Hydraulic liftgates: what they are, types, application

When loading various goods and oversized objects into a truck, additional equipment is needed to facilitate the movement. Hydraulic liftgates are often used. It is installed on the vehicle for cargo transportation or at the entrance to the warehouse. Let's consider the principle of operation of such a device, its types and application.

What are hydraulic liftgates

This is an uncomplicated mechanism consisting of a platform that rises on a hydraulic system. The design is equipped with an autonomous power supply and can work for 5-6 hours. The hydraulic liftgates platform is hydraulically lowered to the ground level or loading point by means of a control panel. The load is rolled or brought onto it. If necessary, the load is secured. The hydraulic liftgates are then lifted.

The hydraulic liftgates consist of these parts:

• The load platform is a solid or folding surface. It is often equipped with a ramp or gangway for wheeled vehicles. The support box is a cross beam connected by guide rails. It serves as a base for other parts of the liftgates. This element must be very strong. It is often welded from metal.
• Hydraulic cylinders move the load platform. Usually one group of cylinders controls the tilt and another group controls the lift of the platform.
• The system is made up of an electric motor, pump, valve block, hydraulic tank and a microchip. The control system is connected to it. It is this complex that is responsible for the movement of the platform.

Types of hydraulic liftgates

Such equipment is differentiated by the control system. Electric models are more reliable, and electronic devices are easier to use. Hydraulic liftgates differ in design and operating principle:

• Cantilever designs are the most common. They can be tilted to form a ladder for loading wheeled vehicles and carts. The platform is raised and lowered by levers that adjust the degree of tilt.
• Hydraulic liftgates-sliders are the most compact models. The platform is folded under the car chassis and when necessary, the driver extends it. Such equipment is used for medium-heavy loads.
• Column hydraulic liftgates are equipped with an attachment system that fixes the load as stable and strong as possible. If heavy loads are to be transported frequently, column hydraulic liftgates are the most suitable.
• The cassette hydraulic liftgates are located on the side of the vehicle. This allows strollers and other loads to be loaded. These models are not suitable for lifting very heavy loads. They are capable of lifting 200-300 kg.

Use of hydraulic liftgates

Most often hydraulic liftgates are used for these tasks:

• They are installed on vehicles that carry out international delivery of goods.
• Transportation of goods from a factory or factory to customer warehouses.
• Hydraulic liftgates are used on vehicles of public utilities, emergency services.
• Hydraulic liftgates are installed on cargo trailers.

Such lifting equipment is also installed in warehouses. Hydraulic liftgates serve as a movable trestle. Goods are unloaded from vehicles onto the platform and it lifts them into the storage room.