Preventative Maintenance on Liftgates: Why It’s Crucial for Your Fleet

When it comes to maintaining a fleet of vehicles, it’s easy to focus on the obvious components like engines, brakes, and tires. But one often-overlooked aspect of truck upkeep is the liftgate. If your business relies on liftgates for loading and unloading, neglecting them could lead to unnecessary downtime, costly repairs, and even safety risks. That’s where preventative maintenance comes in. So, what exactly is preventative maintenance for liftgates, why is it important, and how often should it be done? Let’s break it down.

What is Preventative Liftgate Maintenance? 

Preventative liftgate maintenance involves regularly inspecting, cleaning, lubricating, and testing the liftgate to ensure that it functions correctly and remains in good condition. Much like routine maintenance for a vehicle’s engine or transmission, preventative liftgate care helps avoid breakdowns and keeps the equipment operating at peak efficiency.

This process typically includes:

• Inspecting the liftgate for signs of wear and tear (e.g., rust, cracks, or loose components).

• Lubricating the moving parts, such as hinges, pins, and the hydraulic system, to ensure smooth operation.

• Testing the electrical and hydraulic systems to ensure they’re functioning properly.

• Checking the load capacity and making sure safety mechanisms, like locks, secondary power units, brakes and warning lights, are working.

• Cleaning debris from critical areas to prevent buildup, which could impair function or damage components.

By catching small issues early, preventative maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your liftgate and prevent more expensive repairs down the road.

Why is Preventative Maintenance Important?

You might be wondering: “Isn’t my liftgate just fine until it breaks?” Well, here are a few reasons why regular maintenance is essential:

1. Minimize Downtime

A malfunctioning liftgate can cause significant delays in your operation. If your business relies on timely deliveries or efficient loading/unloading, a broken liftgate can quickly become a major headache. Preventative maintenance ensures that minor issues are fixed before they turn into costly failures.

 2. Safety First

Liftgates are heavy-duty pieces of equipment that are used frequently under stressful conditions. If they aren’t properly maintained, parts can fail at the worst possible moment—such as while loading or unloading a heavy load. This could lead to accidents or injuries. Regular checks help ensure that safety mechanisms are in place and that everything is functioning as it should.

 3. Save Money in the Long Run

While preventative maintenance does require an upfront investment, it ultimately saves you money. Replacing a worn-out liftgate or fixing a major hydraulic failure can cost thousands. Routine maintenance helps prevent these large repairs by addressing minor issues before they escalate into major ones.

 4. Extend Equipment Lifespan

Liftgates are not cheap, so you want to get the most use out of them. Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of the liftgate, meaning you’ll get more years of reliable service before needing to replace it.

 5. Maintain Operational Efficiency

Liftgates that are well-maintained operate smoothly and efficiently. This means faster loading and unloading times, reducing the overall time spent on each delivery or pickup, and improving the efficiency of your entire operation.

How Often Should I Have Preventative Maintenance?

The frequency of preventative maintenance on your liftgate depends on several factors, including the type of liftgate, how often it’s used, and the operating environment (e.g., extreme temperatures, dirty conditions, or rough handling). However, a general guideline is: 

• Monthly Checks: For liftgates in daily use, it’s a good idea to perform a basic visual inspection and functionality test at least once a month. Look for visible damage, check that the liftgate opens and closes smoothly, and listen for any unusual noises. If anything seems off, it’s best to address it right away. 

• Quarterly Maintenance: Every three months, schedule a more thorough inspection with Texas Hydraulic that includes lubricating moving parts, checking the hydraulic system, inspecting the wiring, and ensuring that all safety features are functional.  

• Annual Servicing: At least once a year, have a professional technician perform a comprehensive inspection. This will include deep checks of the hydraulic system, electrical components, structural integrity, and load-bearing capacity. A full-service inspection can catch potential problems before they become costly repairs.

If your liftgate is used in harsh conditions—such as in colder climates, heavy-duty work environments, or frequent deliveries—more frequent maintenance might be necessary. In these cases, it’s wise to consult your manufacturer’s recommendations or your technician for advice on a customized maintenance schedule.

