July 12, 2018

Use the lube - General Lubrication Advisory by Maxon

Maxon has issued the following lubrication advisory for all liftgate models to avoid downtime during summer months when many companies are at their peak work cycle.

Let's talk lube, listen to Maxon.

Many MAXON® liftgates manufactured today are equipped with grease fittings located at critical rotational points and bearing surfaces. It’s of critical importance that these grease points are lubricated at the prescribed intervals as outlined in our maintenance manuals.

Following the published maintenance guidelines on lubrication will ensure these critical components perform trouble free for many years. Failure to grease these critical areas of the liftgate at prescribed intervals will result in premature failure of components and result in unnecessary and avoidable downtime of equipment.

Just like Maxon, we believe that having a set PM (preventative maintenance) schedule and following manufacturer's maintenance guidelines is necessary for all owners. You have PM schedules for your trucks, so why not for your Maxon liftgates from LiftGateMe? Start the conversation today with your mechanics and ensure your gates have a set PM schedule.

So what does a basic PM checklist look like for a tuck under?

First, verify vehicle is parked on level ground while performing maintenance checks.

Quarterly Guide or 1250 Cycles (whichever occurs first)

• Check the level and condition of the hydraulic fluid.
• Visually check all hoses and fittings for chafing and fluid leaks. Tighten loose fittings or replace parts as required.
• Check electrical wiring for chafing and make sure wiring connections are tight and free of corrosion. Use dielectric grease to protect electrical connections.
• Check that all WARNING and instruction decals are in place. Also, make sure decals are legible, clean, and undamaged.
• Check that all bolts, nuts, and roll pins are in place. Make sure roll pins protrude evenly from both sides of hinge pin collar. Replace fasteners and roll pins if necessary.
• Check for rust and oily surfaces on Liftgate. If there is rust or oil on Liftgate or if the Liftgate is dirty, clean it off. Touch up the galvanized finish where bare metal is showing.
• Pump EP chassis grease in each lube fitting on the cylinders and arms until grease starts oozing from ends of the bearings. Refer to lubrication diagram on the next page. Wipe off excess grease with a clean lint-free cloth.

Semi-annual Guide or 2500 Cycles (whichever occurs first)

• Visually check the platform hinge pins for excessive wear and broken welds.
• Do the Quarterly or 1250 Cycles Checks on this checklist.

Contact us today for your maintenance guide; we'll be positing guides over the coming months - stay tuned!

Disclaimer: This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. You should consult your mechanic and your gate's manufacturer for any use or preventative maintenance issues, checklists, and the like.