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AUG 19, 2025

How to Maintain a Palfinger ILP Tuckaway Liftgate

Preventive maintenance is essential for keeping your tuck under lift gate in optimal working condition. Whether you're managing a single truck or an entire fleet, routine inspections and upkeep of your Palfinger tuckaway liftgate help reduce downtime, minimize costly repairs, and ensure safety on every delivery.

A consistent maintenance plan not only extends the life of your equipment but also protects your team and cargo. The checklist below is tailored to Palfinger ILP 25 and ILP 33 models, providing the exact tasks and intervals recommended by the manufacturer.

• Documentation Resources from Palfinger
• Daily, Monthly, and Quarterly Maintenance Schedule for ILP
• Lubrication Requirements of Palfinger Tuckunder ILP
• Hydraulic Fluid Maintenance
• Safety Decal Inspection
• Quick Check List Before Operation
• Conclusion

Documentation Resources from Palfinger

Information in this article is sourced from Palfinger Tuck Under ILP 25/33 manuals and technical guides as well as our team’s expertise. Always refer to your specific liftgate’s manuals for complete procedures and serial number, model, and year-specific details.

Reference PDFs used:

• Palfinger Interlift ILP Model Owners Manual
• Palfinger Interlift ILP Sales Brochure

Daily, Monthly, and Quarterly Maintenance Schedule for ILP

Regular inspection and servicing are the foundation of any liftgate maintenance program. The Palfinger ILP 25/33 has a structured maintenance schedule to follow depending on usage frequency.

Reference: Interlift-Palfinger-ILP-25-33-owners-manual-06-2017.pdf, pp. 17–18

Maintenance Schedule Summary

Lubrication Requirements of Palfinger Tuckunder ILP

Proper lubrication ensures long-term reliability and performance. Palfinger recommends greasing all pivot and bearing points every 500 lift cycles, or roughly every 3 months depending on usage.

Reference: Interlift-Palfinger-ILP-25-33-owners-manual-06-2017.pdf, p. 18

Grease Zerk Locations (16 total)

• 4 Zerks per side:
• 1 Cylinder
• 2 Lift Arms
• 1 Parallel Arm
• Other lubrication points:
• Platform Hinges
• Optional Cart Stops

Reminder: Always lubricate with the platform at ground level.

Hydraulic Fluid Maintenance

Hydraulic fluid is critical to smooth gate operation. Regularly checking the fluid level and changing it annually helps prevent malfunctions and extend system life.

Reference: Interlift-Palfinger-ILP-25-33-owners-manual-06-2017.pdf, pp. 19–20

Hydraulic Fluid Checklist

To check fluid:

• Lower the platform fully and tilt it down
• Remove enclosure cover
• Fluid should be 1" below the top of the reservoir

To change fluid:

• Drain using the oil drain bolt into an approved container
• Refill to 1" below reservoir top
• Replace annually, preferably before winter

Recommended Fluid Types

• Factory-installed: Hydrex MV Arctic 15
• Alternatives:
• Mobil DTE 11
• Shell Aero Fluid 4/41
• Chevron AW MV32
• MIL H5606 (extreme cold)
• Exxon Univis J26

Safety Decal Inspection

Properly placed decals ensure safe usage and compliance. Each ILP model includes a full decal kit, and decals must remain legible and unobstructed at all times.

Reference: Interlift-Palfinger-ILP-25-33-owners-manual-06-2017.pdf, pp. 21–22

Required Decals

Decals should be located on the liftgate and vehicle body where visible to the operator.

Quick Check List Before Operation

Before daily use, a 12-point inspection ensures your tuck-under liftgate is ready and safe for service.

Reference: Interlift-Palfinger-ILP-25-33-owners-manual-06-2017.pdf, p. 23

12-Point Pre-Use Checklist

• Operate the liftgate through full cycle
• Inspect mount frame, welds, and bolts
• Check hydraulic lines for damage or leaks
• Inspect cylinders and pin lock bolts
• Confirm correct oil level (platform down, 1” below top)
• Look for leaks at power pack and mount tube
• Inspect and clean all electrical connections
• Lubricate terminals at solenoid valves
• Grease all zerks (operate gate while greasing if needed)
• Verify full function of all gate controls
• Check pressure relief valve
• If any damage is present, do not operate — repair by an authorized technician is required

Conclusion

A consistent preventive maintenance routine is key to keeping your Palfinger liftgate operating at full capacity. Whether you’re running an ILP 25 or ILP 33 model, following this checklist helps extend equipment life, protect operators, and minimize costly service interruptions.

To maintain safe operation and peak performance, inspect, clean, lubricate, and service your liftgate regularly — and always consult the official manual for model-specific details.

Need help sourcing OEM liftgate parts? Contact the team at LiftGateMe for expert assistance and support with all your lift gate needs.