WÜLLHORST

Wüllhorst tail lifts – vehicle construction tradition from Selm since 1880

Wüllhorst is one of Germany's most traditional vehicle construction companies and looks back on an uninterrupted company history since 1880. With a focused load capacity range from 1500 to 2500 kg, Wüllhorst specifically covers the distribution and general cargo transport segment – particularly for the food industry. More than 140 years of vehicle construction experience shape every model series and make Wüllhorst a distinctive supplier in the tail lift market.

4 models, 1 safety system – the Wüllhorst family at a glance

In this category you will find Wüllhorst tail lifts, matching spare parts, maintenance components as well as solutions for repair and replacement on common tail lifts. The four model series 1,500 kg lightweight, 1,500 kg standard, 2,000 kg standard and 2,500 kg galvanised are closely interlocked with the own body portfolio – complemented by the Wüllhorst turning assistant WUE AAS-4.0.

SULEJ Ladebordwand handles repair and spare parts supply for the numerous Wüllhorst tail lifts still in operation – with decades of experience in systems from various manufacturers.

What is Wüllhorst? Origin, history and market position

Origin and history

Wüllhorst was founded in 1880 by Karl Wüllhorst in Selm in North Rhine-Westphalia and thus looks back on a company tradition of more than 140 years. Starting as a classic cartwright workshop, the company developed over the decades into a specialised body builder – in 1948, the consistent entry into body construction for commercial vehicles began, from which today's vehicle construction later emerged.

Wüllhorst is today particularly present in food logistics and supplies refrigerated and dry bodies including its own tail lift solutions. With the Wüllhorst turning assistants WUE AAS-4.0, the company complements its portfolio with safety-relevant components that go beyond the classic tail lift world.

Market position and philosophy

Wüllhorst positions itself as a traditional brand with a food sector focus and close integration of body, floor structure and tail lift. The brand philosophy follows a holistic vehicle construction approach: it is not the individual component that counts but the clean interlocking of all components. This focus makes Wüllhorst a first choice for haulage companies with high hygiene and safety requirements.

Product groups and model series – the Wüllhorst portfolio

Tail lifts for different vehicle types

The Wüllhorst programme comprises four own tail lift models that cover different load capacity and weight requirements. Load capacities range between 1500 and 2500 kg.

• 1,500 kg lightweight – weight-optimised version for maximum payload at minimum own weight
• 1,500 kg standard – classic lifting tail lift with balanced weight and robustness design
• 2,000 kg standard – reinforced variant for medium-heavy bodies and multi-load applications
• 2,500 kg galvanised – heavy version with galvanised construction for particular corrosion resistance

Compact models and special solutions

What all Wüllhorst models have in common is the close integration into the own body portfolio: the tail lift is designed in the context of the complete vehicle construction, which enables particularly clean integration with body, lighting and floor structure. With the WUE AAS-4.0 turning assistants, Wüllhorst extends the safety portfolio beyond the tail lift.

Maintenance and servicing of Wüllhorst tail lifts

Why regular maintenance matters

A Wüllhorst tail lift is designed for a long service life but, like any tail lift, requires regular maintenance. The focus is on regular UVV inspection of tail lifts, supplemented by consistent visual inspection of the mechanical, hydraulic and electrical components. Particularly in food logistics, clean maintenance is the foundation for smooth delivery operations.

Typical wear parts and their function

The most important wear parts of a Wüllhorst tail lift can be grouped into three functional areas: hydraulic components, sensors with electronic control, and original spare parts as a safety and quality factor. Targeted maintenance of these areas determines the service life and operational safety of the entire tail lift.

Hydraulic systems and components

Typical maintenance points are the condition of the hydraulic cylinders and piston rods, the tightness of all hydraulic connections, the oil level and condition of the hydraulic oil as well as the function of the safety valves. With the 2,500 kg variant with galvanised construction, particularly pronounced corrosion protection is at the centre – important for applications in salt-exposed environments.

