A tail lift that no longer responds immobilises a whole vehicle — sometimes a whole round. Before calling, a few simple checks can save valuable time, or even fix the problem. Here is the approach we recommend, in order.
1. Secure first
If the platform is stuck in a raised or intermediate position with a load, secure the load before any handling, and never stay under a platform held only by hydraulic pressure. Safety comes before getting back to work.
2. The quick checklist
- Power: vehicle battery charged, ignition on, battery isolator engaged.
- Fuses and the state of the remote or control box.
- Emergency stop button: has it been left pressed?
- Hydraulic oil level and no visible leak under the vehicle.
- Behaviour: is the lift slow, noisy, not rising, not folding?
3. What not to do
Never force a control that resists — you risk making it worse. Do not work on the hydraulic circuit under pressure, and do not tamper with the wiring — a badly repaired tail lift becomes a hazard.
4. Useful information for the technician
So our technician arrives with the right part: the tail lift brand (Dhollandia, Bär, MBB Palfinger…), the exact symptom, the vehicle location, and if possible the reference on the data plate.
In case of doubt or a jam, our breakdown line is open 24/7 across Lorraine and Luxembourg. Better one call too many than a forced tail lift.
5. Typical symptoms by brand
Dhollandia tail lift not going up or down: first check the battery isolator, the main fuse and the vehicle battery charge — low voltage alone is enough to block the hydraulic power pack. The fuse is usually located near the battery on the main supply cable.
Tail lift stuck open or in the raised position: never force the platform mechanically. A safety device (limit switch, tilt sensor) is probably involved, and a jammed cylinder can give way suddenly.
Bär Cargolift, MBB Palfinger, Anteo, Zepro: unresponsive controls, slow or jerky movement, sagging platform — symptoms overlap from one brand to another. If the checklist above changes nothing, a technician is needed.
Read also: Preventive maintenance · Repair costs