laminar-flow
Stainless
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2003
- Location
- Pacific Northwest
A friend was using a van with a hydraulic lift gate and while riding it down balancing the load on a dolly, one of the cables failed which caused the other one to fail and the lift gate fell to the ground. His foot was under the dolly and was crushed and he suffered some other injuries. This is something that he has done for years with no issue. Having helped him a few times, I didn't like it either, but it is the only way to move the type of things he moves.
If I remember correctly, it uses a single hydraulic actuator that pulls on cables.
As an aircraft mechanic for 15 years, I have never seen a cable break, but have seen some quite worn on inspections.
So if you have a similar lift gate, do an annual check on the cables. The typical wear spot is where they go over the pulleys. There is no doubt that dirt was a factor in the wear.
If I remember correctly, it uses a single hydraulic actuator that pulls on cables.
As an aircraft mechanic for 15 years, I have never seen a cable break, but have seen some quite worn on inspections.
So if you have a similar lift gate, do an annual check on the cables. The typical wear spot is where they go over the pulleys. There is no doubt that dirt was a factor in the wear.