In Conclusion 

Preventative maintenance for liftgates might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about fleet management, but it’s absolutely essential for keeping your operations running smoothly, safely, and cost-effectively. By staying proactive with maintenance, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns, extend the lifespan of your liftgates, and ensure that your team has the equipment they need to do their jobs efficiently.

Remember: when it comes to liftgates, a little regular care goes a long way! Schedule your next PM today!

Things to Look for in Truck Liftgates

By expanding your lifting, hauling, transportation, and delivery capacities, a lift gate will reduce your reliance on loading bays, manpower, and heavy equipment. Because few other devices so thoroughly expand job site functionality, it's important to take your time and select the best liftgate for your purposes.

For over 80 years, Texas Hydraulic & Equipment has seen which liftgates stand up to the most rigorous conditions for a variety of applications. Read on to learn the most important factors affecting liftgate function depending on your specific applications.

Lifting Capacity

Liftgates have a huge load capacity, generally about 1,000 to 3,500 lbs. This includes the weight of the cargo itself, plus any people and equipment (e.g., palette jacks) you may also need.

Think ahead about future lifting capacities, especially if you're shopping for a liftgate and truck at the same time. For these reasons and more, you'd do well to round your lifting capacities up and generously.

Lifting capacity is primarily limited by the truck's (or the trailer's) suspension and weight ratings. In addition to your truck's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), measure the "laden" and "unladen" points of the hauling space.

This reveals the effect a load will have on suspension, and it also has a bearing on certain size requirements, such as pickup bed height.

All these dimensions should be taken into account for each given type of load you anticipate lifting and transporting.

Platform Size

Correctly gauging cargo capacity requires heeding liftgate size limits, especially if you move less standard materials or equipment. Although heavier loads are also usually bigger, that's not always the case.

Some liftgate loading mechanisms and arms will take up some of the platform's usable width.

Depth, or "loading depth," is usually easier to choose at will, as the limitations largely depend only on the depth of the truck or trailer.

For enclosed trucks, there might be a further limitation on clearance if the platform must pass through an entryway (like on a delivery truck).

Platform Material and Style

Various types of platforms exist for different kinds of loads and operating conditions. Most platforms include:

• Treadplate Steel – Suitable for maximum-strength lifting operations but with an increased weight burden on your truck or trailer.

• Extruded Aluminum – With lighter weight and corrosion-resistant alloys/finishes, extruded aluminum platforms make longer loading tapers possible. This results in smoother loading and unloading. However, extruded aluminum platforms have lower maximum weight limits.

• Tommy Traction – Provides the highest level of traction in a platform, and the aerated/porous design allows liquid or granulated material to pass through unimpeded.

• Bar Grate – For even more porosity, bar grates strike the ideal balance between traction and smoother movement with heavy loads.

For all but the heaviest purposes, where only sheer strength matters (i.e., solid steel), the humid Texas climate usually impels choosing platforms with higher corrosion resistance.

Liftgate Durability

Lifting capacity depends on a liftgate's durability, including its strength and lifespan. It's a good idea to factor in the rate of corrosion, type of materials, build quality, and manufacturer warranties.

After you choose a liftgate, pay close attention to manufacturer-recommended maintenance. Schedule timely service appointments with the leading liftgate specialists at Texas Hydraulic & Equipment so you can maintain maximum equipment lifespan and efficiency.

Vehicle Compatibility

Unless you're also purchasing a truck or trailer, compatibility determines which liftgates are available to you.

A compatible liftgate must meet all dimensional, weight, and design requirements, which are all based on your applications.

The liftgate's total range of travel cannot exceed flatbed depth and watch for compatibility with the truck's hitch (which is usually easy to convert to an aftermarket part).

Above all, you'll need the assistance of an experienced liftgate pro to ensure the safest and most effective liftgate installations.

Enhance Business Operations with a Reliable Truck Liftgate from Texas Hydraulics & Equipment

A liftgate can immediately help a business achieve greater independence, enabling individual employees to accomplish what would otherwise require large crews and/or much heavier machinery.

