For contractors, delivery drivers, landscapers, and municipalities across Central Indiana, a truck’s liftgate is often one of the most important pieces of equipment. It’s the bridge between your crew and the heavy loads they move every day. But like any tool, a liftgate has a life cycle. Eventually, wear and tear, outdated specs, or changes in your business may mean it’s time to upgrade.
At Clark Truck Equipment, we frequently hear the question: “Do I really need a Tommy Gate, or can I keep running the liftgate I already have?” While the answer depends on your truck, your business, and your budget, there are a few clear signs that upgrading to a Tommy Gate liftgate in Central Indiana can improve safety, efficiency, and long-term costs.
1. Your Current Liftgate Can’t Keep Up with the Work
Every liftgate is rated for a maximum load capacity. Over time, heavy daily use can cause hydraulics to weaken, platforms to warp, or motors to slow down. If you’ve noticed your liftgate struggling to raise standard loads, or if operators are hesitant to trust it, that’s a red flag.
Typical Capacity Ranges
- Pickup & Service Truck Liftgates: 500–1,600 lbs.
- Van & Cargo Truck Liftgates: 1,000–2,000 lbs.
- Flatbed & Stake Truck Liftgates: 2,000–6,600 lbs.
(Source: Tommy Gate Product Overview)
If your business has grown—say you’re moving larger equipment, palletized deliveries, or heavy construction materials—an undersized or aging liftgate will only slow you down. Upgrading to a properly rated Tommy Gate liftgate ensures your equipment matches your workload.
2. Safety Risks Are Increasing
One of the main reasons businesses invest in liftgates is to protect employees from lifting injuries. When a gate no longer operates reliably, workers are often forced to find workarounds: lifting by hand, bracing loads on uneven platforms, or attempting to operate malfunctioning controls.
These unsafe practices can lead to:
- Back and shoulder injuries from manual lifting
- Falling hazards if loads shift on faulty platforms
- Vehicle damage when equipment isn’t loaded properly
The National Safety Council reports that overexertion and repetitive motion injuries are some of the most common workplace hazards in material handling. Investing in a dependable liftgate isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about protecting your people and lowering liability risks.
A new Tommy Gate liftgate in Central Indiana offers modern safety features, such as dual controls, automatic safety latches, and stable hydraulic platforms that give crews confidence on the job.
3. Downtime and Repairs Are Adding Up
Every contractor and fleet manager knows that downtime is costly. If your liftgate is in the shop more than it’s on the job, it’s eating into your margins. Frequent hydraulic leaks, electrical issues, or worn-out motors are signs of equipment that’s nearing the end of its service life.
Comparing Costs
- Frequent Repairs: Short-term fixes add up quickly, especially if they leave a truck idle during peak hours.
- Upgrade Investment: A new Tommy Gate, professionally installed, provides years of reliable use with lower maintenance costs.
Tommy Gate’s designs are known for low-maintenance hydraulics, strong platforms, and reliable wiring harnesses that reduce the need for ongoing service. Choosing to upgrade now can prevent costly breakdowns later—especially in high-demand seasons when your truck needs to be on the road.
Tommy Gate vs. Other Liftgate Brands
When researching liftgates, contractors often compare Tommy Gate to other leading manufacturers like Maxon and Waltco. Each brand has its strengths, but understanding the differences can help you make the right investment for your fleet.
| Feature/Category | Tommy Gate | Maxon | Waltco |
| Best Known For | Versatility across pickup, service, van, and stake trucks | High-capacity liftgates for heavy-duty applications | Fleet-oriented designs with broad OEM integrations |
| Load Capacities | 500–6,600 lbs (varies by model) | 1,250–6,600 lbs | 1,250–6,600 lbs |
| Product Range | Pickup, service, van, cargo, flatbed/stake | Primarily van and truck liftgates, strong focus on heavy-duty fleets | Wide range, often specified by OEMs for fleet trucks |
| Ease of Use | Simple, reliable controls designed for contractors and trades | Advanced control options, often more technical | Broad but less intuitive for small fleet operators |
| Strengths | American-made, reliable hydraulics, broad compatibility | Strong in heavy commercial and logistics fleets | Good choice for fleets seeking OEM integration |
| Support in Indiana | Widely available through Clark Truck Equipment and regional service providers | More limited dealer/service footprint locally | Moderate support, but often tied to larger fleet sales |
What This Means for Indiana Contractors
- If you’re a contractor, tradesperson, or municipality needing everyday reliability across multiple truck types, Tommy Gate liftgates in Central Indiana are typically the best fit.
- If your fleet is focused on long-haul logistics or heavy commercial delivery, Maxon or Waltco may be worth comparing.
- For most small to mid-size fleets in Indiana, Tommy Gate offers the best balance of durability, service availability, and cost-effectiveness.
Why Choose a Tommy Gate Liftgate in Central Indiana?
Tommy Gate has been a leader in hydraulic lift solutions for more than 50 years. Manufactured in the U.S. by Woodbine Manufacturing in Iowa, their products are built with the contractor, delivery driver, and fleet operator in mind.
Product Options
- Pickup Liftgates: Compact units for tradespeople moving smaller equipment and supplies.
- Service & Utility Liftgates: Mid-capacity options for contractors, plumbers, electricians, and municipal service vehicles.
- Van & Cargo Truck Liftgates: Popular with delivery fleets that need speed and reliability for multiple stops.
- Flatbed & Stake Truck Liftgates: High-capacity units that handle heavy-duty applications up to 6,600 lbs.
(Explore full specs on the Tommy Gate product lineup).
For Central Indiana contractors, these options mean there’s a liftgate tailored for your truck type and workload.
FAQ: What Contractors in Indiana Should Know
How long does installation take?
Most Tommy Gate installations can be completed in a day at Clark Truck Equipment, depending on the model and truck.
How long do liftgates last?
With proper maintenance, most liftgates last 7–10 years. Heavy use, poor conditions, and lack of service may shorten that lifespan.
Can I retrofit a Tommy Gate onto my current truck?
In most cases, yes. Tommy Gate produces models designed to retrofit common truck makes and bodies. Our technicians can confirm compatibility with your vehicle.
What about service and repairs?
Clark Truck offers installation, inspections, and maintenance for all liftgate models. We also stock parts for quicker turnaround when service is needed.
Work with Clark Truck Equipment
At Clark Truck Equipment, we’ve built our reputation on equipping contractors, municipalities, and fleets with the tools they need to succeed. From Tommy Gate liftgates in Central Indiana to snow plows, truck bodies, and custom upfits, our team ensures your trucks are working as hard as you are.
Serving Central Indiana, we offer installation, service, and support backed by decades of industry expertise.Contact us today to schedule your Tommy Gate installation or request a quote.