Dhollandia DH-R Series User manual

Order ref: MD029.US.EN Doc: USE_US operation manual DHR_US EN_2020_rev1 Rev: 1Date: MARCH 1, 2020
DH-R* fold-away liftgates
OPERATION MANUAL
Read the manual in its entirety before operating the liftgate
Keep this manual in the vehicle cab, as reference for the driver and liftgate operator
Manufacturer:
DHOLLANDIA US, L.L.C.
E-mail : [email protected]
270 Southridge Parkway
Bessemer City North Carolina, 28016
website : www.dhollandia.com

1
DHOLLANDIA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1UNDERSTANDING SAFETY AND WARNING SIGNS........................................................................................................................ 2
2CONTACT INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMERS................................................................................................................................ 3
3GENERAL INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
4INTENDED USE .................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
5IDENTIFICATION ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
6DESCRIPTION AND LIFTGATE TERMINOLOGY .............................................................................................................................. 5
7SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE LIFTGATE.................................................................................................................... 8
7.1 DO NOT use liftgate without adequate safety and operator training........................................................................................... 8
7.2 General safety instructions.......................................................................................................................................................... 8
7.3 Danger zones, risk of crush and shear injury ............................................................................................................................ 13
7.4 Safe operator position ............................................................................................................................................................... 15
7.5 Instructions for working at loading docks .................................................................................................................................. 18
7.6 Recommended daily pre-trip inspection.................................................................................................................................... 19
7.7 Importance of preventative maintenance .................................................................................................................................. 21
8LOAD CHARTS AND CORRECT LOADING PROCEDURES........................................................................................................... 22
9OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS - PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES............................................................................................... 25
9.1 Platform ride.............................................................................................................................................................................. 25
9.2 Main external control boxes ...................................................................................................................................................... 26
9.3 Most popular auxiliary controls.................................................................................................................................................. 27
9.4 Switching the main power ON / OFF......................................................................................................................................... 28
9.5 Operation .................................................................................................................................................................................. 29
9.6 The use of cart stops................................................................................................................................................................. 32
10 DECALS............................................................................................................................................................................................. 34
10.1 Regular decals .......................................................................................................................................................................... 34
10.2 Liftgate decals used and affixed in areas, other than the rear of the vehicle: ........................................................................... 36
10.3 Use of the ‘WARNING. LIFTGATE OUT OF SERVICE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE’ sign .......................................... 37
11 MEANING OF SAFETY AND WARNING SIGNS .............................................................................................................................. 38
12 END NOTE ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 40
13 ANNEXES.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
13.1 Checklist for preventative maintenance and repair ................................................................................................................... 40

2
DHOLLANDIA
1UNDERSTANDING SAFETY AND WARNING SIGNS
Many safety signs and symbols used in this manual are based on international standards, others refer to specific situations or actions.
Consult section 11 page 38 for an overview of signs and symbols used in DHOLLANDIA manuals and their meanings.
Please take special notice of the following signs used in the manual. They indicate the likelihood and severity of a potential injury if a
person fails to follow the instructions presented on the safety sign.
DANGER: indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury. [white letters on red background]
WARNING: indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury. [black letters on orange background]
CAUTION: indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury. [black letters on yellow background]
NOTICE: is used to address practices not related to physical injury. [white letters on blue
background]
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: indicate general instructions relative to safe work practices, reminders
of proper safety procedures, or the location of safety equipment. [white letters on green
background]
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL: is used to alert the user to potential hazards. All safety messages that
accompany this sign shall be obeyed to avoid possible harm. [free-standing, or on background
colors red, orange, yellow or black]
WARNING
•Failure to understand and follow the instructions in this manual can put the operator and any bystanders at great risk of serious
bodily injury and death.
•Prior to operating the liftgate, make sure you understand the safety and warning signs used, and read them in conjunction with
the instructions in this manual.
•If in doubt, DO NOT operate the liftgate. Contact your national DHOLLANDIA distributor. See page 3 for contact info.
NOTICE
SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS

