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.
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