APRIL 21, 2025

Waltco Liftgate C-Series Preventive Maintenance: What to Inspect Every 3,000 Cycles

Waltco Liftgate C-Series Preventive Maintenance blog banner

Follow Waltco’s official guidelines to protect your investment and stay DOT-compliant.

If you operate a Waltco C-Series liftgate, staying on top of preventive maintenance isn’t just good practice—it’s essential to safety, warranty compliance, and long-term performance. Waltco recommends a structured maintenance program based on either cycle count or time interval, and this article walks through each inspection item in the official checklist.

Documentation Resources from Waltco
When to Perform Preventive Maintenance
How the Cycle Counter Works
Official 6-Month / 3,000 Cycle PM Checklist
Additional 12-Month / 6,000 Cycle PM Steps
Warranty Compliance Tips
Recommended Fluids and Lubrication
Download & Use the Checklist
Conclusion

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:

OM WALTCO C-Series Owners EN-US 100401

When to Perform Preventive Maintenance

According to their files, the tuck away liftgate C-Series by Waltco should undergo a full inspection every:

6 months or 3,000 lift cycles
12 months or 6,000 lift cycles

Source: OM WALTCO C-Series Owners EN-US 100401.pdf, p. 11

For fleets with high usage, the cycle counter (Part #80001312) helps technicians track when a liftgate is due for service.

How the Cycle Counter Works

The cycle counter records a count every time the lower switch is activated and held for 4 seconds or longer. This makes it easier to follow maintenance intervals even when time-based tracking isn't accurate due to irregular use.

Source: OM WALTCO C-Series Owners EN-US 100401.pdf, p. 11 and p. 37

Official 6-Month / 3,000 Cycle PM Checklist

Here’s the full preventive maintenance checklist with explanations for what to inspect and why it matters:

Step	Inspection Item	What to Check / How	File / Page
1	Structural damage	Look for bent arms, cracked welds, or distortions. These are often caused by overloading or impact.	OM, p. 11
2	Fasteners	Ensure all pins, bolts, and nuts are secure and tightened.	OM, p. 11
3	Bearings	Check for worn or damaged bearings—these may be dry, noisy, or allow platform wobble.	OM, p. 11
4	Controls	Verify proper function of the toggle switch and remote if equipped. No sticking, lag, or misfire.	OM, p. 11
5	Battery cables	Confirm tight and corrosion-free connections at both positive and negative terminals.	OM, p. 11
6	Transit chain	Ensure chain hooks securely to lug and has no excessive slack or rusted links.	OM, p. 11
7	Lock-out device	Test cab shut-off switch or battery cut-off switch for proper function.	OM, p. 11
8	Fold-over assist spring	Check that torsion spring assists with platform folding/unfolding smoothly.	OM, p. 11
9	Platform tilt	Inspect platform angle when lowered—ensure proper ground contact without folding prematurely.	OM, p. 11
10	Hydraulic leaks	Look at cylinder seals, hoses, and pump fittings for fluid leakage or seepage.	OM, p. 11
11	Fluid level	With the platform lowered, check fluid is ½" from top of reservoir. Use Waltco Liftlube or equivalent.	OM, p. 24
12	Lowering speed	Verify platform lowers at ~6 inches per second (controlled by pressure compensative valve).	OM, p. 24
13	Decals	Ensure all warning and operation decals are legible and correctly placed.	OM, p. 25
14	Lubrication	Oil pivot points and bearing surfaces with light machine oil (do not grease arms or cylinder pins).	OM, p. 36
15	Cycle counter	Activate lower switch and verify cycle increments correctly.	OM, p. 11 & 37

Additional 12-Month / 6,000 Cycle PM Steps

At the 1-year mark, Waltco recommends inspecting key components more deeply:

Step	Inspection Item	What to Check / How	File / Page
16	Pump motor	Inspect for unusual noises, overheating, or slow performance.	OM, p. 11
17	Replace hydraulic fluid	Fully drain and refill with Waltco Liftlube™, Liftlube Arctic™, or Chevron Rando HDZ 32. We have lift gate hydraulic fluid ready to ship to your door.	OM, p. 24

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.

Warranty Compliance Tips

Waltco’s warranty requires the use of OEM parts and proper documentation of all service activity. The cycle counter, if installed, serves as proof of adherence to PM intervals.

Keep your records in a secure location and log:

Date of service
Cycle count
Items inspected
Parts replaced
Technician name

📄 Source: OM, p. 6 and p. 11

Recommended Fluids and Lubrication

Use Case	Product	Part Number	Temperature Range
General	Waltco Liftlube™	85803860	0°F to 120°F
Cold climates	Liftlube Arctic™	85803866	-20°F to 90°F
Optional	Chevron Rando HDZ 32	—	Standard
Not Allowed	ATF, Brake Fluid, Power Steering Fluid	—	🚫

For lubrication points, apply a light machine oil every 120 days to non-sealed bearings. Avoid petroleum-based grease on the arm bearings and cylinder pins.

📄 Source: OM, p. 24 & 36

Download & Use the Checklist

Waltco encourages photocopying the PM checklist for each vehicle. This checklist can be found directly in the Owner’s Manual and should be filed with your maintenance log.

📄 Source: OM, p. 11

Conclusion

Routine liftgate maintenance every 3,000 cycles ensures your Waltco C-Series performs safely and reliably—whether in rental, beverage, or delivery operations. By following the official PM checklist, logging service accurately, and using Waltco-approved fluids and parts, you’ll extend the life of your liftgate and stay protected under warranty.

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