Tail Lift Inspection
Tail Lifts and LOLER
A tail lift is lifting equipment under LOLER 1998. Where the operator rides the platform with the load, which is how most tail lifts are used, it counts as lifting people and needs a thorough examination at least every 6 months. A goods-only tail lift that nobody travels on sits on the 12-monthly cycle.
Our Engineer Surveyors examine tail lifts on HGVs, vans and recovery trucks at your depot, and report on every safety-critical part.
Tail Lift LOLER
Regulation
LOLER 1998
Operator rides platform
Every 6 months
Goods only
Every 12 months
Examined
On site
Report turnaround
Within 3 days
What's included
What's covered in a tail lift inspection
Platform and Hinges
We examine the platform, hinge points, pins and bushes for cracks, wear and play. Worn hinge pins and bushes are the classic tail lift finding.
Rams and Hydraulics
We check the lift and tilt rams, hoses, valves and power pack for leaks, and confirm the platform holds at height without drifting down. Leaking ram seals and platform drift are frequent faults.
Structure and Mountings
We inspect the lift arms, subframe and the mountings to the vehicle chassis for cracks and corrosion, where the loads concentrate.
Controls and Safety Devices
We test the controls, two-hand or hold-to-run operation where fitted, and the emergency stop. Damaged control boxes and controls that stick on are defects we regularly report.
Roll Stops and Markings
We check the roll stops, platform surface and warning lights or flags, and confirm the safe working load and load centre markings are present and legible.
How it works
Your tail lift's LOLER examination, start to finish
Every scheme your equipment is required to meet under UK regulation carried out by accredited engineers and backed by compliant reports.
1
Book
Tell us how many vehicles and where they're based, and we confirm a date and a fixed quote, usually same day.
2
On-site examination
An Engineer Surveyor attends your depot and examines each tail lift thoroughly against LOLER.
3
Compliant report
Within three days you get a report of thorough examination per tail lift, with any defects and timescales.
4
Reminders
We hold the 6 or 12-monthly due date for each vehicle and prompt you before it comes round.
OUR STANDARDS
Fleet examinations that keep vehicles moving
We take our responsibilities seriously, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, quality and safety across every aspect of our operations.
Quality Assurance
Careful examinations of every tail lift by Engineer Surveyors who stay current with best practice.
Responsibility
A depot-based process that keeps your whole fleet on the right interval and your records in order.
Care
Your drivers ride these platforms every day, so we examine them as if our own people were standing on them.
GET IN TOUCH
Request a Quotation
Let us know how many tail lifts need examining and when suits, and we'll confirm availability and a competitive quote, usually the same day.
Call us
0208 050 3958
Based in
Reading, Berkshire: serving the South of England
● Hampshire
● Oxfordshire
● Northamptonshire
● Cambridgeshire
● Surrey
● Buckinghamshire
● London
FAQ
Tail Lift Inspection FAQs
How often does a tail lift need a LOLER examination?
Every 6 months if the operator travels on the platform, and every 12 months if it only ever lifts goods. Because operators ride them so often, most fleets treat tail lifts as 6-monthly. A written scheme of examination can vary this.
Is the tail lift covered by the vehicle's annual test?
No. The annual vehicle test does not cover LOLER. The tail lift needs its own thorough examination by a competent person, with its own report, on top of the vehicle test.
Do you examine tail lifts on recovery vehicles?
Yes. Where a recovery truck carries a tail lift we examine it in its own right, and we can cover the rest of the truck's lifting equipment on the same visit.
What happens if equipment fails the examination?
Your report sets out every defect and how serious it is. Anything that poses an immediate danger is reported at once, so the equipment can be taken out of use until it is put right.
Do you carry out examinations on site?
Yes. Our Engineer Surveyors come to your premises across Berkshire and the surrounding counties, and we issue reports promptly.