For decades, Texas Hydraulic & Equipment has helped customers throughout the DFW Metroplex troubleshoot their liftgate issues and achieve maximum economy of their labor and investment. To learn more about liftgate compatibility and compare your options, contact us or visit our facility in Hutchins, Texas.

C.A. Green/Shutterstock

Hydraulic Lift Gate: Common Issues and Practical Maintenance Tips

Timely liftgate maintenance can make the difference between uninterrupted operations vs. costly downtime, stalled trucks, or worse. Hydraulic liftgate troubleshooting can be enormously complex, and when the pressure is on, and you lack the necessary tools or technical knowledge, there's little to do besides schedule a lift gate repair appointment.

Before allowing it to get to that point, read on for the most practical maintenance tips from Texas Hydraulic & Equipment, the premier liftgate specialists of the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth region.

Signs That You May Need Liftgate Maintenance

Keeping your liftgate working smoothly and efficiently requires following through on any sign of suboptimal operation. Nearly all the following liftgate malfunctions will start as small, nearly imperceptible issues that become much worse over time.

Fluid Leaks

Don't ignore visible leaks or puddles, which usually indicate one or more hydraulic fluid leaks. Even a slow drip over time can eventually cause total malfunction.

Slow Downward Drift

Liftgate platforms are meant to hold their position, even when stopped, and a liftgate platform that slowly tilts down is not normal. It's often the sign of a hydraulic system leak.

Irregular Function

If your liftgate moves unevenly, there could be a combination of factors, including fluid leaks, damaged wiring, and/or a failing pump. Total inoperability may require significant hydraulic liftgate troubleshooting and repairs, after which the best thing to prevent future breakdowns is committing to a regular maintenance cycle.

Slow Movement

Slower movement than you're used to could indicate a failing hydraulic pump or poorly lubricated joints. Those same issues can also cause squeaking, grinding, and other problematic noises. Low voltage, often caused by charging or wiring issues, can also contribute to slow or improper movement.

Even if you aren't sure if your liftgate is performing like new, our recommendation is to have your liftgate serviced three to four times a year. It will catch small issues before they become more costly later on, and it's downright essential when work operations depend on mobile liftgates.

Helpful Truck Liftgate Maintenance Tips

Regular service is key to maintaining efficient liftgate operation. Between service appointments, you can almost guarantee ongoing equipment reliability by making these important liftgate services second nature:

• Keeping a regular maintenance checklist for each liftgate

• Thoroughly training staff in proper liftgate use

• Collecting reports on leaks and other signs of disrepair

• Conducting daily liftgate inspections, including signs of excessive wear or leaks

• Watching your auxiliary or primary truck batteries, which liftgates can drain

• Equipping liftgates with dedicated chargers or replacement batteries

• Fully charging liftgate batteries whenever possible and periodically load-testing them

• Inspecting liftgate solenoids for signs of burnout (often a result of low-voltage operation)

• Checking all terminals to maintain tight connections and zero corrosion

• Replacing any degraded wire insulation or exposed wires

As you can see, liftgate failure can affect not only your trucks themselves but stall your operations as well. Rather than risk blocking traffic or a business partner's facility while you wait on a charge, take proactive measures now to ensure your liftgates are as dependable as you expect them to be.

Trust Texas Hydraulic & Equipment for Comprehensive Liftgate Maintenance Solutions

The more your business depends on mobile liftgates, the more you should take liftgate preventative maintenance seriously. It will not only protect daily revenue streams but your employees, equipment, and materials.

Texas Hydraulic & Equipment's experienced technicians are masters of hydraulic liftgate troubleshooting. We can quickly zero in on the maintenance services that will make a difference to your liftgate's operation, efficiency, and safety. Having been at the forefront of liftgate technologies since 1945, you can depend on us for expert diagnoses and services across the widest range of hydraulic liftgate technologies.

We're committed to providing excellent service and workmanship for your hydraulic liftgate devices. Many of our customers travel upwards of 100 miles because they know the value of working with a true expert in their field. Contact us or pay us a visit at our DFW Metroplex workshop and ensure your liftgates are working at peak efficiency.

