FAQ

A truck crane can simplify any job that requires the loading and unloading of heavy items. The following considerations will help determine the type of truck crane you should use:

Matching the Right Service Crane for the Truck Size
A service crane will often have a minimum allowable gross vehicle weight (GVW) to be followed for the installation of the crane. This weight is dependent on the size of the load the crane will carry, the weight and use of the crane, and the reach of the crane.

How Much Weight Will Be Lifted and How Far?
Cranes have various load requirements, capacities, and extensions that must be adhered to when selecting one for a particular lifting application. Service truck cranes in the United States are given ratings in a foot-pound system that gives a value equal to the maximum weight lifted off applied by the distance of the boom.

What is the Use of the Crane, and its Duty Cycle?
Although a crane operator may only use the crane on infrequent occasions, a job may require crane winch to operate longer than only a couple minutes at a time. The determination as to whether the operator should use a full hydraulic or electric hydraulic crane is the frequency with which the crane is to be used during a one-hour period of time.

Tommy liftgates operate by means of hydraulic pressure that forces a piston through a cylinder causing the gate to raise and lower. Typically, the operator of this device uses a simple switch box with an up-and-down function to move the gate in the desired direction.

A liftgate should only be used by those with the proper training and familiarity with the device. Here is a brief synopsis of how to operate a Tommy liftgate:

1. Read the operator’s manual. Follow all the directions provided. Pay attention to and follow all safety warning labels.
2. Before operating liftgate with a load, operate it empty through its full range up-and-down as a pre-check to verify it is in position to provide a good landing area for the freight.
3. Before loading the freight, place the proper devices were wheels under it for safe handling. Control the item properly by using the cart’s wheels and handles.
4. Position the load, using the chocks under the wheels to prevent it from rolling.
5. Use strapping to secure top-heavy loads to prevent the item from rolling off the end or tipping over.
6. Engage the vehicle emergency brakes and use the liftgate on a level surface when possible.
7. One employee should be in charge of coordinating the other employees in the process of loading, lowering, or raising a load. Establish communication and work routines between coworkers. No one should start the gate without a predetermined “ready” signal given.

A hook lift is truck-mounted device that enables the transport of materials, freight, and refuse. It consists of a number of features that enable haulers to change to different types of roll-off containers, and haul, lift, and carry those containers.

Hook lifts enable haulers to load and unload items and materials at ground level with minimal equipment and personnel. These devices are able to carry items of varying weights and sizes, and reduce the number of vehicles required to complete a particular job. They are also useful for safely hauling fragile items.

For landscaping companies, construction companies, waste companies, or specialty service companies, hook lift trucks are a versatile tool. They are useful for hauling flatbeds for large loads, tanker bodies, haul containers, chipper bodies, or other types of large loads that are very challenging to handle. Numerous types of items and shapes can be moved using a hook lift system.

Due to their versatility, companies utilizing hook lifts can minimize the size of their fleets, and can eliminate the maintenance costs of operating multiple single-duty trucks. For instance, the SwapLoader hook lift system we offer at Ruckstell can help you increase your service capabilities in one versatile truck.

At Ruckstell, our professionals understand that not every flatbed in the industry is created with the same level of quality and capability. We are able to manufacture and customize a quality flatbed in the style you need to match your truck or dump truck. Regardless of whether you need diamond plate, smooth steel, steel over wood, or wood flooring, we can build each custom truck flatbed to your specifications.

Here are the options we provide for our flatbeds:

Standard Flatbed Features

• Choice of Solid, 50-50, or One-Window Headboard
• Choice of Solid 3/16″ Smooth Steel, Solid 3/16″ Diamond Plate, or 1-1/8″ Apitong Wood Bed
• 5/8″ Rope Hooks on each Cross Member
• 4″ Formed Cross Member
• Tail Plate with Dock Bumper
• Mud flaps w/ Mount Backing Strip
• Tapered A.J. Bayer Style Stake Pockets
• LED Seal Beam Clearance Lights
• Choice of OEM Taillights or Seal Beam
• Choice of color Black or White

Additional, Custom Truck Flatbed Features

• Work Lights, Safety Lighting, & Strobe Lights
• Choice of Class IV or Class V Receiver Hitch
• Top Mounted Tool Box – Open top or Closed top
• Underbody Tool Box – 24″, 30″, 36″, 48″, or 60″ wide x 18″ tall x 20″ deep (Custom sizes are made to order)
• Side Racks –Extruded Aluminum, Formed Steel, or Apitong Slats are just a few rack options
• Overhead Rack – Ladder Rack or Fork Lift Rack
• Liftgates
• Swing or Fold down Racks
• Cranes

If standard options are not sufficient, are experts at Ruckstell can develop a custom-built flatbed to meet the needs of your application.

Liftgates make the process of loading and unloading trucks safe and efficient. They also provide flexibility and exceptional convenience for users. At Ruckstell California Sales Co. we offer a wide-range of liftgate brands and products, including:

Anthony Liftgates, Inc.

• TuckUnder
• RailTrac
• Gas Bottle RailTrac
• Pickup, Van, and Stake Body
• Special Application Liftgates
• Liftgates for Vehicle Types
• Pickup
• Van and Flatbed
• Stake Bed
• Service Body
• Liftgates for Trailers

Tommy Gate

• PICKUP
• G2 Series
• Original Series
• SERVICE BODY
• G2 Series
• Original Series
• FLATBED, STAKE, & VAN
• Tuckunder Series: TKT
• Tuckunder Series: TKL
• Railgate Series: High-Cycle
• Railgate Series: Bi-Fold
• Railgate Series: Standard
• Railgate Series: Dock-Friendly
• G2 Series
• Original Series
• DUMP BODY
• G2 Series
• STEP VAN
• Railgate Series: RTC
• CARGO VAN
• Cantilever Series
• 650 Series
• Original Series

Maxon Lift Corp.

• Light Duty
• Railift ™
• Conventional
• Tuk-a-Way ®
• Slifelift™
• Columnlift™
• Gas Bottle

Waltco – Offering liftgates for light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles

• Flipaway
• Rail-Type
• Bottled gas
• Slide-Away
• Cantilever
• Side Loader

Palfinger

With over 40 products available, Palfinger offers liftgate devices for weight classes between 500 kg and 4,000 kg.
This product line serves industries that include waste management, food and transport logistics, leasing and rental businesses, as well as emergency services and law enforcement authorities.