®
Tommy Gate Rail Gate Series
MERICA’ SS F IRST
IRST N AME
AME IN
IN L IFTGATES
IFTGATES
AMERICA
™
Standard Features
Rail Gate Features
A: Platform Power Open & Close (see below)
B: Safety Trip Bar (see below)
C: NEW - Standard recessed lights work
with foreign and domestic light harnesses
D: NEW -Recessed license plate holder
E: Electrical and hydraulic systems are enclosed in
the liftgate, protected form the elements. The Main
Frame Box is accessible with platform raised or
lowered.
A full-length molded ground and power cable provides a direct connection from the liftgate to the
truck battery.
A 150-amp circuit breaker with manual reset is
included.
A Pressure Relief Valve helps prevent overloading
the platform.
F: Secure “drop-in” style platform latches
G: Platform: Extruded Aluminum (shown - see pg 4)
or Treadplate Steel(see pg 4), both with Extruded
Aluminum sliders (see below)
H: Curb-side fixed control with shield
-Toggle style switch
-Timer deactivates 90 seconds after last
operation (helps prevent unauthorized use)
Power Open and Close System
Safety Trip Bar
Tommy Gate Exclusive
A
B
C
Standard on all models of the Rail Gate Series (except
GBR models), the cam arm system (photo A) powers
the platform (photos B & C) open and close. (see note pg 4)
Standard Recessed Light Kit
The standard Safety Trip Bar, located below the Rail Gate’s
enclosed hydraulic and electrical systems, will immediately
stop the upward movement of the platform if any object
becomes trapped between the platform and the liftgate frame.
Tommy Gate’s Rail Gate Safety Trip Bar is standard safety
equipment, exclusive to its class.
Standard Aluminum Sliders
❖ Extruded Aluminum sliders are standard on
all Rail Gate models, on all platforms.
A new-design recessed light kit is standard on all Rail Gate
models. The Main Frame Box cover also features a recessed
license plate holder.
❖ Aluminum Sliders feature polyethylene wear
pads and operate smoothly with only lightweight
oil. Using grease - which can congeal or attract
road grit - is not recommended.
Platform Latch Lock
Each Rail Gate model
includes a lockable platform
latch and pin system.
Warranty: Tommy Lift Rail Gate Series liftgates have a oneyear warranty from date of purchase. Pump and motor units
have a two-year warranty.
Meets all TMC guidelines
1-800-LIFTGATE
Rail Gate Specifications
(min-max)
Travel
Gate
Width
Clear
Opening
Capacity
(min = loaded,
(outside
(inside
(pounds)
max = unloaded)
uprights)
uprights)
Model
Measurements are in inches, unless noted.
Platform
Loadable
Area
Platform
(WxD)
Taper
Gate
Weight
App
Code
(pounds)
All Steel Lifts - Treadplate steel platfor m, steel liftgate frame
85-16
85-16
85-16
85-16
89-16
89-16
89-16
89-16
S
S
S AB
S AB
S
S
S AB
S AB
1600
1600
1600
1600
1600
1600
1600
1600
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
90
90
90
90
94
94
94
94
83
83
81
81
87
87
85
85
85x37
85x42
85x37
85x42
89x37
89x42
89x37
89x42
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
B
B
B
B
A
A
A
A
770
820
815
855
790
835
835
880
85-20
85-20
85-20
85-20
89-20
89-20
89-20
89-20
S
S
S AB
S AB
S
S
S AB
S AB
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
90
90
90
90
94
94
94
94
83
83
81
81
87
87
85
85
85x37
85x42
85x37
85x42
89x37
89x42
89x37
89x42
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
B
B
B
B
A
A
A
A
770
820
815
855
790
835
835
880
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
B
B
A
A
B
B
A
A
680
700
710
740
680
700
710
740
Aluminum/Steel Lift - Extr uded Aluminum platfor m, steel liftgate frame
85-16 A
85-16 A AB
89-16 A
89-16 A AB
85-20 A
85-20 A AB
89-20 A
89-20 A AB
1600
1600
1600
1600
2000
2000
2000
2000
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
90
90
94
94
90
90
94
94
83
81
87
85
83
81
87
85
85x55a
85x55a
89x55a
89x55a
85x55a
85x55a
89x55a
89x55a
Steel Gas Bottle Rack - Treadplate steel platform with folding Gas Bottle Rack fence and taper, steel frame
85-20
85-20
89-20
89-20
S GBR
S AB GBR
S GBR
S AB GBR
2000
2000
2000
2000
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
90
90
94
94
83
81
87
85
85x30
85x30
89x30
89x30
12
12
12
12
B
B
A
A
920
955
935
970
Application Code
Body Style
Body Size (width)
A. Flatbed, Stake & Van
96"
B. Flatbed, Stake & Van
90"
All Aluminum Lift - Extruded Aluminum platfor m, aluminum liftgate frame
A85-16 A
A85-16 A AB
A89-16 A
A89-16 A AB
A85-20 A
A85-20 A AB
A89-20 A
A89-20 A AB
1600
1600
1600
1600
2000
2000
2000
2000
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
32-54
92
92
96
96
92
92
96
96
83
81
87
85
83
81
87
85
85x55a
85x55a
89x55a
89x55a
85x55a
85x55a
89x55a
89x55a
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
see
see
see
see
see
see
see
see
below
below
below
below
below
below
below
below
575
590
605
625
575
590
605
625
All Aluminum Rail Gate Models
The All Aluminum models can be bolted onto the truck body. The Gate Width measurements include
the side flanges (one each side) on the frame where the bolt holes are located.
