HYDRAULIC LIFTGATE TROUBLESHOOTING DFW, Texas
Hydraulic liftgates are one of the most important accessories for transportation used across a multitude of industries.
They allow for the lifting of heavy loads of freight, machinery, or equipment with relative ease. Hydraulic lifts are the best tool for large and weighty objects to be safely moved from one location to another. So what do you do if your liftgate stops working?
Why is My HYDRAULIC Liftgate Not Working?
After all the wear and tear your machinery can suffer from years of transporting heavy loads, even the most reliable box truck liftgates may stop functioning correctly. Whether you’re working with a Maxon, Tommy Gate, Palfinger, Eagle, or another liftgate brand, it’s crucial to make an accurate diagnosis so you can get back to business.
HYDRAULIC LIFTGATE TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Here at Texas Hydraulic, we offer a fully equipped and stocked repair shop staffed by a highly specialized team of technicians for Hydraulic Liftgate Troubleshooting in Dallas, TX. But before you come into our full-service repair shop in Dallas-Fort Worth, you may prefer to attempt to troubleshoot the issue yourself.
We totally understand, which is why we’ve created the following guide to troubleshooting your truck’s hydraulic liftgate. Here are some of the more common reasons for your box truck liftgate that’s not working correctly.
The most common liftgate issues can be traced back to the motor or motor start solenoid. If you hear a clicking noise when the switch is activated, more than likely you have a bad solenoid. Using a small jumper cable, bypass the solenoid by putting direct power to the motor to see if it will run. If it doesn’t, safely check and replace any broken fuses or reset breakers. If you are getting no power whatsoever, you may be dealing with a broken switch or wire. If this is the case, it may be best to contact us for expert assistance, as these can be pretty difficult to resolve on your own.
If your motor is running and everything seems to be in working order, the low voltage from the battery is the next most likely cause. Try using a booster to see if the battery is indeed the issue. Also be sure that the truck is running any time the liftgate is being used, as recommended by the manufacturers. If the booster resolves the issue, you may need to replace the battery, in which case it is best to come to the professionals for OEM parts and expert installation.
Check lines, hoses, fittings, and cylinders for any kind of leaks or damage. Some leaks can be solved as easily as tightening the fitting connections to the cylinders and/or power unit. If you notice any visible damage to parts or residue around these connections, contact us for help determining the OEM part numbers that will need to be replaced.
Check the hydraulic reservoir oil level and make sure the level is within the acceptable range for your specific model. If the level is too low, the gate will struggle to get up to deck height. Consult your liftgate’s owner’s manual for the recommended fluid level. If the tank is overfilled, the fluid will purge from the reservoir’s breather cap. Run the gate a few times to get all excess fluid out.
If the issue is a squeaking noise, it is likely a lack of lubrication or problems with sprockets, pulleys or internal gears on the power unit. Try using a lubricant designated for lift gates for chains or pivot points. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you may have a pump that needs to be rebuilt or replaced.
BOX TRUCK LIFTGATE SERVICE MANUALS – BY BRAND
We service all makes and models at Texas Hydraulic, but if you’re still aiming to troubleshoot your equipment on your own, we’ve compiled a list of helpful links specific to the manufacturer.
So whether it’s your Tommy liftgate not working or your Maxon liftgate that needs repair, look for brand-specific information:
GET YOUR LIFTGATE REPAIRED BY TEXAS HYDRAULIC EXPERTS
If you are still unable to resolve your liftgate issues using the above troubleshooting guide or links, don’t try to repair your highly valuable equipment on your own, especially if you’re not confident in what you’re doing.
Don’t hesitate to contact your local liftgate experts at Texas Hydraulic by phone, online, or dropping in at our convenient Hutchins, TX location.
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What Our Valued Clients Are Saying
"Texas Hydraulics is the only place I can take my truck. Their service and attention to detail is unmatched." - Chris L.