Liftgates, or more commonly known as a hydraulic lift, is a piece of equipment usually used to “lift” large or heavy objects. The most common applications are in the automotive industry for raising cars, shipping for shipping and receiving from the transportation vehicle, and for waste removal. They are extremely useful in raising and lowering machines, tools, people, cargo, as well as holding up cars.

Hydraulic lifts are powered by….you guessed it….hydraulic pressure.  Most of the time, the hydraulic pressure is generated by an air compressor. The air compressor will pressurize the hydraulic oil and make it lift the load. The air compressor needs enough time to create enough pressure or it will not lift. Some lift gates also use a motor pump to pressurize the hydraulic fluid.

Safety is a very important concern when it comes to operating a liftgate They can be extremely dangerous when operated carelessly or if reckless behavior is happening in the presence of one.

Lift gates or hydraulic lifts are very commonly used with transport machinery. They are often integrated with vehicles or loading stations with internal motors to make life easier to put it simply. Lift gates come in many different shapes, sizes, brands depending on their application.

Hydraulic lifts also have applications in other miscellaneous areas. One such area is in hospitals or nursing facilities. It can allow the movement impaired to access problematic locations.