Retractable Small-Engine-Machine Lifter for Mobile Repairs

A multipurpose tailgate (MPT) for a service vehicle, the MPT comprising:

• a) a vehicle-mounted tailgate door pivotally connected to a hinge at a rear opening of the service vehicle;
• b) a hydraulic system comprising a pair of hydraulic cylinders, each hydraulic cylinder pivotally coupled between the MPT and the service vehicle, the hydraulic system configured to move the MPT between a closed position, a sloped ramp position, and a raised position;
• c) a plurality of telescoping loading trays (TLTs), each TLT being removably insertable into one of a plurality of tray slots disposed along a loading edge of the MPT opposite the hinge, each TLT being selectively extendable and retractable to adjust its length;
• d) a locking mechanism for securing each TLT within a selected tray slot, the locking mechanism comprising a plurality of tray locking pin slots at an insertion end of each TLT, the tray locking pin slots being configured to receive a locking pin for securing the TLT in one of multiple longitudinal positions;
• e) a safety support system comprising a pair of safety legs pivotally coupled to opposite sides of the MPT, the safety legs being movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein in the deployed position, the safety legs engage a ground surface to stabilize the MPT when in the raised position;
• f) a plurality of wheel locking holes (WLHs) disposed on at least some of the TLTs, the WLHs configured to receive and secure a wheel of a small engine machine during operation of the MPT;
• and
• g) wherein the MPT is configured to function as both a loading ramp for moving a small engine machine onto the service vehicle and a load support platform for repairing the small engine machine when in the raised position.