Fleet Maintenance - 21

power. You want to run with the proper voltage
so those things don't happen."
As he'd pointed out earlier, Walker says technicians should check for corrosion, worn cables,
and tightness of connections. Also check to make
sure wires and hoses aren't rubbing on anything
that can damage them.
"On the mechanical side, always make sure
pins and fasteners aren't missing or cracked,"
Walker says. "These things
can be checked during daily
walkarounds when checking
things like tires and tail lights.
Check for fluid leaks, too."
In addition to electrically
induced problems, simple
liftgate damage is something
technicians should also be on
the lookout for. "Drivers can
run into something, resulting in something bending
or breaking on the liftgate,"
Maxon's Griessner says. "With
a column liftgate, it's not
unusual for a driver to drive
away before lifting it back up
and stowing it, which can really damage the platform. Other
than that, a small fraction of
the issues relates to hydraulic
things like normal wear and
tear to hoses and seals."
Like any manufacturer,
Maxon Lift recommends
following the operation and
maintenance manual for a
particular liftgate. Generally
speaking, Griessner says
daily driver walkaround
inspections are important, as
is regular - perhaps quarterly
- greasing of pins and bushings, and an annual flushing
of the hydraulic system and
replacing of the hydraulic oil.
Eyink says Thieman
Liftgates typically calls for
monthly maintenance where
basic lubrication is advised,
and an inspection is required
to ensure that the liftgate is
functioning as it should be.
"Technicians are looking
for unusual noises and vibrations, parts that are deteriorating or damaged, and liftgates
that are out of adjustment,"
Eyink says. "Drivers are also
asked to look and listen for
similar things prior to operating the liftgate each time.
Drivers will often be the first
to notice something that has
changed since the last liftgate
operation. Early detection can
save big money and stop little
problems from growing into or
creating larger problems."
On the topic of early detection, telematics should soon be

coming to liftgates. Telematics is the technology of
taking vital component data and sharing it with
drivers, technicians, fleet managers, etc. Maxon
Lift is developing a product, Max Link, to enter this
arena. Griessner says it should be available in 2020.
"Max Link plugs into a vehicle's OBD-II port,"
Griessner explains. "Users then connect to an
app to get error codes such as a circuit breaker
trip, overload situation, or frequent low-voltage

situation. The app will also provide preventive maintenance reminders. For instance, if a
motor has a 250-hour expected life, users will
get a notice when the motor is approaching that
end-of-life target." Other essential data could
include things like liftgate cycle count and
charging status. "When it comes to liftgates,
telematics can prove to be a very powerful tool
for a fleet," Griessner says.

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VehicleServicePros.com/10122984
May 2019 | VehicleServicePros.com

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Fleet Maintenance

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Fleet Maintenance