What is a Lift Gate and How Does it Work

Liftgates are one of the unsung heroes of work and industrial sites everywhere, quickly fulfilling loading and unloading operations when other solutions aren't available. They also expand functionality for workforces in various capacities, safely increasing productivity and efficiency whenever operations call for light to moderately heavy-duty hauling and delivery.

With a properly functioning liftgate, your company achieves greater independence and enables individual employees to accomplish what otherwise would require larger crews or costly heavy machinery. For nearly 80 years, Texas Hydraulic & Equipment has served the liftgate repair needs of numerous major enterprises.

Read on to learn what a liftgate is and how it supports a wide range of equipment or material lifting and transportation needs.

WHAT IS A LIFTGATE?

A liftgate is a freight- or load-lifting device, usually installed in the back of a truck or trailer. Many industries use liftgates if the delivery site lacks a loading bay of the proper height or if other lifting solutions (e.g., forklifts or hoists) are unavailable. Under such circumstances, industries typically require a liftgate to load or unload items exceeding 150 pounds.

There are numerous liftgate brands on the market with a proven track record of safe and reliable operation. That's why it's important to ensure your liftgate service technician has an equally robust history working with all major liftgate makes and models, including custom solutions for specialty or out-of-date equipment.

HOW DOES A LIFTGATE WORK?

Liftgates use hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric power transfer mechanisms to direct power into a linear or rotational force, which moves the liftgate platform. Lifting operations are controlled by a switch box with simple up/down controls, and liftgates are generally capable of safely handling loads between 1,500 and 3,500 lbs.

Depending on the design, a liftgate will use various combinations of pulleys, wheels, rollers, cables, chains, and other components, and the technology changes by the year. Electromagnetic actuators, for example, dramatically simplify liftgate designs, reducing weight and system complexity in the process. However, pneumatic/hydraulic liftgate technologies have endured and are still being innovated and improved on to this day.

If you've ordered a shipment or pickup service that requires a liftgate delivery, the driver will almost always be responsible for handling the liftgate and load. However, it's good for anyone to learn how to use a liftgate safely and responsibly.

BENEFITS OF USING A LIFTGATE

Not only do liftgates fulfill certain requirements for industry-sanctioned lifting and unloading operations, but they also expand functionality for various delivery and transportation professionals. Even individuals often equip their own trucks, vans, or trailers with liftgates simply to increase their own utility.

For any use, the core benefits of a liftgate are the same:

• Achieves efficient, high-capacity lifting

• Uses minimal equipment

• Keeps crews safe

• Protects worksite surfaces and equipment

• Fulfills various general industry codes and regulations

• Reduces the need for other equipment

• Travels with you anywhere

UNLEASH THE POWER OF TEXAS HYDRAULIC & EQUIPMENT'S LIFTGATE SOLUTIONS

Since 1945, Texas Hydraulic & Equipment has been at the forefront of liftgate technology, including various mounting and lifting mechanisms. We've served the lifting needs of a wide range of industries.

We serve the widest range of liftgate servicing needs with our premium liftgate parts and testing and service center just outside the Dallas Metro area. Customers can rest assured of the highest-quality OEM solutions whenever possible and fully compatible custom repairs for more specialized liftgates no longer in production.

Texas Hydraulic & Equipment is a family-owned operation committed to providing world-class liftgate service and repair. Contact us to learn more about our services or to request a quote and maintain safe and efficient mobile lifting for the long haul.

Image Source: Deep Desert Photography/Shutterstock

Types, Causes, and Dangers of A Hydraulic Leak

Types, Causes, and Dangers of the Hydraulic Leakage

Hydraulic leaks happen often and should be addressed as soon as possible.  Even a small hydraulic leak can reduce equipment efficiency, increasing costs and potential workplace dangers. Aside from an expensive waste of hydraulic oil, leaks also lead to hydraulic fluid contamination, which wears out the equipment and reduces its lifespan. These leaks can occur externally or internally and create a host of problems if not repaired promptly.

