Machines with hydraulic lift for transportation of oversized cargo. Trucks

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Now many vehicles, such as small "single trucks" or large road trains with trailers, are equipped with an additional device called "hydrolift". Very often, such a design can be called a microlift or a tail lift. They are necessary in order to greatly simplify the process of loading or unloading materials. This is especially true in the absence of access areas and ramps.

History of Creation

The first developments of a machine with a hydraulic lift were registered in the late 70s of the 20th century in Europe. These designs differed significantly from modern ones and were still very far from perfect. The first mechanisms were more like a lifting device equipped with a platform and a chain drive. Some time later, such elements also appeared on domestic vehicles.production.

The idea of creating a machine with an additional platform was so in demand in the European market that a number of engineering giants began to implement and improve it. Some enterprises located in Belgium, Sweden and Germany have concentrated their work on this type of business. This niche has brought success and world fame to many. Companies such as Dhollandia from Belgium, Bar and Dautel from Germany, and Swedish firm Zepro.

Modernity

On the market of lifting equipment there is simply a huge range of various tail lifts. The model range starts from the standard cantilever lifts, popularly called "shovel". Their carrying capacity is from 250 to 1,000 kg. The row is completed by the so-called column elevators, capable of lifting material weighing 2.5 tons, while the lifting height reaches 6 meters.

Modern companies that manufacture hydraulic lift machines focus on the safety of the structure itself. This is achieved through the introduction of additional electronic systems to control the operation of the platform. An important achievement was the non-volatility of the hydraulic system of the elevator from the power plant of the truck. In order for the tail lift to work normally, just a standard battery is enough. Thanks to this, it became possible to install platforms not only on trucks, but also on their trailers, which will greatly simplify the further loading of goods.

Hail lift to some extentallows you to replace often irresponsible loaders with something more reliable and at the same time trouble-free. Depending on the task, you can choose the most suitable design. You can often find even small trucks, behind which there is a hydraulic lift. Installation of such a mechanism is simple and does not require a major re-equipment of the vehicle.

Popularity

The most commonly used mechanisms in modern transport are console-type structures. When moving, the platform is brought into the transport position and is vertical. This time-tested and proven classic equipment is used for 24/7 operation even in the toughest conditions. The design itself consists of a special platform, a system of levers and torsion bars, and several hydraulic cylinders used to lift or rotate the platform. The entire hydraulic system, as a rule, is located inside the carrier beam. This decision was made for reasons of compactness, as well as to protect hydraulic elements from external damage.

Design features

Modern trucks are equipped with structures with an average load capacity of up to 3 tons. In order to reduce the mass of the assembly itself, it is often made of aluminum or its alloys. High-strength steel is used only to create the load-bearing arms and flanged supports that hold the entire console.

Depending on the tasks performed, it is possible to use two methods of amplificationplatforms:

1. Transverse arrangement of stiffeners. They prevent dangerous bends and maintain the integrity of the structure. Large haulage companies very often use these mechanisms on their vehicles.

2. The second option is the longitudinal arrangement of elements. In this case, each part takes on a certain load. The necessary strength margin is created using a support box welded from the outside. This significantly reduces the length of the arm, which contributes to a significant reduction in the load of bending moments.

Power Mechanism

Great attention in the distribution of the load and during the movement of weights is given to the power mechanism, it is subject to very high requirements. Among these are ensuring uniform movement of the platform, as well as maintaining its horizontal position during one-sided loading. As a rule, machines with a hydraulic lift are equipped with a 4-cylinder system: one pair is responsible for lifting, and the second performs a supporting role. Such systems have fully satisfied the requirements of the modern market. In the light and medium-duty segment, such mechanisms are considered heavy and re-equipped, which is why they are used much less frequently.

Based on challenges like these, more and more advanced businesses are betting on new technologies and better solutions. The first company was the German Bar. They offered a truck with a hydraulic lift, where only two cylinders are used. AtThis load capacity is limited to 1 ton. For structures operating with a load of 1 to 1.5 tons, two types of equipment are offered: both two- and four-cylinder. It all depends on the purpose of the machine and the specifics of the work. Many laboratory and field tests were carried out to make such a decision. At the same time, it was found that in real conditions, machines with a hydraulic lift very rarely work at the limit of their capabilities. This allowed the use of a two-cylinder platform design.

Dual Cylinder Platform Benefits

In such mechanisms, cylinders of increased volume are used, while they perform more complex operations. The hydraulic cylinder is responsible for two operations simultaneously: tilt and lift. For example, when the platform is lowered without load, the lifting arm is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder through a special assembly. A power triangle, consisting of a connecting sleeve, a lever and a carrier profile, holds the platform. The transfer of force between the carrier and lifting arms is carried out through the use of a wheel chock. Further, when this platform is loaded, natural reactions occur, accompanied by elastic deformation of the beam structure. In some cases, it plays the role of a torsion bar, while performing the task of the main link. Thanks to this solution, the system can be compared with the technology of four cylinders, where the platform always moves only in parallel.

New Solutions

Cantilever hydrolift is distinguished by itssimplicity and is often installed on cars of the Mercedes concern. At the same time, the truck is endowed with one, but quite a significant drawback. In order to enter the cargo department, you must first lower the platform. This is not always convenient, and in some cases it is almost impossible, as, for example, during parking or when working in cramped conditions. The designers found a solution and began to use platforms on machines that can fold vertically. Similar solutions have been implemented in the sector of minivans used for cargo transportation, with a gross weight of 3, 5 and up to 5 tons.

The system allows you to cope with the loading of material weighing up to 500 kg and at the same time unload it without the involvement of additional equipment. As a result, large-sized transportation has become much easier and more affordable. In the folded state, such a tail lift does not take up much space and is commensurate with the size of one door. The second door is not blocked by anything and allows you to open access to the cargo compartment.

Tucking hydraulic lifts

The need to save workspace forces engineers to create somewhat extraordinary designs. Roll-up hydraulic lifts are designed for those customers who do not use the structure for every movement of goods. During the movement, the platform is located under the bottom of the machine. Recently, such systems have been installed on domestically produced cars. "Gazelle" with a tuck-type hydraulic lift can be used whenloading through a special lock (or on a ramp). Access to the compartment always remains free.

Typical malfunctions

Most of the faults are related to wiring. Over time, due to corrosion, coils become unusable, relays, contacts and buttons fail. Such a problem is often found both on domestic cars and on equipment from Mercedes. The cargo compartment is poorly protected from moisture and dust, as a result of which, after several years of operation, electric motors wear out. Such power units cannot be repaired, and they are changed in tandem with hydraulic pumps.

The second fairly popular reason for failures are broken hydraulic locks. This is due to negligent truck operators. The only way to fix the situation is to replace it completely. Due to the negligent use of the platform, dirt and dust can settle on the mirror of the rod, which over time increases the wear of the rod itself and all sealing elements. In this case, cylinder gaskets, "corrugations" and anthers can flow. As in the case of hydraulic locks, repair is not possible - only a complete replacement.