3
DHOLLANDIA
2CONTACT INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMERS
•DHOLLANDIA liftgates are regularly being adapted to new vehicle and chassis developments and specialized customer requirements.
Therefore, DHOLLANDIA reserves the right to alter product specifications without prior notice; and potentially modifications or new
developments might not have been taken into account at the time of printing.
NOTICE
Please confirm you have reviewed the most up-to-date version of this manual prior to operation of the associated DHOLLANDIA liftgate.
See below for instructions to download the latest version of the manual.
•Contact your national DHOLLANDIA distributor if you have any questions regarding the installation, operation, repair and maintenance
of DHOLLANDIA liftgates, to obtain replacement copies of manuals or decals, or to learn about available equipment options for
DHOLLANDIA liftgates.
•Take notice of following important disclaimers:
DISCLAIMERS
•DHOLLANDIA disclaims liability for any personal injury, death, or property damage that results from operating a liftgate that has
been modified from the original design, without explicit written approval from the manufacturer.
•DHOLLANDIA disclaims liability for any personal injury, death, or property damage that results from use of aftermarket or non-
OEM replacement parts for service or repair of the liftgate.
•DHOLLANDIA disclaims liability for any personal injury, death, or property damage that results from improper use of the liftgate.
•DHOLLANDIA disclaims liability for any personal injury, death, or property damage that results from overloading or improperly
loading the platform, disregard of the maximum rated lift capacity and the applicable load charts.
•There are no warranties, express or implied, including the warranty of merchantability or a warranty of fitness for a particular
purpose extending beyond that set forth in this manual.
The latest version of all manuals can also be downloaded from the DHOLLANDIA website:
www.dhollandia.com → Country & language selection → Downloads → Operation Manuals
→ … select required manual
DHOLLANDIA US, LLC
United States - East
200 Hilton Street West
Easton PA 18042
Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]
DHOLLANDIA CANADA, Inc.
Canada
2105 Boulevard des Entreprises
Terrebonne Quebec J6Y1W9
Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]
DHOLLANDIA MEXICO, Inc.
Mexico
Fraccionamiento Industrial
Dinamo del Norte,
Calle Tierra 103-105
C.P. 65500, Salinas Victoria,
Monterrey- Nuevo Leon
Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]
DHOLLANDIA US, LLC
United States - West
12968 Santa Ana Avenue
Fontana CA 92337
Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]

4
DHOLLANDIA
3GENERAL INTRODUCTION
•This OPERATION MANUAL explains how the DHOLLANDIA liftgate is manufactured, what safety devices are incorporated in its
design; and how to use the liftgate in a correct manner, that preserves the integrity of the machine over the intended lifetime and helps
maximize the safety of the operator and any bystanders.
•The MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR MANUAL (separate) explains how to maintain and service the liftgate in the appropriate manner,
maximizing the safety of the operator and any bystanders, and ensuring the reliability of the liftgate over the intended lifetime.
•The manuals must be kept with the liftgate at all times, as a reference book for the operators and technical service
4INTENDED USE
DHOLLANDIA liftgates are designed to be fitted to commercial vehicles (commercial trucks, trailers and semi-trailers), and shall be used
exclusively to load and unload the goods transported on the vehicle it is fitted to, within the limits of the load chart, in compliance with the
operator instructions and safety instructions described in this manual.
WARNING
•Improper use of the liftgate will put the operator and other parties at great risk of serious bodily injury and death. Therefore, the use
of the liftgate is restricted to skilled operators only; who have been properly trained, and who know and understand the full contents
of this manual.
•Unauthorized modifications to the liftgate can put the operator and other parties at great risk of serious bodily injury and death.
Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to modify the liftgate and its safety devices in any way.
•Use of aftermarket or non-OEM replacement parts to repair or maintain the liftgate is strictly prohibited and may result in serious
bodily injury or death to the operator or any bystanders.
WARNING
•Improper use of the liftgate will put the operator and bystanders at great risk of serious bodily injury and death. Therefore, it is
strictly forbidden to use the liftgate in a different way, or for different purposes than described in the operation manual.
•The liftgate must NEVER be used as an elevated work platform, to push loads, or to carry people.
•The liftgate must NEVER be used as a wheelchair lift.

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DHOLLANDIA
5IDENTIFICATION
•Every DHOLLANDIA liftgate is identified by and labelled with a
unique 8-digit serial number (with or without a space
between the first and last 4 digits). Use this number for any
inquiry on a particular liftgate, or when ordering replacement
parts.
•In addition to the liftgate type and serial number, the various
serial number labels provide additional information, such as:
the maximum rated lift capacity and load chart, the date of
manufacture, etc...
•These labels are usually affixed to various liftgate components,
and can be found in following locations (the yellow arrows point
to the serial numbers):
On the lift frame
On the lift cylinder and parallel arms
On the platform
On the pump unit
6DESCRIPTION AND LIFTGATE TERMINOLOGY
•DHOLLANDIA liftgates are developed and manufactured using state-of-the-art technology, high quality materials and components and
highly skilled workmanship.
•The DH-R… series comprises of a range of fold-away liftgates, designed for a wide variety of trucks, trailers and semi-trailers, and is
available with lift capacities ranging from 1,350 to 5,500 lbs.
•In its travel position, the foldable platform of the liftgate is safely stowed underneath the vehicle body. To deploy the liftgate, the
platform and lifting mechanism are lowered to the ground by means of the electric controls. Then the platform main section and flip-
over point are unfolded manually.
•Main details and terminology: see below
Affixed to the side of the vehicle body, or on the platform

