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JULY 29, 2025

Palfinger PLR Preventive Maintenance Guide: Lubrication, Oil, and Inspection Checklist

If you operate a Palfinger PLR tuck under liftgate, routine maintenance is key to keeping your equipment running smoothly and safely. This guide covers essential lubrication points, hydraulic oil requirements, inspection intervals, and common wear part replacements—based entirely on official Palfinger documentation.

• Documentation Resources from Palfinger
• Lubrication Points and Zerk Locations
• Hydraulic Oil Type and Fluid Maintenance
• Inspection Checklist
• Common Replacement Parts
• Safety Reminders
• Conclusion

Documentation Resources from Palfinger

Information in this article is sourced from Palfinger PLR series 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 PLR Owners Manual
• Palfinger PLR Installation Manual
• Palfinger PLR Tuckunder Liftgate Parts Manual

Lubrication Points and Zerk Locations

Source: Palfinger-PLR-Tuckunder-Liftgate-Owners-Manual.pdf, pp. 19–20

Keeping moving parts greased is one of the simplest and most important steps in preventing liftgate wear and failure. Palfinger recommends greasing the PLR every 500 cycles, or about every 3 months depending on usage.

Key zerk locations include:

• Lift Arm
• Parallel Arm
• Shackle (on some models)
• Cylinder assembly (1–3 zerks depending on model)
• Platform hinges
• Cart stops (if equipped)

Single-cylinder units typically have:

• 3 zerks: 1 lift arm, 1 parallel arm, 1 shackle
• 2 more on the cylinder

Dual-cylinder units usually have:

• 4 zerks: 1 lift arm, 1 parallel arm, 2 on the cylinders
• An additional on the shackle depending on configuration

Always grease with the platform at ground level, and consider syncing liftgate lubrication with your truck or trailer maintenance schedule.

Proper lubrication reduces wear on pins and bushings, helping ensure the gate operates quietly and reliably over the long haul.

Hydraulic Oil Type and Fluid Maintenance

Source: Palfinger-PLR-Tuckunder-Liftgate-Owners-Manual.pdf, p. 21

The PLR liftgate’s hydraulic system relies on clean, temperature-appropriate oil to function properly. Checking the oil level and changing it annually can prevent sluggish movement or pressure-related failures.

To check oil:

• Lower the gate to the ground and tilt the platform
• Open the power unit enclosure
• Oil should be 1.0"–1.5" from the top of the reservoir

Approved fluids:

• For -10°F to 150°F:
• Exxon Univis J26
• Mobil DTE 13M
• Chevron AW MV32
• For -50°F to 150°F:
• Mobil DTE 13M
• Shell Aero Fluid 4
• Extreme Cold:
• MIL-H-5606 (military spec)

Palfinger recommends changing the oil at least once a year, ideally before winter.

Using the right hydraulic oil and maintaining correct levels ensures consistent lift speeds and prevents cold-weather failures in your tuck under liftgate.

For more information and to find the hydraulic fluid your lift gate needs, read our comprehensive Guide to Hydraulic Liftgate Fluid.

Inspection Checklist

Source: Palfinger-PLR-Tuckunder-Liftgate-Owners-Manual.pdf, pp. 18, 24

Regular inspections help catch early signs of wear or damage before they turn into expensive downtime. For your Palfinger Liftgate there is a structured checklist provided based on usage frequency.

Daily:

• Clean the platform
• Check for unusual noise, bent parts, or cracked welds
• Ensure decals are visible and intact

Monthly:

• Inspect oil level
• Check hydraulic hoses for leaks
• Confirm battery condition and cable tightness
• Test electrical controls and solenoids

Quarterly:

• Inspect mounting brackets and pins for damage
• Check all zerks take grease and apply lubricant
• Verify platform folds and raises correctly
• Confirm pressure relief valve operation

These regular checks are designed to keep your PLR operating safely and prevent issues like a liftgate stuck in up position or liftgate stuck in down position.

Common Replacement Parts

Source: Palfinger-PLR-Tuckunder-Liftgate-Parts-Manual.pdf, pp. 5–7, 13

Even with great care, some liftgate parts wear out over time. Having common replacements on hand can minimize downtime and make repairs quicker.

Common wear items:

• Zerk fittings (e.g. EA6087, EA-005)
• Bushings (e.g. ELG1036, ELG1039)
• Hydraulic cylinders (varies by model)
• Hydraulic solenoids and motors (e.g. 80-1411-101, 80-1411-102)
• Oil filler caps and valve block parts

Always confirm your liftgate’s model and serial number (located on the driver side of the mount frame) before ordering replacement parts.

Safety Reminders

Source: Palfinger-PLR-Tuckunder-Liftgate-Owners-Manual.pdf, pp. 6–9

Routine maintenance is important, but safety is essential—especially when working around hydraulics and heavy platforms.

Key rules:

• Never ride the liftgate or use it to carry people
• Don’t use the gate to push, tow, or lift non-cargo items
• Secure the tip section with a safety chain or strap when closing
• Power off the system when not in use
• Only allow qualified technicians to perform repairs

These reminders are meant to prevent injury and protect equipment operators from unexpected hazards.

Conclusion

Preventive maintenance is the backbone of safe, long-lasting liftgate operation. With proper lubrication, hydraulic fluid upkeep, regular inspections, and a stock of key parts, your Palfinger PLR tuck under liftgate will stay reliable for years to come.

For additional support or to order lift gate parts, contact us today.