For those facing long, cold days loading and unloading pickups with logs, woodchip or bales this natty idea could save a lot of time and hassle.

More than 600,000 Loadhandlers have been sold in their native US and now the simple gadget is being imported by Galbraith Bros, which is based in Sevenoaks, Kent.

Fixed to the tailgate by bodywork friendly brackets, says Curtis Galbraith, the Loadhandler takes just minutes to fit but is sturdy enough to cope with material like concrete blocks, top soil and pallets. It works in the same way as a conveyer – a simple winding system at the tailgate gives operators the opportunity to load buckets, barrows or discharge material straight from the loadbay.

Three models are available, although the mid-size LH2200M – which has a maximum load capacity of 1,000kg – is expected to be the most suitable for UK farmers and fits the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara, Isuzu Rodeo and Mazda BT-50.

There are two larger versions available and Galbraith says that by adding simple additional brackets, the LH3000 (1,000kg) could be used to unload non-tipping trailers and Transit-style flatbed trucks. The LH2200M costs £110 plus VAT.