External and Internal Fluid Leaks

While the most obvious signs of hydraulic leaks include visible puddles or oil leaking from external seals, internal fluid leaks are harder to detect. If left unaddressed, external and internal hydraulic leaks can damage your equipment and reduce efficiency.

Causes of Hydraulic Leakage

Indications of leaks go beyond puddles or leaky seals. The warning signs may be indirectly noticeable through odd equipment functionality and reduced efficiency. They occur when seals and gaskets break down over time, if the hydraulic cylinder is improperly adjusted, or if the wrong type of fluid was used. As we'll explain below, this easily leads to even more issues down the line.

Dangers of Leaking Hydraulic Fluid

From decreased performance and increased costs to faster component wear, hydraulic leaks lead to numerous issues, even severe injuries. If you notice any of the following, have your equipment inspected by your local hydraulic cylinder repair expert.

Oil Consumption Increase

Leaking hydraulics wastes oil, exposing your equipment to damage and driving up costs. It also damages the environment, though it's completely avoidable. To save time and money in the long run, consider increased oil consumption a sign that you might have a hydraulic leak. Finding and repairing the source of the leak will immediately start saving you money and preserving the lifespan of your equipment over the long run.

Reduced Machinery Efficiency

Most often, hydraulic leaks cause a gradual decline in efficiency, not a sudden, total malfunction. Still, the gradual inefficiency causes slower cycle times, which reduces work efficiency. Projects will take longer to complete, leading to ineffective use of resources and labor.

Risk of Malfunctioning Machine Components

Hydraulic contamination is the cause of 80% of equipment failures due to leaks allowing dirt, water, and air to enter the cylinder. These equipment failures vastly increase wear, eventually leading to major equipment malfunction – and not just to the hydraulics.

Severe Damage to the Environment

When improperly sealed, hydraulic equipment leaks millions of gallons of oil into soil and water. The publication Machinery Lubrication calculated that a leak of a single drop per second wastes 420 gallons of oil per year. It's the responsibility of the equipment operators to ensure minimal impact by keeping their hydraulic cylinders in proper working order.

Wasted Costs

While hydraulic oil must be routinely replaced, standard maintenance costs rise dramatically if there is a leak. Roughly multiply the number of hydraulic cylinders in your operation-wide equipment with the figure above, and you'll have some sense of the potential expense of even small leaks.

Risk to Personnel Safety

Most importantly, hydraulic leaks increase the chance of workplace injury. Severe leaks can cause equipment malfunction at the riskiest moment of a procedure, and even small leaks increase slip and fire hazards. Employees are put at risk of injury and lost wages, leading to production interruptions, compensation costs, and possibly even lawsuits.

TEXAS HYDRAULIC & EQUIPMENT – YOUR COMMUNITY HYDRAULIC PUMP EXPERTS

Texas Hydraulic & Equipment has been serving the Dallas-Ft for over a half-century. Worth area's hydraulic installation and repair needs. Our long-time industry experts have extensive experience working on every type of hydraulic cylinder and liftgate technology for some of the world's largest trucking and construction companies.

To have your cylinders inspected and repaired, don't hesitate to book an appointment or contact us with any questions.

Image Credit / Shutterstock / Irene Miller

Pickup Truck Lift Gates - What to know

GETTING A LIFTGATE FOR A PICKUP TRUCK

Liftgates are a great investment for your pickup truck, providing an incredible amount of productivity for the least amount of effort. Without requiring any other equipment, you'll be able to safely load, haul, and unload extremely heavy objects with ease on your own. There are several key considerations to make when selecting a liftgate for your pickup truck – and as Texas's premier liftgate installation experts, we've compiled those tips for you in this short guide on selecting the right liftgate.

WHICH OF PICKUP TRUCK WILL THE LIFTGATE BE INSTALLED ON?

Start with the make, model, and year of your pickup truck – the most important first step for ensuring you only spend time looking at liftgates that are compatible with what you already have. Compatibility is so important that those looking for new trucks would do well to investigate which liftgates are compatible with each truck they are considering buying because having the right liftgate for your needs is just as important for productivity as the truck itself.

