Liftgates for Pickup Trucks - 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.