Lift gates are an essential part of the delivery process for many companies moving freight. As a platform that raises and lowers heavy items from the bed of a medium-duty work truck safely to the ground, lift gates are sometimes as important as the delivery truck.
Choosing the appropriate liftgate for each application is difficult though, depending on the kind of gate, the size and substance of the platform, the power source, and the lifting capability.
What might go wrong? Take a look at these actual world examples:
The hassles that result from a liftgate specification gone wrong are something that no fleet manager wants to deal with. Avoid these typical mistakes to guarantee that the appropriate liftgate is specified for the task.
1. Liftgate and Truck Bed Height Incompatibility
The lowest point (which sets the minimum clearance requirements) and highest point must be taken into account in each liftgate specification (dictating the maximum distance the platform will need to lower to reach and lay flat on the ground).
To choose the liftgate style that is best for the particular truck, work closely with your commercial truck sales department. Based on the vehicle’s unique chassis and body parameters, the manufacturer should make accessible burdened and unladen height dimensions as a reference to help in decision-making
2. Not Taking Weight Capacity Requirements into consideration
Underestimating the weight capacity shortens the liftgate’s lifespan and jeopardizes crew safety. Consider everything that will be positioned on the platform when it is fully loaded. As a guide, use the checklist below.
- Cargo and package/container weight (pallet, box, barrel, etc.).
- The loading device’s weight (cart, pallet jack, hand truck).
For instance, manual pallet jacks weigh between 120 and 150 lbs. Electric pallet jacks weigh between 350 and 500 pounds. Determine the equipment’s precise weight.
Make sure to consider what vehicle your lift will be for before purchasing. You’ll have different needs and specifications depending on whether your vehicle is a pickup truck, utility truck, cargo van, sprinter van, flatbed, or trailer.
3. Making a Liftgate Choice that Affects Configurations
The risk in this situation is that the chassis is ordered, delivered to the up-fitter, and then the gasoline tanks are not taken into account. The up fitter then calls to report that the back fuel tanks are blocking the path.
By taking care of this problem up front, you can avoid surprises and the associated costs.
Getting a work van for sale with a liftgate that doesn’t work or isn’t compatible with the chassis is a fleet manager’s worst nightmare. Choose a liftgate that works perfectly, increases crew efficiency, and offers peace of mind to avoid making these blunders.
To wrap
A lift for your business might be a significant commitment for your delivery truck for sale company. You’ll get a gate that serves your business well for a very long time by taking the time to carefully examine your demands and making a good choice.
