Hydraulic Tail-Lift Integration on the M127A2C High-Side Semi-Trailer

For many years, units operating the M127A2C high-side semi-trailers have experienced significant difficulties when loading and unloading heavy equipment. Under normal operations, several operators are required to dismantle the high-side wooden panels piece by piece around the semi-trailer, including the rear doors, due to safety concerns. This process is necessary to create sufficient space for a forklift to access the cargo bed. After loading is completed, the wooden panels must be reassembled. Each cycle of dismantling and reassembly takes more than 30 minutes.

To address this challenge, we have introduced a hydraulic tail-lift integrated at the rear of the vehicle as an alternative solution to reduce the workload on operators during loading and unloading. The tail-lift is equipped with a wired remote control, allowing the rear cargo platform to be raised or lowered safely and efficiently. In addition, the high-side wooden panels have been modified and fitted with compact hydraulic cylinders, enabling a single operator to fold them down or raise them back into position much more quickly, safely, and with minimal effort.

An official test of the hydraulic tail-lift system was conducted at the Maintenance Regiment, 12th Support Brigade, Saraburi Province, in the presence of members of the test committee and representatives from the operating units. The trial was observed by all parties, who also provided feedback for further improvement.

As a result, the hydraulic tail-lift passed all tests without issue, and the operators expressed satisfaction with its performance and ease of use.

We look forward to continuing our efforts to enhance and modernize equipment for the Royal Thai Army.