Stuck Liftgate? Preventive Maintenance Tips for Fleet Managers And Operators

Truck problems are never a good time, especially when they keep you from getting the job done. A jammed liftgate is more than just a headache. It can delay deliveries, disrupt your schedule, and increase safety risks if not handled properly. While we stand by our commitment to scheduling preventive maintenance to keep your trucks running in top shape, sometimes liftgate troubles occur when you least expect them. Whether you're an operator on a tight route or a fleet manager trying to keep trucks moving in Ronkonkoma, knowing how to handle liftgate issues is key.

Here's what you need to know when your liftgate stops cooperating.

For Fleet Managers: Staying ahead of Liftgate problems

As a fleet manager, making sure your trucks are running smoothly is part of your job. Implementing preventive maintenance inspections and training your drivers to spot early warning signs can save you downtime. Here's how to stay ahead of those problems.

Build Liftgate Checks into Pre-Trip Inspections

Make sure your operators are checking:

• Battery voltage
• Hydraulic fluid levels
• Platform movement and alignment
• Control switches

Building a standardized inspection checklist keeps everyone accountable and helps spot early warning signs.

Set a Maintenance Schedule

Like the rest of your trucks, lift gates need regular maintenance. Having a mobile repair service visit your lot on a regular schedule can help you stay ahead of any potential problems. 

• Top off or replace the hydraulic fluid as needed
• Test the electrical system for corrosion or resistance
• Grease pivot points and hinges
• Inspect cables and harnesses every few months

Routine servicing helps catch worn-out parts before they fail.

Track Patterns, Prevent Problems 

If a particular truck has ongoing liftgate trouble, dig deeper.

• Are operators using it properly?
• Is there an issue with mounting or alignment?
• Is the electrical draw too high due to the addition of accessories?

Track repairs by unit so you can spot patterns. You may find that upgrading certain components saves both time and money in the long term.

Train Drivers for Basic Troubleshooting

Provide drivers with simple, clear instructions on what to do when something goes wrong on the road.

• Teach them how to inspect the power supply and fluid level
• Show them what warning signs to report
• Include instructions for using manual stow features, if available

Prepared drivers prevent small hiccups from turning into full-blown breakdowns.

Keeping a Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Demands on your time as a fleet manager are significant. But when you build preventive maintenance into your schedule, whether that’s on-the-spot repairs with a mobile service, or building shop time into your operators’ schedules, you’ll be steps ahead of the game when it comes to avoiding costly repairs and stoppage. 

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Roadside problems with your fleet are never a walk in the park. That’s why being proactive and ensuring that your operators have the basic know-how to troubleshoot problems or assess them roadside can make all the difference. 

Operators’ Guide to Liftgate Troubleshooting 

When you run a rig, it pays to have a good understanding of the basics of how the various systems and components work. Whether you’re performing pre-trip inspections or assessing a malfunction or failure on the roadside while waiting for a tow or a mobile technician, having a baseline troubleshooting knowledge can be useful. When it comes to the liftgate, you know this is important for loading and unloading cargo. If it acts up, here are a few things to do that could get you out of a jam before a mechanic can take a look. 

Stop and Secure the Truck

Before trying anything else, when you notice your liftgate is jammed, don't try to force it. Pull over safely, apply the parking brake, and secure the area around the trailer. Ensure that no one attempts to use the gate until it has been checked. This is especially important if the lift is stuck in a raised or partially raised position.

Check the Power Source

Since most liftgates run on electric or hydraulic power, the issue could be as simple as a dead battery or loose connection. Which, luckily, is easy to assess. 

• Check the battery voltage if you can. If the truck was recently shut off, the power may have dropped below the operating level.
• Inspect the cables at the power switch and battery terminal. Look for corrosion, frayed wires, or loose connections.
• Confirm that the control switch has power and isn't damaged.

If there's no response when hitting the controls, chances are it's an electrical issue.

Inspect the Hydraulic System

Checking the hydraulic fluid levels is another checkpoint if your liftgate tries to move but gets stuck or moves slowly.

• Check the hydraulic reservoir to confirm it's filled to the proper level.
• Check for leaks around the cylinder, pump, or hoses.
• Listen for unusual sounds like whining or clicking, which could mean the pump is struggling or a valve is blocked.

Low or dirty fluid is one of the most common causes of sluggish or stuck liftgates.

Look for Physical Obstructions

Long hours on the road mean wear and tear. And sometimes, that looks like debris or damage keeping the liftgate from opening or closing properly.

• Inspect the platform and hinges for dirt, ice, or debris.
• Check to see if the gate is misaligned or bent.
• Verify the hinge pins and pivot points.

If you notice any debris, clean the area and spray the moving parts with a penetrating lubricant. Just remember not to force anything. If the liftgate is physically jammed, forcing it can make it worse.

Try a Manual Override

Some liftgates come with a manual override or hand pump. If you are trained in the proper and safe use of the manual override, using it can keep you going about your day. 

However, if you are unsure how the manual override works, refer to the liftgate's manual. And always follow safety guidelines.

Stay Proactive with Preventive Maintenance 

If there's one thing we know, it's that operators and fleet managers don't need truck problems that keep them from getting the job done. While a jammed liftgate might seem like a minor issue, it can delay an entire route or even put someone at risk if it is not handled properly. Operators should know how to troubleshoot and report problems safely. Fleet managers should ensure liftgates are inspected, maintained, and serviced on schedule.

With the right steps in place, liftgate issues can be kept to a minimum, so that when they do happen, they don't have to bring the whole operation to a halt. Preventive maintenance, combined with a basic know-how of troubleshooting, can help you catch liftgate wear before it becomes a breakdown. 

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