Sensors and control

On the electrical side, foot switches, hand controllers, main circuit board and wiring are systematically checked. The WUE AAS-4.0 turning assistants are also integrated into the on-board network and should be included in the maintenance protocol.

Advantages of original spare parts

Original Wüllhorst spare parts are precisely matched to the own body portfolio and meet the quality and safety standards of the Selm vehicle builder. SULEJ Ladebordwand handles repair and spare parts supply for the numerous Wüllhorst tail lifts still in operation – with decades of experience in systems from various manufacturers.

Spare parts overview – hydraulics, electrics and mechanics

The spare parts spectrum for Wüllhorst tail lifts can be divided into three main functional areas: hydraulics, electrics and mechanics. This division facilitates structured fault diagnosis and targeted spare parts ordering.

Hydraulic components

In the hydraulic area, hydraulic pumps, hydraulic cylinders, sealing kits and valve inserts are the central wear parts of a Wüllhorst tail lift. They handle the force conversion when raising and lowering the platform and thus determine the performance of the entire tail lift.

Electrics and control

Foot switches, hand controllers, power relays as well as main current switches form the electrical control layer of the Wüllhorst tail lift. Control units and wiring connect the cockpit with the lifting mechanism and ensure clearly defined switching behaviour.

Mechanical components

Bolts, bearing bushes, ground rollers and connecting elements absorb the mechanical forces between platform, lifting arms and vehicle frame. With the 2,500 kg variant with galvanised construction, particularly pronounced corrosion protection is at the centre – important for applications in salt-exposed environments and winter operation.

Practical applications – where Wüllhorst tail lifts are used

Transport and logistics

Wüllhorst tail lifts are found particularly in food logistics, where the company realises very close interlocking of refrigerated body, floor structure and tail lift through its own body portfolio. Load capacities between 1500 and 2500 kg are optimally suited to daily delivery and distribution operations with standardised load units.

Crafts and retail

Typical fields of application include food logistics with refrigerated bodies, beverage distribution, furniture and general cargo transport as well as specialised distribution applications. In combination with the WUE AAS-4.0 turning assistants, the vehicle is additionally upgraded for inner-city and urban distribution logistics.

SULEJ Ladebordwand ships Wüllhorst spare parts with worldwide delivery – fast availability for workshop, fleet and mobile service operations.

Frequently asked questions about Wüllhorst tail lifts (FAQ)

Tips for safe and efficient operation

Safety and care

Regular inspection of the tail lift is essential to detect wear at an early stage. This includes checking hydraulic lines for leaks, verifying sensor function and inspecting the condition of the control unit, platform mechanism and WUE AAS-4.0 turning assistants. Cleaning and lubricating moving parts prevent corrosion and make operation easier – particularly in hygiene-sensitive food logistics, this care pays off.

Efficiency in daily operations

Ergonomic loading and unloading reduces physical strain and increases productivity. Loads should be distributed evenly on the platform and overloading of the tail lift must be consistently avoided. Operation should always follow the manufacturer's instructions to prevent damage and to ensure the long-term functionality of the tail lift.

Conclusion – Wüllhorst as a traditional brand with a food sector focus

Summary of advantages

Wüllhorst tail lifts stand for German vehicle construction tradition since 1880, a focused load capacity range from 1500 to 2500 kg as well as particularly close integration into the own body portfolio. With the four models lightweight 1,500 kg, standard 1,500 kg, standard 2,000 kg and galvanised 2,500 kg as well as the WUE AAS-4.0 turning assistants, the Selm manufacturer comprehensively covers its target industries. The Wüllhorst spare parts offered in this category are designed for use on common Wüllhorst tail lifts and allow quick selection of suitable components for maintenance, repair and replacement.

From consultation to spare parts – everything from a single source

Whether maintenance, repair or spare parts – with SULEJ Ladebordwand as an experienced service partner for Wüllhorst legacy systems, you are perfectly equipped for the demands of modern transport and logistics processes.