Lifting Deck Trailers – High Volume and Fast Loading

No company has more expertise in the specialist design and manufacture of hydraulic Lifting Deck Trailers than Don-Bur. Also known as moving deck trailers, they deliver fast loading, high-cube volume and up to 52 UK pallets (60 on LST versions), cutting trips and boosting turnaround time at the bay.

Your Design For Your Needs

Don-Bur pioneered this technology in the late 1980s, and our extensive experience has resulted in the most evolved, reliable, safe, and cost-effective solutions available today.

Don-Bur’s lifting Decks now dominate the major fleets, where each tailored design plays a critical role for each operator where margins are tight.

This success is underpinned by a culture of continuous improvement, driven by strong customer partnerships and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving logistics landscape. By staying closely aligned with operator needs and industry challenges, Don-Bur ensures its lifting deck solutions remain ahead of the curve.

“We have a longstanding working relationship with Don-Bur, who are extremely adept at understanding real-world logistics challenges and have developed new and exciting technology for us. Jointly, we’ve designed and engineered more efficient trailers for an ecologically sustainable future.”
— Royal Mail

Q: What Are Lifting Deck Trailers?

A: Double deck trailers are now commonplace — especially in trunking operations. However, loading a traditional fixed two-tier trailer typically requires either a two-tier tail-lift or a bay scissor lift, which can slow down operations and reduce flexibility.

A Lifting Deck Trailer solves this problem by incorporating a hydraulically operated second platform. This full-length or rear three-quarter-length platform can be loaded at standard loading bay floor height and then raised at the push of a button, allowing a second payload to be positioned on the main floor beneath it.

This smart design not only speeds up loading but also doubles the available pallet footprint. While 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 in one.

Watch a Lifting Deck in operation at a loading bay

“We are excited about the introduction of Don-Bur's latest design of Lifting Deck trailer to our fleet. Safety and sustainability are paramount to us, and this trailer's advanced features align perfectly with our commitment to ensuring the highest standards in transportation.”
— Marks & Spencer

M&S Step-Frame Lifting Deck Trailers Plan A

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

Glass Lifting Deck Single Ram And Pulley

Single Ram & Pulley System

Unlike some multi-ram designs, Don-Bur’s proven single ram and pulley system delivers a smooth, uniform lift — regardless of how the upper floor is loaded. This robust setup reduces stress and flexing on the trailer structure, enhancing reliability and long-term durability.

“Our work with Don-Bur over several years has given us the reassurance that such a sensitive and critical project would be done within a strict time-frame and shrouded in complete secrecy. We are delighted with the productive partnership and quality of work.”
— John Lewis Partnership

52 UK Pallet Capacity

Don-Bur was the first in the industry to introduce a Lifting Deck Trailer capable of carrying 52 UK pallets — a full 26 pallets per floor level.

When paired with Don-Bur’s ultra-thin 7.5mm 'Blade' panel, the trailer achieves a consistent internal upper floor width of 2440mm along the full length of the tub. This maximised internal space allows two full rows of UK pallets to be positioned side by side on both levels, without compromise.

Lifting Deck Showing 52 UK Pallet Capacity

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 Decks

For operators in chilled or frozen distribution, Don-Bur offers fully temperature-controlled Lifting Deck Trailers that maximise pallet volume while maintaining precise climate control.

The 3D video below demonstrates the robust construction and insulation methods used in our temperature-controlled lifting decks, designed for performance and efficiency across both levels.

Temperature Controlled Lifting Deck

TIP Polar-bur Temperature Controlled Trailer

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.