6
DHOLLANDIA
LIFTGATE TERMINOLOGY
See figure on page 7 for parts corresponding to numbers in this table
#
Description
1
Lift frame: mounted in a fixed position under the vehicle chassis. It bears the platform and its load via connection to the lift arms
and hydraulic cylinders.
2
Mounting plates: used to mount the lift frame to the vehicle chassis.
3
Foldable platform: carries the load during loading / unloading, lifting / lowering. Consists of a platform main section and a flip-
over point.
3a
Platform main section: inboard section of the foldable platform. Manufactured from steel or lightweight aluminium, with a
permanent non-slip working surface.
3b
Flip-over point: foldable, outboard section of the platform. Manufactured from lightweight aluminium.
4
Lift arms L+R: actuated by the hydraulic lift cylinders, used to LIFT / LOWER the platform and its load.
5
Lift cylinders L+R: 1 or 2 hydraulic cylinders used to LIFT / LOWER the lift arms, the platform and its load.
6
Parallel arms L+R: 2 parallel arms, supporting the platform while it travels up and down.
7
Hydraulic pump unit: contains the electric motor driving the hydraulic pump, the oil tank, and the control valves.
8
Toggle-switch control: easy-to-use controls to LIFT / LOWER the platform, mostly mounted in fixed position at the side of the
vehicle body, or on the rear post of the body.
9
Bumper bar: under run protection device, certified conformance to CE legislation.
10
Center point of maximum load: point up to which the maximum rated capacity of the liftgate is valid. Beyond that point, the
maximum safe working load diminishes according to the applicable load charts.
11
Platform opener: arm with roller(s) mounted on the lift frame, assisting the deployment of the platform from its travel position to
the work position, then back to its travel position.
12
Extension plate: heavy duty steel extension mounted to the rear sill of the vehicle floor, with a permanent non-slip surface.
13
Side steps L + R: steps mounted to the side of the extension floor to help the driver climb into the vehicle from the side. The
side steps incorporate rubber dock bumpers [13a]; support channels [13b] and diagonal braces [13c].
13a
Dock bumpers: rubber buffers mounted on the rear face of the side steps, to reduce impact damage when the vehicle is backing
into a loading dock.
13b
Support channels: steel channels welded to the underside of the vehicle body (to the rear sill and support cross members
underneath the vehicle floor).
13c
Diagonal braces: steel profiles linking the side steps and dock bumpers with the support channels welded to the underside of
the vehicle body. The construction with support channels and diagonal braces aims to distribute the forces of a dock impact over
the rear sill and support cross members of the vehicle body and avoid damage as much as possible.

7
DHOLLANDIA
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2
3a
3b
10
11
12
13
13a
13b
13c
9

8
DHOLLANDIA
7SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE LIFTGATE
7.1 DO NOT USE LIFTGATE WITHOUT ADEQUATE SAFETY AND OPERATOR TRAINING
•DHOLLANDIA liftgates shall be exclusively used to load and unload the goods transported on the carrying vehicle, within the limits of
the applicable load chart, in compliance with the operator instructions and safety instructions in this manual.
•The operator should follow all other policies and procedures applicable to the job situation including health and safety regulations,
road and traffic regulations, as well as company procedures. The operator should not use the liftgate if he / she cannot use it in
accordance with all applicable regulations and instructions.
•The operator must be at least 18 years of age.
7.2 GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
•To avoid serious bodily injury or death, the operator must use appropriate work clothes. NEVER wear loose-fitting clothes that
may be trapped in the moving parts of the liftgate. ALWAYS wear professional safety-toe shoes, protective gloves, and eye
protection. Use of a hardhat is recommended.
•Slipping (and falling) can result in serious bodily injury and death. To prevent injury by slipping:
oALWAYS wear professional safety-toe shoes with a good non-slip sole.
oDO NOT use the liftgate if it is covered with snow, mud, dirt, debris, liquids or other substances.
oDO NOT run on the platform.
•Tripping (and falling) can result in serious bodily injury and death. To prevent injury by tripping:
oDO NOT use liftgate platform as a step. NEVER leave the liftgate unattended in partially deployed position.
oPay attention to protruding items on the platform surface at all times (ex. platform lights, cart-stops and their
levers, foreign objects, etc…).
oDO NOT run on the platform.
•Falling from the platform can result in serious bodily injury and death. To prevent injury by falling:
oMake sure your footing is solid, and you maintain 3 points of contact. See 7.4 on page 16 and 17.
oUse guard rails where available. See 7.4 on page 17.
oNEVER move the vehicle while a person is standing on the platform, or inside the vehicle body.
oNEVER use the platform as an elevated working platform.
WARNING
•Improper use of the liftgate will put the operator and other parties at great risk of serious bodily injury and death.
•To reduce the risk of serious bodily injury to the operator and any bystanders, the use of the liftgate is restricted to skilled operators,
who have been properly trained, and who know and understand the full contents of this manual.
•To reduce the risk of serious bodily injury or death, THE OPERATOR MUST COMPLY WITH ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND
WARNING LABELS IN THIS SECTION AND THE ENTIRE MANUAL before and while operating the liftgate.

