Lifting Deck Trailers

What Are Lifting Deck Trailers?

Lifting Deck Trailers, also known as moving deck trailers, are a type of double deck trailer that use a hydraulically operated upper platform to create two load levels. Unlike a fixed double deck trailer, the upper deck can be lowered to loading bay height for loading and unloading before being raised to create space for a second payload beneath.

Traditional fixed double deck trailers often require either a two-tier tail-lift or a bay scissor lift to access both levels efficiently. A Lifting Deck Trailer overcomes this limitation by allowing the upper platform to be loaded at standard loading bay floor height and then raised at the push of a button.

This flexible approach speeds up loading and unloading while maximising the available pallet footprint. Whereas a standard single-deck trailer typically carries 26 UK pallets, a Lifting Deck Trailer can accommodate up to 52 UK pallets, effectively transporting two trailer loads within a single vehicle.

See How a Lifting Deck Trailer Works

This short animation demonstrates the typical loading sequence for a Don-Bur step-frame hydraulic lifting deck trailer. Watch how the upper deck is loaded before being raised to create space for the lower deck beneath.

This proven system allows both deck levels to be loaded quickly from a standard loading bay, helping operators maximise cubic capacity while maintaining fast, efficient loading and unloading.

Features

Don-Bur Lifting Deck Trailers are built to meet your exact operational requirements — offering unmatched durability, flexibility, and payload efficiency.

• Durable, long-life construction
• Available in Straight and Step-frame configurations
• Industry-leading capacity of up to 52 UK pallets using Don-Bur's "Blade" panels
• Tail-lift options tailored to your loading environment
• High cube volume of approximately 120m³
• Rapid loading and unloading at the bay

How the Single Ram & Pulley System Works

Don-Bur's proven lifting deck system uses a single hydraulic ram mounted beneath the trailer chassis. The ram is powered by an electric hydraulic power pack, which can receive power from trailer batteries, a loading bay supply or the coupled tractor unit.

As the ram extends, it tensions four high-strength steel cables routed through a series of pulleys and guide wheels. The cables travel up the external body columns, over top-mounted pulleys and down to slide plates attached to the upper deck structure.

The upper deck effectively hangs from the cable system and is guided vertically by the four structural columns. This arrangement distributes lifting forces evenly across the deck, allowing smooth and consistent operation regardless of how the upper level is loaded.

Unlike some multi-ram designs, the suspended deck is able to accommodate small amounts of movement without binding or jamming. The result is a reliable lifting mechanism that reduces stress on the trailer structure while providing dependable long-term operation in demanding distribution environments.

Wedge Lifting Decks

Traditional step-frame trailers offer big cubic volume and generous internal apertures, but the stepped floor introduces restrictions that slow down loading. Don-Bur's Wedge Lifting Deck design eliminates the step altogether, creating two uninterrupted, load-through floors.

This approach retains the high volume associated with step-frames while improving loading speed and operational efficiency. The result is a trailer well suited to parcel carriers, cage handling and loose-load operations, where clear apertures and rapid bay turnaround are critical.

Temperature-Controlled Lifting Deck Trailers

Don-Bur's hydraulic Lifting Deck Trailers are equally suited to chilled and frozen distribution, combining high-cube carrying capacity with precise temperature control for demanding logistics operations.

This animation demonstrates how a temperature-controlled lifting deck trailer can be configured, illustrating the insulated body construction and moving upper deck that enable both load levels to be used efficiently while maintaining thermal performance.

Enhanced Safety Features

To ensure the highest standards of safety, our lifting deck trailers are fitted with multiple fail-safe mechanisms. These are designed to prevent unintentional lowering of the upper platform — even in the event of mechanical failure. Safety features include:

1. Rope Arrest / Brake Bar Mechanism

Each column slide plate includes a robust, sprung-loaded horizontal brake bar. A vertical steel rod runs through the brake bar, and if lift support from the cables is lost, the bar automatically twists against the rod, jamming the deck securely in place within just 50mm of travel (including 25% FOS).

2. High-Strength Support Cables

The lifting mechanism uses 4 or 6 steel fibre cables, each rated to support up to 20,897 kg. This ensures exceptional load-handling and structural integrity under real-world operational stresses.

3. Hydraulic Burst Valve

To protect against hydraulic failure, the system is fitted with a burst valve. In the event of a ruptured pipe, the valve immediately isolates the circuit to prevent any unintended movement.

4. Sprung-Loaded Safety Paddle Locks

When the upper level is raised, four sprung-loaded paddle locks engage beneath it, providing additional mechanical restraint and further safeguarding against unplanned descent.

5. Flow Control Valve

This valve regulates the hydraulic fluid flow, ensuring a controlled and steady lowering speed of the upper floor level.

By combining these engineered safety systems, our lifting deck trailers — and moving deck systems in general — offer dependable performance with built-in peace of mind for operators and depot staff alike.