Certain manufacturers typically work well with and consistently make liftgates for particular lines of trucks. If you need the quickest help steering your liftgate search in the right direction, don't hesitate to contact your local specialist.

WHAT WILL THE LIFTGATE BE LIFTING?

The right liftgate on the right truck can load cargo as heavy as several full oil drums. Remember to always round up when calculating cargo weight to ensure you never exceed this limit. For example, if you are lifting a 1,150-pound object, it's best to consider it an even 1,200 pounds.

Liftgates have the incredible advantage of allowing you to transport extremely heavy items, as well as load and unload your truck safely and easily. This is equally indispensable on construction sites as it is for moving or hauling large amounts of equipment from the hardware store yourself when the ability to load and unload without other equipment offers a tremendous workflow advantage.

When selecting liftgates, consider what you'll be hauling now and in the future, and consider it from the perspective of, "Is there any big reason not to get the strongest liftgate possible?" You'll be glad you did in the long run.

Pickup Truck Liftgate Considerations

After ensuring you are only shopping for liftgates designed to fit the size and weight ratings of your truck, there are only a few key factors you'll need to master when selecting the best liftgate for your purposes.

LIFTING CAPACITY

Most liftgates on the market are made to lift anywhere from 750 to 1500 pounds. If you're certain a smaller capacity liftgate will meet your needs, then it will be a cheaper option. However, in our experience, it's rare that one doesn't eventually find some need for maximum possible lift capacity once they experience the utility of having a liftgate.

Our recommendation is to get the strongest liftgate possible regarding:

• Your truck's weight and load ratings

• The size of the objects needing transportation

• Your particular needs

• Climate and related factors

PLATFORM SIZE

Most liftgate platforms are made to fit the maximum width of the vehicle it's mounted on. The only choice you usually have to make is the depth of the platform, aka "loading depth." Sizing the platform to fit the items you need it for is a straightforward calculation; just be sure not to include the loading tapers or the surface of the liftgate's mainframe (liftgate specs usually do not include these in their platform dimensions).

PLATFORM MATERIAL

Again, consider the materials being transported as follows:

• If it involves liquids, you should select a porous material designed to allow the liquids to pass through, such as Tommy Traction or Bar Grate platforms.

• Corrosive materials will require a corrosion-resistant platform – but this requires a trade-off, as corrosion-resistant materials are often less strong.

• In humid climates, galvanized steel or extruded aluminum will ensure the liftgate lasts a long time without rusting (this can be a downside to tread plate steel, which cannot be galvanized).

Why Choose TEXAS HYDRAULIC & EQUIPMENT, LLC

Since 1945, Texas Hydraulic & Equipment Company has been repairing and installing liftgates for the Texas communities we're proud to call home. We've also served some of the largest companies in America, and in 1970, we leveraged our expertise to create a line of our own, Quenco Liftgates.

As a result of working closely with all liftgate manufacturers, our shop is fully equipped to handle any liftgate installation or repair need. Our family-run operation understands how important service is to all of our valued customers and our local businesses.

Box Tuck Liftgate Installation & Repair in Dallas

If you're looking for world-class liftgate technology, look no further than Texas Hydraulic. Our expert liftgate services provide everything you need to keep your new and used liftgates in top working order and with quick service turnarounds. If you have any questions or would like a quick and accurate quote, don't hesitate to give us a call at 214-748-7551 or send us a message here.

Image Credit

Care For Your Box Truck Liftgates: What To Know

Care For Your Box Truck Liftgates: What To Know

There are a wide variety of box truck liftgate applications because of the wide variety of vehicle designs and lifting demands. A few key issues must be addressed before settling on the ideal liftgate.

Looking for a liftgate but not sure where to begin? We look at the various liftgates for box trucks that you may utilize.

WHAT WILL THE LIFTGATE BE LIFTING?

Knowing what the liftgate will be lifting is essential to establishing the necessary style, lifting capability, platform size, and other choices. The efficient loading and unloading of cargo from trucking equipment is made possible by the use of advanced hydraulic systems. Consider that other criteria will likely further narrow compatibility, but this is a crucial step in reducing the number of suitable liftgate types for any specific usage.

