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DEC 02, 2025

Troubleshooting the Anthony AST Liftgate: Common Issues and Preventive Maintenance

For fleet operators, uptime is everything. A well-maintained tuck under liftgate ensures that deliveries stay on schedule, drivers stay safe, and vehicles spend less time in the shop. The Anthony AST liftgate is designed for minimal maintenance—with grease-free bushings, stainless steel pump box, and low-pressure hydraulics—but regular inspections and preventive care are still critical for long-term reliability.

This guide explains the essential service checks, troubleshooting steps, and best practices that keep your Anthony AST, AST-L, and AST-Plus models performing like new.

• Documentation Resources from Palfinger
• Routine Service Items
• Understanding the AST Troubleshooting System
• Hydraulic and Electrical Maintenance Tips
• Identifying and Ordering OEM Parts
• Service Intervals and Best Practices
• Conclusion

Documentation Resources from Palfinger

Information in this article is sourced from Anthony AST manuals 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:

• Anthony Liftgates Product Guide
• Anthony AST Brochure (2014)
• Anthony AST Operation Manual
• Anthony AST Installation Manual
• Anthony AST Parts Manual (L-101A-10-2018)

Routine Service Items

(Operation Manual, pp. 12–14)

1. Checking and Maintaining Hydraulic Fluid

• For gravity-down models, check the fluid level with the platform on the ground.
• For power-down models, check fluid with the platform fully raised. In both cases, the reservoir should be within ½ inch of the top. If the level is low, refill using only approved hydraulic fluids: Dexron VI, Dexron III, or Hyken Glacial Blue (Operation Manual, p. 12).

Replace the hydraulic fluid every 12–24 months or sooner if it appears contaminated. Do not mix fluid types, as this can compromise hydraulic seals.

2. Replacing the Fuses

The AST uses two fuse circuits for protection:

• 200 Amp main fuse in the battery power line.
• 10 Amp in-line fuse protecting the control switch circuit (Operation Manual, p. 14).

To replace a blown fuse:

• Disconnect the truck battery
• Slide the rubber boots back from the fuse holder and unscrew the ends.
• Replace the damaged fuse, tighten screws, reseal the boots, and reconnect power. If fuses repeatedly blow, a short or defective solenoid may be present—consult an authorized service technician.

3. Checking the Control Switch Circuit

If the control switch fails to operate the liftgate, inspect the 10 Amp in-line fuse located inside the power unit box. Replace only with identical fuse rating to maintain safety compliance (Operation Manual, p. 14).

4. Decal and Label Inspection

All safety and operating decals must remain visible and legible at all times. Missing decals void warranty coverage and violate ANSI/OSHA safety standards (Operation Manual, p. 15). Key decals include the Operating Instructions (ATU-423), Personal Injury Hazard (A-131115), and Maximum Capacity rating labels.

Performing these basic checks every month prevents most downtime issues and maintains warranty coverage.

Understanding the AST Troubleshooting System

(Operation Manual, pp. 25–27)

Anthony includes a detailed troubleshooting chart to help operators identify common issues before calling for service. Below is a summary aligned with factory documentation.

If a problem cannot be resolved through these field checks, Anthony directs users to take the liftgate to an authorized dealer for diagnosis of hydraulic valves, solenoids, or internal pump assemblies.

Following the manual’s symptom-cause chart ensures fast, accurate diagnosis while preserving component warranty.

Hydraulic and Electrical Maintenance Tips

(Installation Manual, pp. 19–21; Operation Manual, pp. 12–14)

Even with minimal service requirements, routine inspections prevent electrical shorts and hydraulic leaks.

Hydraulic System

• Inspect hoses and fittings for leaks, abrasions, or corrosion (Installation Manual, p. 7).
• Ensure all hoses are properly routed and secured to prevent rubbing during lift cycles (Installation Manual, p. 23).
• Keep the cylinder rod free of weld spatter or debris when performing nearby repairs.
• Replace damaged hoses only with Anthony OEM replacements; non-OEM parts void warranty.

Electrical System

• Verify the ground strap between the pump box and truck frame is intact and corrosion-free (Installation Manual, p. 20).
• Route cables away from fuel, brake, or air lines and secure them with insulated clamps (Installation Manual, p. 20).
• Coat terminals and studs with corrosion-inhibiting lubricant after installation.
• Never crimp lugs with a hammer; use an approved hydraulic or manual crimping tool for secure electrical contact (Installation Manual, p. 21).

Tip: Always disconnect truck power before electrical work to avoid arc hazards (Operation Manual, p. 13).

Identifying and Ordering OEM Parts

(Parts Manual §§1–17; Operation Manual, p. 5)

Locating Serial Numbers

Each AST liftgate includes a stamped serial plate located inside the stainless steel pump box. Record the serial number, model, and capacity on the service log to ensure accurate parts matching (Operation Manual, p. 5).

Using the Parts Manual

The Anthony AST Parts Manual lists every assembly, from hydraulic cylinders and bushings to fuse kits and decal sets, with corresponding part numbers and diagrams. Important assemblies include:

• Power unit components (Parts Manual, pp. 13–22)
• Platform hardware and latch assemblies (Parts Manual, pp. 5–10)
• Electrical wiring kits and decals (Parts Manual, pp. 27–30)

Ordering through LiftGateMe ensures you receive genuine OEM liftgate parts that match factory specifications and maintain original performance.

Service Intervals and Best Practices

(Operation Manual, pp. 12–15; Installation Manual, p. 23)

Daily / Before Each Use

• Confirm the platform and flip section fold smoothly.
• Check for visible hydraulic leaks or damaged wiring.
• Ensure decals and warnings remain visible.

Monthly

• Inspect fluid levels, electrical connections, and control switch operation.
• Clean the pump box exterior; avoid pressure washing.
• Verify the safety latch pin moves freely (Installation Manual, p. 22).

Every 12–24 Months

• Drain and replace hydraulic fluid (Operation Manual, p. 12).
• Inspect wheel arm and pivot bushings (Parts Manual, p. 5).
• Replace any damaged decals from the decal kit (Operation Manual, pp. 15–17).
• Perform full operational test per the Installation Manual’s Final Inspection Checklist (p. 23).

Tip: During annual service, verify that the lift cycles smoothly without drift or vibration. Any irregular motion may indicate internal seal wear or valve contamination.

Conclusion

The Anthony AST liftgate is built to last for decades—but only if maintained correctly. Following the factory maintenance schedule, using Anthony OEM parts, and inspecting the system regularly ensures safe, reliable performance through every delivery cycle.

By relying on LiftGateMe’s team for genuine parts and expert support, fleet operators can extend liftgate life, preserve warranty coverage, and keep every truck’s tuckunder liftgate performing at its best. Contact us now and let us help you find the best solution for your specific liftgate.