The Liftgate appeared after WWII. The first liftgate devices marketed in France were American under the Walco brand.
The first manufacturers were the Peugeot Cycle Company and then, in 1968, the MIC Company. Today, the national annual market is around 10,000 to 15,000 hatchbacks.
The leading manufacturers are Dhollandia (Belgian) and MBB (Franco-German), which also dominate the European market, closely followed by Erhel Hydris (French) and Zepro (Swedish). Find out more here.
The Liftgate for trucks and flatbeds is a piece of automotive equipment that aims to facilitate the transport of loads. It is an element in personal cars, pickups, and utility vehicles such as vans and trucks. Discover a complete lift gate truck rental guide from Home Depot and Uhaul!
For light vehicles, this is just a variant of the trunk. In this case, it allows better use of this opening. On the other hand, commercial vehicles represent an essential element for loading and unloading.
What is the Liftgate for box trucks and flatbeds?
Created in the 1970s, the Liftgate is a system that helps with handling.
It is a lifting device designed to facilitate loading into a utility car. A metal plate is also installed on vehicles deployed to load and unload merchandise.
An electronic control system at the car’s front guides the Liftgate for box trucks and flatbeds.
However, If there are several types of hatchbacks, the choice of model depends on its capacity and the vehicle on which an engineer will install it.
What is the Lift Gate used for trucks?
Initially, it was mainly used to reduce delivery and loading times, making the driver’s activities profitable.
Indeed, he could load and unload the goods with this equipment, especially if equipped with wheels.
With the models available on the market, this equipment is suitable for all uses and all truck models. It has become essential for transport professionals.
Why do we install a Liftgate on a truck?
The Liftgate for box trucks and flatbeds allows for storing bulky objects, especially at height.
Getting this kind of truck is attractive if you plan to move.
Note that a Liftgate is not always present on the models put into circulation, especially in some countries where the trunk is gleefully preferred.
Furthermore, the lifter devices for box trucks and flatbeds comprise a liftgate cylinder, generally installed in pairs.
The cylinder is installed at each end of the Liftgate and the truck body.
It takes the form of a pump which, by pressure, pulls the Liftgate upwards when the driver operates it.
The operation is identical to a trunk cylinder or the hood covering the car’s engine.
Often, the Liftgate cylinder is the source of a faulty Liftgate.
In this case, the latter becomes impossible to maintain in height when opening due to a pressure defect of the worn cylinder.
Replacing the pair of jacks is vital to refurbish the opening system. Note that a cylinder degrades and wears naturally over time and openings.
What are the types of Liftgates for trucks and flatbeds?
Depending on the truck model, there are three types of Liftgates for trucks. Their differences lie in their capacity and the way they work.
- The folding Liftgate
This device is the most common model and the easiest Liftgate to use. It is a metal plate that can be deployed to receive goods.
It is specially designed to support heavy loads of up to 3000 kg, depending on the truck’s weight.
It is varied in width, allowing it to be installed on any car.
It is the easiest to use and the fastest to implement.
Berger Location fits them on all vehicles, from 3T5 vans with original bodywork to heavy carriers and semi-trucks.
It often acts as a rear closure of the body with sometimes the help of a canopy. Another advantage is that it can adjust the surface of the platform according to its needs.
This type of Liftgate for box trucks and flatbeds is recommended for all types of trucks, for loads ranging from 500 to 3000 kg.
- The roll-up liftgates
It supports less weight than the folding model.
It creates a passage to the rear doors of a truck. It is often installed on light trucks.
This is the hatchback model used in the transport of disabled people. Its load capacity does not generally exceed 1,500 kg.
This Liftgate for box trucks and flatbeds folds under the frame, thus freeing up access to the rear doors and facilitating docking.
Folding of the platform is done manually, implying less intense use.
Due to the limited platform size and load capacity (1000 and 1500 kg), Berger Location generally offers it for distribution and courier activities.
On the other hand, this Liftgate for box trucks and flatbeds does not equip refrigerated trucks because its assembly requires the installation of a steel cross-member, which acts as a thermal bridge between the outside and the inside of the body.
- The retractable Liftgate
This Liftgate for box trucks and flatbeds is discreet. It is concealed under the body when not in use.
When deployed, it can lift a load of up to 3000 kg.
It is often used by refrigerated trucks and semi-trailer trucks.
This Liftgate for box trucks and flatbeds can be folded manually and then hydraulically retracted under the frame.
