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NOV 13, 2025

Anthony AST-Plus and AST-L: Durable TuckUnder Liftgates for Light and Medium-Duty Fleets

The Anthony AST TuckUnder Liftgate has long been recognized for dependable performance in light- and medium-duty delivery trucks.

Built on a proven, straightforward mechanical design, the AST combines grease-free bushings, a pressure-compensated hydraulic system, and stainless-steel component protection to ensure consistent uptime in demanding fleet service.

Available in AST, AST-Plus, and AST-L variations, this series offers lifting capacities from 1,500 lb to 3,500 lb with bed-height ranges that fit most delivery-class chassis (Product Guide, pp. 17–18; Brochure 2014, p. 2).

• Documentation Resources from Palfinger
• The Legacy of the AST Line
• Engineering Highlights
• Built for the Real World
• Model Variations and Specifications
• Applications and Use Cases
• Maintenance and Operation Considerations
• Why Fleets Choose the AST Series
• Conclusion

Documentation Resources from Palfinger

Information in this article is sourced from Anthony AST manuals as well as our team’s expertise. Always refer to your specific liftgate’s manuals for complete procedures and serial number, model, and year-specific details.

Reference PDFs used:

• Anthony Liftgates Product Guide
• Anthony AST Brochure (2014)
• Anthony AST Operation Manual
• Anthony AST Installation Manual
• Anthony AST Parts Manual (L-101A-10-2018)

The Legacy of the AST Line

Anthony designed the AST (Standard Tuck) to provide a simple, durable liftgate for everyday commercial delivery use. Its straightforward steel structure and reliable hydraulics have made it a standard for tuck-under liftgate performance for more than four decades (Product Guide, p. 17).

Later improvements led to the AST-Plus, which expanded lifting capacities and platform selections, and the AST-L, developed for vehicles with lower mounting heights. Across all versions, Anthony kept the same principle: build a gate that is easy to install, easy to service, and built to last through thousands of duty cycles (Installation Manual § 1.1).

Engineering Highlights

Factory-Built Reliability

Each AST liftgate ships fully assembled, energized, and tested to confirm performance before installation (Installation Manual § 1.1; Operation Manual § 1.1). This factory testing shortens installation time and reduces post-mount adjustments.

Grease-Free Bushings

Anthony’s service-free bushings are fitted at every critical pivot point. These polymer bushings eliminate routine lubrication and resist wear, allowing smoother movement through years of operation (Product Guide, p. 17; Brochure 2014, p. 2).

Anthony first introduced this technology in the early 1990s, and it remains a key differentiator among tuck under liftgates today.

Controlled Hydraulic Performance

A pressure-compensated flow valve maintains consistent lifting and lowering speeds under varying loads and prevents “free-fall” in the event of a hydraulic failure (Brochure 2014, p. 2). This controlled-speed feature extends the life of cylinders and fittings while improving safety during operation.

Built for the Real World

Stainless-Steel CHS (Centralized Hydraulic System)

All sensitive hydraulic and electrical components are enclosed in a stainless-steel pump box, forming a Centralized Hydraulic System (CHS) that shields them from dirt, road spray, and corrosion (Brochure 2014, p. 2).

This enclosure simplifies service and extends system life—especially important in wet or cold operating climates.

Mechanical Safety Latch

A heavy-duty mechanical safety latch provides redundant load security when the liftgate is stowed. Working in tandem with the hydraulic lock, it ensures safe transport even under vibration or pressure bleed-off conditions (Brochure 2014, p. 2).

Spring-Assist Platform

Dual torsion springs make the platform easy to fold and unfold manually, improving driver ergonomics and reducing fatigue during repetitive deliveries (Brochure 2014, p. 2; Operation Manual § 3.2).

Together, these design elements demonstrate why the AST series is known for being driver-friendly, durable, and built to handle daily delivery environments (Product Guide, p. 6).

Model Variations and Specifications

AST and AST-Plus Models

The AST and AST-Plus models are designed for general-duty applications and share many components.

• AST capacities: 1,500 – 3,500 lb
• Bed height range: 42 – 57 in (Brochure 2014, p. 2; Installation Manual § 4.3)
• AST-Plus capacities: 2,500 – 3,000 lb
• Bed height range: 38 – 56 in (Installation Manual § 4.3)

Both lines offer multiple platform options—steel or aluminum, wedge or adjustable-ramp (ARR)—to match various body configurations (Product Guide, pp. 17–18; Parts Manual § 14).

AST-L Low-Bed Series

For lower-profile chassis, the AST-L provides the same dependable mechanism in a more compact frame.

• Capacities: 1,800 – 2,500 lb
• Bed height range: 36 – 44 in (Brochure 2014, p. 2; Installation Manual § 4.3). This version is ideal for cab-over or light box-truck applications that require a smaller installation envelope.

Platform Options

All configurations include spring assist assemblies and are compatible with cart stops and dock-bumper accessories (Parts Manual § 14; Installation Manual § 4.4.2).

Applications and Use Cases

The Anthony AST Liftgate is tailored for light- and medium-duty fleets that require dependable, low-maintenance lifting power.

Common use cases include:

• Parcel and courier delivery where the platform is cycled frequently throughout the day.
• Food and beverage distribution using box or reefer trucks operating in cold or wet environments.
• Service and municipal vehicles needing a compact, tuck-away liftgate for mixed cargo handling.

With its grease-free operation, corrosion-resistant design, and factory-tested assembly, the AST series minimizes downtime and delivers consistent reliability (Product Guide, p. 17; Operation Manual § 4.1).

Maintenance and Operation Considerations

Hydraulic Fluid

Maintain proper fluid level in the pump reservoir. Use Dexron VI, Dexron III, or Hyken Glacial Blue hydraulic fluid.

For cold-weather service, Hyken Glacial Blue is recommended (Operation Manual § 4.1). For more information, check out our liftgates oil guide.

Electrical Protection

The system includes a 200 Amp main fuse to protect truck wiring and a 10 Amp in-line control-circuit fuse inside the power-unit box (Brochure 2014, p. 2; Operation Manual §§ 4.2–4.3).

A cab-mounted or solenoid power cut-off is also recommended for safety (Installation Manual § 4.5–4.6).

OEM Components and Decals

Always use genuine OEM liftgate parts to maintain factory specifications and warranty coverage (Installation Manual § 2.3.2).

All safety decals must remain legible and in place; replacement labels and part numbers are detailed in the manuals (Operation Manual § 5.1; Parts Manual §§ 16–17).

Why Fleets Choose the AST Series

Fleet operators select the Anthony AST TuckUnder Liftgate for its combination of durability and simplicity:

• Grease-free bushings: eliminate routine lubrication.
• Pressure-compensated hydraulic valve: ensures smooth, controlled lift cycles.
• Stainless-steel CHS enclosure: protects all vital components.
• Mechanical safety latch + hydraulic lock: redundancy secures the platform during transit.
• Spring-assist platform: design makes manual operation easy.
• High compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of light and medium-duty trucks and tuck-away liftgate installations.

These engineering features yield fewer service calls and longer operational life, making this Anthony Liftgate series one of the most dependable options.

Conclusion

The Anthony AST TuckUnder Liftgate is built for fleets that demand consistent reliability and straightforward operation.

From the AST and AST-Plus to the AST-L, each model reflects Anthony’s emphasis on robust construction, easy maintenance, and proven hydraulic control.

For verified OEM liftgate parts or complete liftgate units, contact our team at LiftGateMe for expert assistance.