Model
Model
Model
Model
89
85
79
73
Gate Width (outside flanges)
96"
92"
86"
80"
Distance between bolt-hole centers
95 3/8"
91 3/8"
85 3/8"
79 3/8"
Max Travel
54"
54"
52"
50"
Rail Gate Models
Rail Gate
Specification
Notes
Steel Platform/Steel Frame
Treadplate
❖ Treadplate Steel loading surface
Steel
❖ Reinforced taper - 6" (37" and 42" platform
Platform
loading depths) or 11" (37" platforms only)
❖ Both sides of the platform and taper are completely
sealed along the full length of the platform.
Optional Model
Widths
Steel/Steel or
Aluminum/Steel Models
❖ Model 95 (Gate Width
100", Platform Width 95",
Max Travel 54") for 102"
wide truck bodies (most
ift configurations)
❖ Model 79 (Gate Width
84", Platform Width 79",
Max Travel 52") for 85"
wide truck bodies (most
ift configurations)
Extruded Aluminum Platform
Steel Frame or Aluminum Frame
Extruded
Aluminum
Platform
❖ The Extruded Aluminum Platform is made of 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum
extrusions locked together with tongue and groove connections - no skip welding used.
❖ Double-walled construction
❖ Aluminum Platforms can be ordered with larger loading
depths. (see Specification Notes at left)
❖ The optional Split Cart Stop is built into the platform
❖ Model 73 (Gate Width
(see next page)
78", Platform Width 73",
Max Travel 50") for 80"
wide truck bodies (most
ift configurations)
❖ Extruded Aluminum Tapers in 6" and 12" lengths
(see next page)
❖ Extruded Aluminum resists weather-related corrosion
(no rust).
Optional Platform
Depth
Extruded Aluminum
Platforms Only
a - Since the Aluminum platorm is composed of 5"
xtrusions, the standard 55"
at loading depth can be
xtended in 5" increments to
maximum of 70" (plus 12"
aper) or shortened in 5"
ncrements to 35".
Please Note
The Power Open & Close
ystem is not available on
Rail Gates with 1600 lbs
apacity and 65 or 70 inch
at loading depths. For
hese models, a Torsion
Bar is required.
All 2000 lbs capacity
Extruded Aluminum platorm models are available
with Power Open & Close.
All Treadplate Steel platorm models (except GBR)
are available with Power
Open and Close.
Tongue and groove connections between extrusions
Extruded Aluminum Platform surface
Steel Gas Bottle Rack (GBR) Model
Steel Platform/Steel Frame
❖ The 12" steel hinged folding ramp aids in loading
and unloading.
❖ The redesigned 29.25" tall rack can be folded
down for unobtrusive loading. The platform can be
vertically dropped below bed height (depending on
truck bed height) for easy access to the truck bed.
GBR ready to load or unload.
Treadplate
Steel
❖ The Steel Gas Bottle Rack folds
Platform
for easy storage while still remaining
intact, ready for use.
❖ Capacity: 2000 lbs only.
❖ Torsion Bar (closure-assist) only; Power Open &
Close cam arm system not available
The fence can be collapsed for easier
dock loading and access to the truck bed. Gate secured for travel and storage.
Aluminum Platform/Aluminum Frame
The All-Aluminum Rail Gate
models are available in
most model configurations
(see Specifications at left)
Extruded
Aluminum
Platform
Options
Split Cart Stop
Extruded Available for the Extruded Aluminum Platform, the optional
Aluminum Split Cart Stop is integrated into the platform and is springPlatform
activated with a lever (photo A). The Cart Stop is split in two
sections across the width of the platform. Each side of the Cart Stop
can be activated or locked down together or independently of the
other. (photos B and C)
To aid in loading wheeled cargo, add the optional 12" taper (see below).
