A Tommy Lift, more accurately known as a Tommy Gate, is a prominent American brand of hydraulic liftgate (also known as a tail lift) designed to facilitate the efficient loading and unloading of cargo from various types of vehicles. Essentially, it's a mechanical platform attached to the rear of a truck, van, or trailer that can be raised and lowered to move items between the ground and the vehicle's bed level.
Understanding Tommy Lifts
Tommy Gate is manufactured by the Woodbine Manufacturing Company, a firm established in 1965 by Delbert "Bus" Brown. The company's production facility is located in Woodbine, Iowa. Over decades, "Tommy Gate" has become so synonymous with liftgates that many refer to any such device as a "Tommy Lift."
Key Attributes of Tommy Gate
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Tommy Gate (often colloquially called "Tommy Lift") |
| Product Type | Hydraulic liftgate / Tail Lift |
| Manufacturer | Woodbine Manufacturing Company |
| Origin | Woodbine, Iowa, USA |
| Founded | 1965 by Delbert "Bus" Brown |
| Core Function | Mechanically raises and lowers cargo from ground to vehicle height and vice versa |
How a Hydraulic Liftgate Works
A hydraulic liftgate operates using a hydraulic system, typically powered by the vehicle's electrical system. This system consists of a pump, cylinders, and fluid, which work together to extend and retract components, thereby moving the lift platform up and down. This mechanism provides immense lifting power, far exceeding what manual labor could safely or practically achieve.
Benefits and Applications
The primary purpose of a Tommy Lift is to enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, and protect goods during the loading and unloading process.
Advantages of Using a Tommy Lift
- Increased Safety: Reduces the risk of injuries to personnel from lifting heavy objects.
- Improved Efficiency: Speeds up the loading and unloading process, allowing for quicker deliveries and turnarounds.
- Damage Prevention: Minimizes the chance of damage to cargo, as items are lifted smoothly and consistently.
- Versatility: Allows a single person to manage heavy or bulky items that would otherwise require multiple people or specialized equipment.
- Accessibility: Makes vehicles accessible for moving large equipment, appliances, or even non-ambulatory passengers (though specific models are designed for this).
Common Applications
Tommy Lifts are indispensable in a wide array of industries and settings, including:
- Delivery Services: Parcel delivery, appliance delivery, furniture moving.
- Logistics and Freight: Efficient loading of pallets, crates, and heavy equipment onto trucks.
- Construction: Transporting tools, materials, and machinery to job sites.
- Utility Services: Used by power companies, telecommunications, and plumbing services to load and unload heavy tools and equipment.
- Landscaping: Moving heavy bags of soil, pavers, and small machinery.
- Event Management: Transporting staging equipment, sound systems, and catering supplies.
- Personal Use: Moving large items like motorcycles, ATVs, or household goods.
By providing a mechanized solution for vertical material handling, Tommy Lifts have become a crucial component for businesses and individuals who regularly transport heavy or bulky items, significantly streamlining their operations.
