JUNE 05, 2025

Maxon RC Railgate Guide

Since its introduction in the 1970s, the Maxon RC Series has been a workhorse in the rail-style liftgate category. Designed for dock-height freight and heavy-duty performance, this model is ideal for high-volume deliveries that demand level-ride capabilities and consistent uptime.

In this guide, we’ll walk through RC Series specs, installation needs, application use cases, and configuration options for power units and platforms.

• Documentation Resources from Maxon
• RC Liftgate Specs and Key Features
• Ideal Applications for the Maxon RC
• Installation Highlights and Requirements
• Platform, Ramp, and Option Compatibility
• Conclusion

Documentation Resources from Maxon

Information in this article is sourced from Maxon’s RC series manuals and technical guides. Always refer to your specific liftgate’s manuals for complete procedures and serial number, model, and year-specific details.

Reference PDFs used:

• RC Series Sales Document (RC-23456-M100)
• RC Series Maintenance Manual (M-90-3M, Rev. M)
• RC Series Operation Manual (M-90-2D, Rev. D)
• RC Series Installation Manual (M-90-1H, Rev. H)
• RC Series Maintenance Checklist (M-94-16)
• RC Series Technical Bulletin (TB-02-01, Rev. A)

RC Liftgate Specs and Key Features

The Maxon RC Series offers lifting capacities ranging from 2,000 lbs to 6,000 lbs depending on the model: RC-2B through RC-6K. Every unit is engineered with a level-ride platform design that stays horizontal throughout travel — essential for wheeled loads and safety during dock transfers.

Each RC model can lower below the bed height with folding platforms which allows smooth dock loading and includes an emergency brake mechanism to hold the lift in place if platform pressure is lost. All models are compatible with 96” wide bodies, while RCW models are designed for 102” widths. However, they are not compatible with swing-door configurations, and aluminum vehicle bodies require special steel mounting plates for proper installation.

With its robust load range and consistent level-ride performance, the RC Series stands out as a reliable, long-term liftgate solution for high-volume freight operations.

Ideal Applications for the Maxon RC

The Maxon RC Series is purpose-built for operations that demand high-capacity lifting and consistent dock-height alignment. Its large, level-ride platform and ability to lower below bed height make it particularly suited to fast-paced, heavy-duty logistics environments.

Common Industry Applications

• Beverage and bottled goods delivery: Ideal for rolling carts and high-volume pallet loads; platform brake and level ride reduce load shift.
• Grocery and foodservice distribution: Supports large quantities of wheeled totes and perishable goods with dock compatibility.
• Industrial supply and freight: Handles palletized materials and equipment transfers at variable dock heights.
• Retail and big-box warehouse replenishment: Seamless transfer of bulk merchandise between central warehouses and store docks.

Vehicle and Fleet Pairings

• Straight trucks and box trucks with 96” or 102” bodies
• Pup and full-length trailers for warehouse shuttle or regional delivery
• Commonly used by fleets with daily dock access and repeat route schedules

Operational Advantages

• Reduces need for forklifts during loading/unloading
• Enables safer handling of fragile or rolling cargo
• Platform lowers below bed height for dock bridge use, unlike many tuck-under styles

If your business involves frequent dock stops, pallet loads, or rolling cargo, the RC Series offers the stability, reach, and capacity needed for efficient and repeatable deliveries.

Installation Highlights and Requirements

Installing any Maxon Liftgate, especially this RC series, requires specific structural conditions. The columns must be welded directly to the vehicle’s steel rear corner posts. For aluminum bodies, steel mounting plates are required to make the connection secure.

Standard installation includes:

• 2”–4” fillet welds depending on the lift capacity
• Power unit housed in a steel pump box, which is welded to cross members
• Optional battery box, mounted with brackets or welded if galvanized
• Hydraulic lines routed from liftgate through welded pipes to the power unit

The platform requires a bed height between 38" (laden) and 56" (unladen), and installers must follow AWS D1.1 welding standards to ensure safety and durability.

Proper mounting and secure electrical/hydraulic routing are essential for long-term safety and compliance — consult Maxon's installation manual or a certified installer for site-specific recommendations.

Platform, Ramp, and Option Compatibility

The Maxon RC Series is engineered to support a wide range of platform configurations and options to match various cargo needs and loading environments. Here’s a breakdown of compatible features and configurations:

Platform Types

• Level-ride platforms: Standard across all models; maintains a horizontal position through the full lift/lower cycle
• Widths: Designed for 96” body widths (102” for RCW models)

Ramp Options

• Fixed Ramps:
• 6" and 12" welded ramps available
• Installed with 1/8” welds spaced every 6–8 inches along top and underside of platform
• Hinged Ramps:
• Available in steel and aluminum
• Multiple size options, including reinforced aluminum versions
• Designed for folding or single-piece platforms
• Cart Stop Ramps:
• Single and dual cart stop configurations
• Welded with 2" beads every 12” along top and bottom
• Helps secure wheeled cargo and prevent roll-off

Optional Features

• Hand Pump Kit:
• Allows manual operation of the liftgate in emergencies
• Includes relief valve, flow control knob, and hand lever
• Adjustable Flow Control Valve:
• Standard on cam closer configurations
• Fine-tunes platform opening speed to avoid slamming or slow operation
• Decal and Lighting Packages:
• RCT-specific units include back-up and stop lights
• Multiple decal kits depending on configuration (cam closer vs hydraulic closer)

With modular ramp choices and emergency-ready options, the RC Series offers versatile setups for nearly any fleet cargo configuration.

Below is a compatibility table for the Maxon RC rail lift gate platform, ramp, and optional features section.

Maxon RC Series Compatibility Table

Conclusion

The Maxon RC railgate is a proven choice for fleets that prioritize dock-loading, safety, and high-capacity lifting. Its rugged frame, flexible configurations, and compatibility with wheeled freight make it ideal for industries ranging from beverage to industrial logistics.

Correct installation — especially around the battery, hydraulic system, and mounting — is key to ensuring long-term performance. For help selecting the right RC model or configuring your battery and hydraulic setup, reach out to the team at LiftGateMe to find the best lift gate for sale that fits your needs and budget.