Note: With the stop open, the platform loses 5 inches of flat, loadable surface
where the cart stop’s extrusion is located.
A
B
C
Platform Tapers
Extruded
Aluminum
Platform
Treadplate
Steel
Platform
An 11" taper is available on 37"
deep Treadplate Steel platforms.
Tapers facilitate loading and
unloading wheeled materials.
12” Aluminum taper with 10-degree rise
The 12" taper makes Tommy Gate’s
Extruded Aluminum Platform easily
accessible to carts, dollies, or wheeled
machines.
11” steel taper with 14-degree rise
Platform Bumpers
Remote Pendant/Dual Control
Platform bumpers
provide a rubber
cushion between
the platform and
the ground surface.
(set of 4)
The optional Remote Pendant
Control (see right) can be specified in addition to or in place
of the standard Curb-side
mounted Fixed Control.
Above Bed (AB) Model
For applications involving trucks with low bed heights, consider the Rail Gate Above Bed model.
The operator can raise the liftgate platform above the truck bed to reach a dock or similar area.
The Above Bed model rises to a maximum height of 54" (see Specifications) above the ground.
For example, if a truck bed is 40" off the ground, an Above Bed liftgate will raise 14" above the
bed height. Actual height reached above bed will depend on truck bed height.
Torsion Bar Option
Bed Height Model
Instead of the Rail Gate’s standard Power Open &
Close cam arm system (see Standard Features), a closure-assist Torsion Bar can be substituted.
The Bed Height model’s platform will lift up to the level
of the truck bed (loading height), but no higher.
(see GBR and optional platform depth notes for exceptions)
This is the suggested model for standard loading and
unloading.
❖A Torsion Bar is recommended for some trucks with
bed heights lower than 32 inches. (Please contact the
The Bed Height model has a minimum travel of 32
inches and a maximum of 54 inches (see Specifications).
The actual travel is equal to the height of the truck bed
off the ground.
Manufacturing Plant with questions.)
❖For forklift or dock loading, choosing the Torsion
Platform dropped below
bed-height for loading
1-800-LIFTGATE
Bar option allows the platform to be dropped vertically below the bed height (depending on platform size
and bed height), allowing for easier truck bed access.
Important questions for choosing a liftgate...
✶ What will the liftgate be lifting? (Dimensions for platform size; Weight - be sure to include any carts or jacks - for capacity.)
✶ On what style of truck will the gate be mounted? (Body width, bed height, pickup make and model - if applicable)
✶ Any special considerations such as dock or forklift loading, towing needs or weight limitations?
Get literature on a specific liftgate series...
Company Profile
For Pickup Truck Bodies
In 1965, Delbert “Bus” Brown designed and built
the first Tommy Lift hydraulic liftgate in his
machine shop in Woodbine, Iowa. Named after
his son, the TOMMY LIFT® original hydraulic
Original Series
G2 dual drive Series
liftgate was designed to help move heavy loads
into and out of pickup trucks.
For Service/Utility Bodies
Still in Iowa after 35
years, Tommy Gate
Company
has
a
newly-expanded
150,000 square foot factory with a
state-of-the-art production system
Original Series
G2 dual drive Series
that manufactures today’s finest
liftgates.
If you have any questions about your application, Tommy Gate liftgate
For Flatbed, Stake & Van Bodies
features or options, please call our Customer Service department at
the Woodbine Factory. They are available from 7 am to 5 pm CST
Monday-Friday and can be reached at 1-800-LIFTGATE.
Lift N Dump
Applications for
Original Series
Platform and Box
Dump Bodies
PO Box 8, Bus Brown Dr, Woodbine, IA 51579
1-800-LIFTGATE (1-800-543-8428)
In Iowa or Overseas - (712) 647-2050
Fax (712) 647-2417
Rail Gate Series
info@tommygate.com
Distributed By:
Rail Gate Series
For Cargo Van & Sprinter Bodies
Original Series
Model 650
(inside mount)
Corporate Office:
For the latest news and information, specifications
and downloadable literature, visit
www.tommygate.com
Warning:
11010 N. Tatum Blvd. Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85028
(602) 955-2144 Fax: (602) 955-3902
4/2004
Tommy Lifts are industrial products for material handling only and are not to be used as a personnel or wheelchair lift. For safe handling and operating
instructions, visit www.tommygate.com.
Caution:
Before installing this Lift Gate, please observe the Vehicle Loading Limitations. These loading limitations are outlined in the Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and
the Safety Compliance Certification Label located on the driver’s door pillar.
Note:
Tommy Gate Company reserves the right to make changes in manufacturing to comply with current or new engineering specification changes where applicable.