When investing in a Palfinger tuckunder liftgate, buyers often want more than the base configuration. Optional features and upgrades allow you to tailor the ILP Series to specific routes, vehicles, and cargo types. For the ILP 25 (2,500 lbs.) and ILP 33 (3,300 lbs.), Palfinger provides a defined set of factory-listed features that enhance safety, usability, and long-term durability.
This guide reviews the available Palfinger ILP tuckunder liftgate optional features and Palfinger ILP upgrades, using only official Palfinger documentation and our Team’s expertise to ensure accuracy.
- Documentation Resources from Palfinger
- Why Choose Upgrade Options?
- Control Options
- Platform Enhancements
- Dock and Safety Accessories
- Load Handling and Capacity Considerations
- Power and Compatibility Upgrades
- Installation and Compatibility Ranges
- Maintenance-Friendly Design
- Operator Convenience Features
- How to Order Options
- 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:
Why Choose Upgrade Options?
Upgrades exist for three main reasons: safety, performance, and ease of use.
- Safety options protect operators and reduce risks at docks and curbsides.
- Performance options improve liftgate stability and extend power capability.
- Ease of use upgrades simplify controls, reduce strain, and improve workflow efficiency.
The Palfinger ILP series already includes strong standard features such as dual-cylinder stability, hydraulic locks, and torsion-assisted folding. By adding upgrades, you extend those advantages to fit your exact operational needs.
Control Options
Reliable control is essential for safe and efficient operation. Palfinger provides optional methods beyond the standard toggle switch.
- Handheld Remote: Wired control with two buttons — black to lower, white to raise.
- Wireless Remote: Includes a rear ON/OFF switch and individual buttons for each function. This allows full operation without being tethered to the liftgate.
By choosing remote options, operators gain flexibility and safer positioning during loading. These controls also reduce fatigue during repetitive stops, making them a practical choice for delivery fleets.
Platform Enhancements
The platform is where all cargo handling takes place, making it a key area for customization.
- Steel or Aluminum Platforms: Choose heavy-duty steel for strength or aluminum for lighter weight.
- Rubber or Nylon Pads (16”/24”): Reduce the platform’s wear and tear.
- Platform Retention by Material: Steel platforms use a safety chain; aluminum platforms use a strap to secure the tip section.
These choices ensure your platform matches the type of cargo you move most often. Whether handling palletized freight or rolling carts, the right enhancements improve safety and efficiency.
Dock and Safety Accessories
Dock environments present unique risks, and Palfinger offers accessories that directly address them.
- Dock Bumpers: Protect the liftgate and vehicle body when backing into dock positions.
- Cart Stops:
- Aluminum Platforms: One latch controls both stops, which spring open automatically.
- Steel Platforms: Each stop includes its own retaining latch.
- Rear Impact Guard: Adds rear-end collision protection.
Together, these accessories reduce impact damage and keep cargo securely in place during transfers. They help ensure both compliance and operational safety.
Load Handling and Capacity Considerations
The ILP’s capacity ratings are tied directly to load placement.
- The maximum rated capacity is measured 24 inches from the rear of the bed extension.
- Capacity decreases progressively as loads are placed farther from the vehicle.
Optional features help maintain safety within these limits:
- Cart Stops: prevent rolling freight from shifting outward.
- Platform Ramps: assist in loading and unloading with a 6" incline ramp, built into the platforms.
- Surface Pads: reduce sliding and keep weight distributed evenly.
By combining proper load placement with these options, operators preserve rated lift capacity and reduce accident risks.
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Power and Compatibility Upgrades
Some operations demand more power or special vehicle integration. Palfinger provides options to support both.
- Auxiliary Battery Kits: Required if the vehicle’s battery capacity is insufficient.
- 2” Receiver Hitch: Adds towing capability without removing the liftgate.
- Galvanizing: Optional corrosion protection for steel components.
- Power Down: Allows powered lowering instead of gravity-down operation.
These upgrades help align the Palfinger ILP tuck-under liftgate with heavy-duty applications or fleets operating in harsh conditions.
Installation and Compatibility Ranges
Palfinger designed the ILP tuck under liftgate to accommodate a wide range of trucks and trailers.
- Bed Heights: Installs on vehicles with laden bed heights as low as 38 inches and unladen heights up to 55 inches (with longer arms).
- Platform Sizes: Available in 48”, 54”, and 60” lengths.
- Mounting Clearances: Range from 24” to 37”, depending on configuration.
- Approximate Weights: Models weigh between 765 lbs. and 910 lbs.
By choosing the correct platform and arm length, operators can confidently match the ILP to their fleet vehicles. This compatibility ensures reliable operation across a variety of equipment.
Maintenance-Friendly Design
Ease of maintenance is a built-in strength of the ILP, and optional features can help extend service intervals.
- Lubrication: The manual specifies greasing every 500 cycles (~3 months), including cylinders, lift arms, shackles, hinges, and cart stops if installed.
- Platform Sizes: Available in 48”, 54”, and 60” lengths.
- Oil Checks: The reservoir should be 1” from the top with the platform down; fluid changes are recommended yearly, preferably before cold weather.
- Quick Checks: Regular inspections cover welds, bolts, decals, hydraulics, and electrical connections.
Choosing options such as galvanizing and nylon/rubber pads supports this preventive maintenance by reducing wear and extending component life.
Operator Convenience Features
Operator efficiency is also built into the ILP design. Several features make daily handling smoother.
- Dual Torsion Springs: Reduce folding effort.
- Adjustable Rollers: Keep platform operation consistent with minimal effort.
- Level-Ride Platform: Available in both steel and aluminum, ensuring stable cargo handling.
- Thermo-Protected Power Pack: Extends component life and protects against overheating.
When combined with optional remotes or ramps, these features deliver a user-friendly experience that reduces operator fatigue.
How to Order Options
Options can be order at the same time you purchase your new Palfinger ILP liftgate or afterwards. If ordering afterwards, you will need your specific model and serial number.
For model-specific compatibility, part numbers, and guidance on your options, contact the LiftGateMe team for assistance.
Conclusion
Optional features and upgrades transform the Palfinger ILP Series into a customizable, long-term asset. From control systems and platform enhancements to dock safety accessories, compatibility upgrades, maintenance-friendly features, and operator convenience improvements, each option adds value to your liftgate investment.
For anyone considering a Palfinger tuckunder liftgate for sale or evaluating Palfinger ILP upgrades, these factory-listed choices offer proven ways to match your liftgate to your business needs.
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