It offers the advantages of folding without drawbacks since it offers large platform surfaces and capacities of up to 3000 kg.
Liftgates for trucks and flatbeds can be installed in trucks specifically and adapted for particular uses like:
- Half-Lift-gate for box trucks and flatbeds: most often fitted to general-purpose trucks, low tonnage, intended for distribution.
- Column hatches allow loading on several levels: They are generally used for transporting containers, hospital waste, and gas cylinders when mounted laterally.
Folding or interior Liftgates on original 3T5 trucks
The main characteristics:
- Power: it is given in kilos for a load 600 mm from the heel. Beyond this distance, the capacity of the Liftgate is reduced. A marking on the platform indicates the position of the 600mm, and a load chart is affixed near the controls.
- The metals used for the platform can be either aluminium for lightness and anti-corrosion constraints, steel for better resistance, or a combination of the two for retractable Liftgate platforms.
- Platform dimensions: The folding Liftgate platforms are made on-demand for long-term rental vehicles.
More Options…
Still depending on the obligations related to its clients’ businesses, most companies offer various options on liftgates such as:
- Roll stops: the most widely used option,
- Illuminated signalling: placed on the platform, it provides a better warning, particularly during handling at night,
- Foot controls: standard on other European markets, optional on the French market,
- The attached kit is necessary when the Liftgate serves as a rear closure,
- Automatic digging: it allows the platform to tilt automatically when it reaches the ground so that it can be easily accessed with rolls or pallet trucks,
- The isothermal platform: necessary for folding Liftgates on refrigerated trucks,
- Crutches: to prevent the truck from rolling up or crushing the suspensions when handling cumbersome loads,
- On-board weighing: with microcomputer and printer in the cabin.
Maintenance pattern of the Liftgate
It is essential and compulsory to maintain the Liftgate for box trucks and flatbeds regularly.
The maintenance is preceded by careful checks of the condition and operation of the Liftgates for the truck.
Which professional to contact to check the Liftgate?
An authorized professional must check the condition of the Lift device.
The pro installer installs, checks and repairs your Liftgates, keeping them in perfect shape.
They check the operation of various devices, such as the remote control and the system itself, and take care of repairs and maintenance if necessary.
What are the different trucks equipped with a Liftgate, and how can you choose them?
Several types of trucks can accommodate a Liftgate for a car. Likewise, other vehicles include vans, semi-trailers, large or small moving trucks.
Indeed, the Liftgate is relatively practical for unloading bulky objects.
There are also models that allow the lifting of heavy loads. This is generally the case for large utilities such as moving trucks.
The best way to choose the truck that meets your needs is to know the volume required to transport your personal effects.
You will find trucks and vans for rental, allowing you to save money and adapt your moving expenses to your budget.
You can also opt for a hatchback if you need the cargo space this model provides daily.
How to repair a Liftgate
What hardware does it take to repair a Liftgate?
Here are the tools you will need to change the faulty Liftgate cylinders and find a properly functioning trunk door:
- Screwdriver
- Ratchet
- Pliers
- Long object-type broomstick.
What are the steps to repair a Liftgate?
First step: remove the defective cylinders
On some truck models, you must first unscrew the lights at the vehicle’s rear.
Open the chest. Unscrew and remove the rear headlight.
Once access to the actuator is secured, secure the door using a broom handle.
A Liftgate is relatively heavy, and a single Liftgate cylinder is not enough to hold it high.
Unclip both ends of the Liftgate cylinder and carefully remove them.
Second step: install the new Liftgate cylinder
Make sure you get a new cylinder identical to the first. Position the Liftgate cylinder with its delicate part down and its tube up. Clip both ends.
Check that the cylinder is holding correctly by exerting pressure with your hand.
Screw the taillight back on. Repeat the operation with the second Liftgate cylinder.
Check the correct process of the Liftgate.
Installing Liftgates for your truck and flatbed is very essential and vital for your vehicle.
Conclusion
Installing liftgates for your vehicle is essential and vital. Its usefulness to drivers is key as it facilitates the transportation of goods.
The ease at which drivers offload baggage and tackle truck-related businesses helps them meet time schedules and aids in the fastness of work.
Purchasing a lift gate also helps you store bulky objects, especially at high heights, and is just a perfect choice if you are planning to move.
With the professional instalment packages, you do not have to worry about installing your lift gate. Purchasing a lift gate gives you unlimited advantages! Get one today!