SIZE OF THE PLATFORM

To know how much space you'll need for loading, you must consider every possible scenario. For instance, a Railgate's stated load width of 83 inches can be closer to 80 or 81 inches at the platform's back, depending on the self-closing mechanisms and other design features.

LIFTING CAPACITY

When selecting a box truck with a lift gate, a user's first consideration will be its maximum permissible lifting capability. If the user knows the liftgate will never have to move more than 800 pounds at a time, then they have a greater selection of lifts from which to pick than someone who has to move more than 2000 pounds.

OPTIONS - LIFT GATE FOR BOX TRUCK

Lifting equipment that requires wheels or a cart is more likely to benefit from a Cart Stop or Retention Ramp. These features are not always standard on many Railgate and Tuckunder versions, so it is important to ask about when considering your next liftgate.

PLATFORM MATERIAL

Operators in very corrosive locations will want a platform resistant to corrosion. At the same time, those transporting liquids that are easily spilled will benefit from a loading surface made of a material that enables liquid to flow through it.

WILL THE VEHICLE NEED TO LOAD OR UNLOAD AT A RAISED DOCK?

Many businesses experience a snag when they discover they need to load and unload cargo at both an elevated port and street level. There are various types of liftgates that all work to address this issue. 

• Tuckunder lifts, as its name implies, stow away under the truck's bed, so they're out of the way whenever the back of the truck meets a dock. 

• Dropping platforms are available on several Railgate types, allowing the platform to be stored out of the way when not in use.

• Truck bed heights may fall short of loading dock heights in several cases. This scenario suggests the potential usefulness of the "above bed" feature of the Railgate paradigm.

WHAT ARE THE VEHICLE DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS?

Likewise, the lift gate for box truck types that work best with a specific vehicle will be determined by the vehicle's specs. Choosing the correct liftgate is crucial based on several parameters, including body width and bed height.

BED HEIGHT

The height of the truck's bed is also a crucial factor, especially when considering a tuckaway-style gate. To take this measurement, make sure your truck is parked on flat ground and measure from the floor of your box to the ground. One contributing factor is the size of the platform and the

required bed height range are important to ensure that the platform will be able to stow and

unstow, along with being able to travel from the back of the truck to the ground correctly

during use. When determining how far a liftgate's platform may be lifted or lowered, the term

"travel" is used. It means that the lift gate for the box truck will not work if the height of the

the vehicle's bed exceeds its maximum or minimum travel.

OVERALL WIDTH

Knowing the overall body width is also a vital first step in choosing your lift gate for a box truck

because most are designed to fit certain body widths.

WHY CHOOSE TEXAS HYDRAULIC AND EQUIPMENT, LLC

Texas Hydraulic and Equipment is a company that stands out in the industry because of its expertise in servicing and repairing hydraulic liftgates. Many major organizations in the United States have facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and Texas Hydraulic has been their go-to liftgate repair shop since 1945.

BOX TRUCK LIFTGATE INSTALLATION AND REPAIR IN DALLAS

We're happy to support the success of companies in Dallas, Desoto, and Mesquite, Texas, where we grew up. When your lift gate for box truck stops working correctly, you can rely on us to help you replace it or solve the problem quickly. When you need a liftgate installed or repaired on your box truck, please don't hesitate to give us a call.

Hyrdaulic Pump Troubleshooting

HOW TO FIX HYDRAULIC PUMPs

A single malfunctioning liftgate hydraulic pump can stall work for an extended period of time. We know how important it is to know about the gear you rely on, and to keep your business running smoothly, we've compiled this helping guide for hydraulic pump troubleshooting. Though it never hurts to have a backup of essential equipment on hand, it's much more sustainable to be able to fix what's already there – or even to fix the malfunctioning unit after it's been replaced. Either way, you'll need to know how to troubleshoot a liftgate hydraulic pump if yours breaks down right there at a time-sensitive job site.

Are Power Units & Pump and Motor Assemblies Different?

