PLATFORMS When it comes to choosing a platform, the choice of material comes down to steel or aluminum. Aluminum offers weight savings and corrosion resistance, but is more expensive at the time of purchase. Steel is easier to repair in case of damage. Palfinger’s Doerfler says there are level ride platforms and true level ride platforms. While they sound similar, there are differences that can affect applications. “A level ride platform tilts to meet the surface of the ground, and then ‘comes to level’ as the platform is raised – typically about 6” to 8” above the surface – and maintains level to the bed of the truck,” he explains. “A true level ride platform remains flat to the surface. The disadvantage of a true level ride platform is that it does not offer the ‘tilt’ feature of a level ride gate that sometimes improves surface contact when deployed on inclined surfaces.” Additionally, there are wedge platforms and ramped platforms. According to Decker of Anthony Liftgates, a wedge platform works well for pallet jacks and carts. However, the load area of the platform is slightly sloped, which can sometimes be viewed as a drawback. A ramped | Medium Duty center of the platform,” he says. “It’s always better to assume the platform will be overloaded than otherwise. This also preserves and extends the life of the hydraulic and electrical power systems used to lift the platform and its contents.” KEY CONSIDERATIONS When spec’ing a liftgate, remember to factor the following into the decision: • Truck bed height. • Dock loading capability. • Anticipated duty cycle of the liftgate. • Weather/Climate conditions. “Bed height clearly narrows the choice to certain gates,” says Maxon’s Griessner. “Certain gates only work for a small bandwidth of bed heights. Other gates are made for extremely low or high bed heights.” Knowing whether or not loading or unloading will occur at a dock is another important factor when selecting an appropriate liftgate. “Folding gates do not prohibit any type of door design or dock loading, but the built-in feature of the dock extension used when installing a folding liftgate will – if not properly mated to the dock height required,” says Palfinger’s Doerfler. He adds that cantilever gates are not well suited for dock-to-dock transport; direct rail liftgates must be lowered to permit use at a dock; smaller rail lifts can be equipped with dock height capabilities for low bed height chassis delivering at dock environments; and underslider gates do not interfere with dock deliveries. When it comes to duty cycle, Anthony Liftgates’ Decker explains if the end user is running many cycles with the engine shut off, auxiliary battery boxes equipped with deep cycle or AGM batteries may be needed to maintain necessary electricity for the gate to function properly. “In addition, an adequate charging system to recharge the auxiliary batteries while the engine is running between stops is just as important,” he says. WEATHER Because ambient temperature and corrosive environments can affect the operation and life expectancy of a liftgate, consider the weather and climate conditions a fleet operates in. “Extreme temperature climates can tax the electric power supply and affect the performance of the hydraulic components used to operate the liftgate,” says Palfinger’s Doerfler. “Choosing a ‘power-down’ option on the liftgate, over a typical ‘gravity-down’ feature, may help speed the lowering operation of the gate under extreme cold conditions.” He notes, however, that can shorten the life of the pump and motor. So in more temperate climates, it’s an unnecessary feature. “Some liftgate designs come with a ‘user optional’ power- or gravity-down feature, which, when used judiciously, will preserve the service life of the liftgate,” Doerfler says. Where a fleet houses a unit and whether a liftgate should be painted or galvanized are other decisions influenced by weather and climate conditions. One common type of liftgate is the folding lift. Also known as a tuckunder or stowaway, its platform can fold and stow under the truck body. Photo courtesy of Maxon Lift Liftgate trends Like many types of truck equipment, liftgates have changed and evolved over the last several years. One key change in liftgate design in the last five years, says Anton Griessner of Maxon, a producer of liftgates and related equipment, is the industry’s move away from greaseless or non-lube type bearings. Though popular about a decade ago, he says many manufacturers are opting not to use greaseless bearings. Rather, a vast majority of liftgates produced utilize grease zerks at critical rotational pivot points. “The industry has gone full circle on this issue over the past couple of years,” he explains. “The number of grease zerks per gate varies based on the model and design of the liftgate, but it wouldn’t be unusual to find as many as 10 to 14 grease points on some models of gates produced today.” These grease points need to be lubricated at every PM interval or after a predetermined number of cycles, he says. Another development is the use of solar power to keep batteries working efficiently, says Mike Doerfler with Palfinger Liftgates – a manufacturer of truck equipment including lifts, cranes, hoists and platforms. The potential cost savings make solar power an option worth learning about. “Solar liftgate battery charging systems and trail charging systems are important additional topics that should be researched and considered,” he says. “Keeping liftgate batteries at their peak is the most effective preventive maintenance measure that can be taken to reduce service calls and liftgate failure.” 22 FLEET MAINTENANCE ❚ APRIL 2016 ❚ VehicleServicePros.com
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