The majority of freight is moved by trucks. When a load is too heavy for just people to take care of the hauling, you will need the help of a liftgate. However, like other machines, this goes through wear and tear too. This makes it more of a hassle and might even be an accident risk. If you want to learn more about liftgate maintenance tips, this article is for you.
What is a Liftgate?
A liftgate is simply a machine attached to the back of a vehicle that is very useful in moving heavy things. A liftgate can move up to 5000 pounds of cargo. It moves stuff into or out of the bed of the truck. The liftgate makes this so much easier to do. Most of these machines are pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical. There is a switch that can be used to control how it moves.
Advantages of Having a Liftgate
Aside from making the hauling process easier for businesses that don’t have shipping docks or forklifts, liftgates can significantly improve the safety of workers. This ensures that the loading and unloading of the cargo are done correctly and in a safe manner. The loading process will also be faster and more efficient. With the proper methods to load and unload cargo, any damage will be minimal.
When Do You Need A Repair?
Like any other device with a moving mechanism, the liftgate will also go through wear and tear and, in time, break down. But if you know when it needs to be repaired, it can be well taken care of, and the liftgate should be continuously reliable. It is easy to tell if something is wrong with the liftgate, so you must know all the signs to look out for.
One of the most common reasons to have the liftgate repaired is when it has a jerky or making some erratic movements or when the motors stop working. It would be best to look out for any leaks from the hydraulic cylinders or the hoses. Also, if the platform is working too slow or does not open or close properly, then it’s enough reason to get it fixed. You should also note that the platform is sagging even with more minor or lighter loads.
Importance of Liftgate Maintenance
A professional mechanic must only do liftgate repair. Before the problem happens, you must know liftgate maintenance tips. Never take for granted even a single sign that it needs repair. Most of the time, maintaining it can lengthen the machine’s lifespan.