The vast majority of the time, the terms "power unit" and "motor assembly" are used synonymously in equipment manuals. These terms amount to the hydraulic pump found on most liftgates, which is comprised of several key components:

• Pump

• Reservoir

• Motor

• Valves

• Solenoid

While many industries increasingly make it more expensive to repair parts than to replace them, we'll cover the most common problems for hydraulic pump troubleshooting to keep your gear operating well without costly new parts.

Air Leaking Into the System?

When air gets into the system, the liftgate pump will operate more slowly, erratically, or not at all. It can also cause foaming oil. These issues point to the nature of the problem, as follows:

• Inoperable system: The pump suction line could be leaking and should be replaced if tightening its clamps doesn't have any effect.

• Erratic or slow operation: If an air leak causes this, it will be at the suction side, where the hose must be refitted or replaced.

• Foaming oil: A leak on the suction side can also bring air into the fuel mixture, damaging the motor. If replacing the suction line doesn't entirely solve this, the component seals likely also need to be replaced.

Water Leaking Into the System?

Water from the reservoir or pump can leak, leaving a visible clue of the most apparent problem. If the seal seems fine, it could be as simple as tightening the parts surrounding the leak. Look to the fluid seal around the piston for more complicated issues, which undergo extreme pressure and temperatures. Like any gasket, it's inevitable that they will fail, given enough time. If there are signs of a deteriorating fluid seal, you'll need to service the pump:

• Drain the pump, removing it as necessary

• Remove the piston and the failed seal

• Replace with a new fluid seal

• Replace your hydraulic fluid – use a minimally abrasive one for minimizing wear in the future
  Even an unseated seal could indicate the need to replace it because it likely displaced itself for a reason (even if not obvious). It could be warped or bent, and it's probably necessary to replace it.

We also recommend cleaning your filters and regularly checking the hydraulic fluid levels. Most of the time, the seal is the only part needing replacement – but letting hydraulic fluid run dry and/or the filters become dirty can lead to accumulated metal flakes that could destroy more than the seal.

Pump Noise Has Recently Increased?

When the hydraulic pump becomes noticeably louder, the issue could be one or a combination of the following:

• Oil issues (low oil, incorrect oil, suction hose leak creating foamy oil)

• A restricted suction line and/or inlet screen must be cleaned or replaced

• The inlet's pipe fitting may be the incorrect type

Pump Delivering Too Little or No Flow?

Unreliable liftgate operation is most commonly caused by flow issues, especially if it functions intermittently and variably. Aside from apparent leaking – in both the air hoses and hydraulic pump – a worn or dirty pump could be the culprit. If your hydraulic pump is old and well-used, this may be it. While cleaning it, check the valves, cylinders, and surrounding components for signs of excessive wear, especially metal gauges that could indicate a more serious issue.

When to Take The Vehicle To A Professional

If your hydraulic pump troubleshooting efforts turn up internal metal damage or even just many multiple failed parts at the same time, we recommend having the entire unit inspected by a professional. Unfortunately, this could lead to needing to simply replace the entire unit, but not all the time. It could be just a matter of a rare part and not some impossibility of repair, which is especially prevalent as manufacturers constantly change their designs and decide against manufacturing replacement parts. This makes having a trusted hydraulic specialist all the more important so that you can keep your equipment maintained for as long as possible and maintain independence from OEM part obsolescence.

Texas Hydraulic & Equipment – Your Community Hydraulic Pump Experts

Texas Hydraulic & Equipment can help diagnose what’s wrong with your hydraulic pump and repair it for you. Regular maintenance and repair of hydraulic systems are essential for maintaining precise pressure control and consistent flow rates. We're proud to do our part in keeping our local businesses running their best in our hometown Texas communities like Dallas, Desoto, and Mesquite. When your heavily relied-on hydraulic parts become unreliable, you can count on us to help you repair or replace them and even help you troubleshoot hydraulic pump issues on your own. For liftgate hydraulic pump issues, or any pump-and-motor assembly needs, don't hesitate to give us a call at 214-748-7551 or email, or visit us!

Image Credit: Denys Yelmanov/Shutterstock