Articles
07Sep

Coming soon to truckers: Peel-and-stick solar panels

Coming soon to truckers: Peel-and-stick solar panels Peel-and-stick solar panels are now coming soon to truckers which have double-sided adhesive that allows customers to “peel and stick” solar panels in place. Solar panels can be heavy, hard to install or fragile and trailers have limited space for solar panel installation. Since trailers have much more surface area on the top, there is space for potentially 4,000 watts of solar panels, which could generate about 18,000 watt hours per day. Standard solar panels weigh...

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05Sep

Solar-Powered Refrigeration Trucks Will Cut Pollution From Idling Diesel Engines

Solar-Powered Refrigeration Trucks Will Cut Pollution from Idling Diesel Engines The transporting of tons of food to local supermarkets are normally cooled by diesel fuel. Idling diesel tractors burn about a gallon of fuel every hour while releasing more than 22 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Under the terms of a new agreement, XL Fleet will supply battery and power electronics systems for the first 1,000 units of eNow’s new electrified refrigerated trailer solutions. XL Fleet’s mission is to help corporations...

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29Nov

Trace Down Circuits Before Replacing Liftgate Parts

Don't rush to replace the whole part before checking the circuits. According to TruckingInfo: The driver’s come back from his daily peddle run a couple of hours early because of problems with the trailer’s liftgate. He says it’s operating very slowly, and at his last stop he barely got the platform off the ground and stowed. Right away the trailer mechanic allows as how it’s probably the hydraulics or maybe the motor that spins the pump. He pokes around underneath and then tells...

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29Nov

5 practices to improve your truck’s liftgate performance

According to Freight Waves: Liftgates are an important tool in protecting workers from injuries and ensuring cargo goes undamaged. They can, however, quickly drain the auxiliary batteries used to operate them. For the batteries to last the entire day, drivers are forced to leave their trucks idling during loading and unloading in order to keep the alternator spinning and charging. In addition to costing fleets big on wasted fuel, idling contributes to air pollution and violates government codes in several municipalities. However, if...

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29Nov

Overcoming Liftgate Low Voltage Performance Issues

Having issues with your low voltage liftage? According to Purkeys: Liftgates of all makes and models are an important part of many drivers’ routines. Regardless of liftgate type, all liftgates occasionally encounter a performance issue. Of all the possible performance issues, according to Anton Griessner (vice president of marketing and business development for Maxon Lift Corp.) in a recent interview with Fleet Maintenance Magazine, “80% of the issues [Maxon] customers deal with tie to low voltage.” 80%. That’s a big percentage. And it’s...

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29Nov

ARE YOUR DRIVERS OPERATING THEIR LIFTGATE SAFELY?

What is the safe way to operate a liftgate? According to IdeaLease: When we are training our drivers regarding safety, one area that is often overlooked is the safe operation of the liftgate.  Like any other piece of powered, automated equipment, drivers must learn to safely operate liftgates. There are numerous types of liftgates, and each may have its own unique hazards. Liftgates are potentially hazardous and should only be used by employees who have been trained or familiarized to operate them...

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29Nov

Avoid Corrosion In Liftgate Electrical Systems

According to Fleet Equipment Magazine: Trucks and trailers outfitted with liftgates typically have critical delivery and pickup schedules, so it’s important that the electrical connections and cable are dependable, keeping the liftgate working throughout the vehicle’s daily route. The liftgate power cord and electrical connections are the gateway for power to travel from the tractor to the trailer to charge the liftgate batteries. Just like the seven-way connection, corrosion buildup is also an issue for liftgate electricals, especially in some geographic areas more...

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05Aug

What is a Liftgate and How Does it Work?

According to Flow Space: If you are asking about liftgates, then odds are you are expecting a delivery that requires one. There is no need to worry. They are simple in function, easy to use, and not as rare of service as you might think. What is a Liftgate It is a piece of hydraulic (sometimes electric) equipment that installs on the rear of a truck which enables freight to be lifted from the ground to the height of the truck’s tailgate, or from...

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04Aug

9 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Spec’ing Liftgates for Medium Duty Trucks

According to Work Truck Online: The best option for lifting heavy cargo (150 lbs. or more) from the ground onto the bed of a medium-duty work truck is a liftgate, a platform that raises and lowers (from the rear and/or side of the truck) using an electric hydraulic system. The challenge, however, is specifying the right liftgate for each application. There are myriad specs to consider, with cost ranging from $2,000-$9,000, depending on the type of gate, platform size and material, power...

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03Aug

Liftgate Service: What is It, and Why Do You Need It?

According to Central Restaurant Products: If you are ordering one of the thousands of pieces of restaurant equipment that Central Restaurant Products offers, you will need to consider how the product will be received. Typically, heavy equipment is shipped on a pallet and will arrive on a semi-truck. If you have access to a loading dock at your facility, that’s great! The truck will pull up, and you should be good to go. However, what if your business doesn’t have access to one? How...

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