APRIL 22, 2025

Waltco Liftgate C-Series Hydraulic and Electrical System Deep Dive

When it comes to tuck away liftgates, also known as a flipaway style, the Waltco C-Series is one of the most trusted solutions in the delivery and logistics space. But what sets it apart in terms of reliability? A big part of the answer lies in its thoughtfully engineered hydraulic and electrical systems.

Whether you're a fleet manager, mechanic, or owner-operator, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about these two core systems.

Documentation Resources from Waltco

Information in this article is sourced from Waltco’s 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:

Hydraulic System Overview

The C-Series by Waltco liftgates is available with two types of hydraulic systems: gravity down and power down. The type of system affects how the platform lowers, how power is used, and which pump unit is installed.

Gravity Down System

This configuration uses gravity to lower the platform, reducing electrical draw. It includes:

Pump model 70430550 (with thermal switch)
Pressure compensative valve to control lowering speed
Hydraulic cylinder models:
- C-15: 22180010
- C-20: 22280010

Power Down System

Power down models maintain consistent lowering speed regardless of load or conditions. Components include:

Pump model 70430560 (with thermal switch)
A 4-way solenoid valve for powered lowering
Dedicated raise and lower solenoids for precise control

All liftgates must be equipped with a pressure compensative flow control valve (7010001-12) to maintain proper lowering speed regardless of system type.

Key Hydraulic Components

To help with maintenance and repair planning, here’s a complete list of verified hydraulic components that you may find on your tuck away lift gate C-Series by Waltco- always check your part numbers twice because each gate can be slightly different and have unique parts in their build of materials.

Component	Part No.	Function
Hydraulic Pump Unit	70430550 / 70430560	Generates pressure for lifting
Motor	7043001-1	Drives pump operation
Cylinder	22180010 / 22280010	Raises and lowers the platform
Pressure Flow Valve	7010001-12	Maintains lowering speed
Hydraulic Reservoir	70400001	Stores system fluid
Elbow Fittings	75083201, 7500101-1	Connect hoses without sharp bends

These parts are assembled into a fully closed system, which helps prevent contamination and protects the cylinder rod when stored in the retracted position.

Have a question? We'd love to hear from you.

No liftgate serial number? Click here for a visual guide to locate it, then contact us.

Electrical System Breakdown

The C-Series uses a robust electrical control system designed for reliability in real-world delivery environments. In addition to the standard toggle switch and circuit protection, a number of helpful kits are available to expand usability.

Here’s a look at the core electrical components:

Component	Part No.	Purpose
Inline Fuse & Holder	75089854 / 10099309	Protects control circuit
Cycle Counter	80001312	Tracks liftgate cycles for maintenance
Shut-Off Switch	80000827	Disables liftgate from inside cab
Dual Control Harness	80000437	Adds controls on both sides of vehicle
Handheld Remote	80000430	Allows operation from a distance

Each of these interfaces connects directly into the main pump control cord and can be installed with basic wiring tools.

Electrical Safety Best Practices

When installing or servicing a Waltco C-Series liftgate, following safety procedures isn’t optional—it’s essential. Waltco outlines several must-follow steps in its installation guide to protect technicians, operators, and the equipment itself.

Electrical Safety Tips from the Manuals:

Grommets must be used where cables pass through steel or aluminum to avoid cutting insulation.
Dielectric grease should be applied to all terminals to reduce corrosion and improve connection integrity.
Circuit breakers must be mounted directly to the battery and rest solidly to avoid vibration damage.
Cable management: Secure all battery and control wiring every 24 inches using the provided ties, and keep cables away from hot or moving parts.

These practices dramatically reduce the risk of electrical shorts, system failure, and downtime.

Common Troubleshooting Points

If your C-Series liftgate isn’t operating properly, the issue often lies in one of a few common areas—especially when it comes to the electrical side of the system.

Issue	Possible Causes
No power to liftgate	Loose battery terminal, blown inline fuse, or failed circuit breaker
Liftgate won’t raise or lower	Solenoid malfunction, failed switch, or disconnected thermal wire
Remote not functioning	Damaged control cord or pinched wiring
Uneven lowering	Air in the system, or damaged flow control valve
Battery draining quickly	Incorrect wiring or grounding issue in power down setup

Always start by verifying that your cab shut-off switch is ON and that your cycle counter is receiving power. From there, inspect the inline fuse and control switch wiring for wear or disconnects.

Final Thoughts

The C-Series liftgate by Waltco is designed to perform day in and day out—but like any hard-working piece of equipment, it relies on a well-maintained hydraulic and electrical system.

By understanding the following you’ll be better prepared to keep your liftgate running safely and efficiently:

The difference between gravity down and power down liftgates and pump units
The critical components used in each system
Proper wiring and safety techniques
And the most likely failure points

Need replacement Waltco liftgate parts? Our team is here for you.

Subscribe to keep in touch

Get our content delivered directly to your inbox. We're offering powerful content to keep you lifting throughout the year. Keep in touch with us to see why we're your Single Source partner for all things liftgate.