Hydraulic liftgates are one of the greatest inventions for the trucking industry. The original hydraulic liftgate was manufactured by Woodbine Manufacturing Company in Iowa in 1964. Delbert “Bus” Brown, the Tommy Liftgate was the original design and variations of it are being made today by Woodbine Manufacturing Company.
While Woodbine is not the only manufacturer of Hydraulic Liftgates, it is the oldest and most experienced of the companies. The original Liftgate Series is a single-cylinder, parallel-arm design based on a pulley and cable system. The original liftgate and the liftgates made today have many of the same features. Each has a pressure bypass which prevents overloading, a timed delay shut-off control and a platform which folds down to make it easier for forklift or dock loading.
Many design innovations have been made to the original liftgate and among these are features which make the Liftgate easier to use. The rollers in the track enable the platform to move with ease when loaded. The platform can be made in extruded aluminum or a tread-plate design.
The lift motors can be single or dual and each is thoroughly tested for quality performance under the maximum load. Liftgates are made for nearly every truck on five continents. American usage extends to the pickup trucks, the side loader, cargo trucks, box trucks and the mini-flex is made for van applications. The under trailer mounted lift is folded out of the way and available when dock loading and unloading is required. There are many lifts that are stored under the trailer or the cargo hold for easy use when appropriate. A Liftgate is made for just about any application that a company would need. Truck Parts and Equipment Inc. can demonstrate many of these models.
The efficient loading and unloading accomplished when the dock is a different height than the vehicle platform is almost immeasurable. With the liftgate, the product to be delivered can be placed on the same level as the dock so unloading can be very efficient. This saves heavy lifting and moving ramps into place.
Liftgates come with a number of accessories which make the operation easier. For example, a remote control activator can enable the driver to operate the liftgate and remain a distance from it should an object fall off. There are many other accessories which make the liftgate even more productive.