9
DHOLLANDIA
WARNING
•Prior to operating the liftgate, the vehicle must be safely parked on level and solid ground, have the parking brake applied, and the
engine switched off. Lock open the rear doors and secure all other moving parts of the vehicle body. Failure to abide by these
instructions can result in serious bodily injury or death to the operator or bystanders.
•Ensure that the vehicle cannot tip-over when putting heavy weight on the platform. If the vehicle or the liftgate are equipped with
mechanical or hydraulic stabilizing legs, deploy these before opening the platform. Ensure that the stabilizing legs are positioned
on solid, even ground. In case of soft terrain (sand, gravel), solid support blocks must be used under the stabilizing legs. Failure
to abide by these instructions can result in serious bodily injury or death to the operator or bystanders.
•To reduce the risk of serious bodily injury or death which may
result from other vehicles when parked, ALWAYS make sure a
safety distance of 16 ft. or 5 m. is kept between the back of the
truck and the following vehicle.
•To reduce the risk of serious bodily injury or death, ALWAYS
make sure the platform is clearly visible to other persons from all
approach directions. DHOLLANDIA recommends the use of 4
warning cones, placed around the work area of the platform.
[See notice below].
•To reduce the risk of serious bodily injury or death, make sure
the working zone is sufficiently lighted.
NOTICE
DHOLLANDIA offers optional platform mounted flashing lights and flags to make the platform more visible to other people. Please
visit www.dhollandia.com or contact the national DHOLLANDIA distributor for more information. See page 3 for contact info.

10
DHOLLANDIA
WARNING
•When loading or unloading at a loading dock. Make sure to not hit the
wall with the body / liftgate. Failure to abide by these instructions can
result in material damage and serious bodily injury to the operator or
bystanders.
•Prior to releasing the mechanical platform lock (if so equipped) and
using the liftgate, check if the liftgate can be used safely. Take
precautions to ensure your own safety, and the safety of bystanders or
other parties in traffic. Clear the working area of any objects that could
potentially impede movement of the liftgate. Failure to abide by these
instructions can result in serious bodily injury or death to the operator
or bystanders.
•Inspect the liftgate prior to each use. If any unsafe condition exists or unusual noises or movements
are noticed, DO NOT use the liftgate, attach the ‘WARNING. LIFTGATE OUT OF SERVICE. DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO OPERATE’ decal to the main external control box or platform, and contact an
authorized DHOLLANDIA service agent for repair. Please see ‘pre-trip inspection’ procedures under
7.6 from page 19 onwards.
•Read and comply with all warning decals, pictograms and instructions affixed to the liftgate. Failure to
abide by warnings and instructions may result in serious bodily injury or death.
•The liftgate must not be used if the operator is intoxicated, impaired or distracted in any way. NEVER
use a phone or mobile device when operating the liftgate.
•The liftgate shall be used by means of original control units only. Operating the liftgate with unauthorized control units will increase
risk of serious bodily injury or death to the operator or any bystanders.
•Limit the operation of the liftgate to one single operator. Operation of the liftgate by more than one operator at a time may cause
confusion and increase the risk of serious bodily injury or death.
•To prevent people from being hit by the platform, by objects falling off the platform or being caught in pinch points or being pinched
by the moving parts of the liftgate:
→Keep visual control over the entire working area of the liftgate and its platform at all times, including the area
DIRECTLY BEHIND and UNDER the platform.
→DO NOT allow any other person, to stand in the proximity of the liftgate and its platform. ENSURE AT ALL TIMES
THAT NOBODY STANDS UNDER OR WITHIN REACH OF THE MOVING PLATFORM.

11
DHOLLANDIA
WARNING
oDepending on your physical condition and on the
maintenance of the liftgate, the manual deployment and
stowage of the platform can put serious strain on the
operator’s back. To prevent a back injury, seek 3 points of
support (2 feet + 1 hand, as shown in the picture to the
right) to fold and unfold the platform. Rest your free hand,
not used to grab the platform handle, on the outside of the
extension plate for additional support.
oWhile doing so, to prevent crushing or shearing, keep your
hands away from the underside of the extension plate and
side steps and the rotating platform. See also 7.3 page 13
regarding crushing and shearing.
•When unloading from the vehicle body to the platform,
ALWAYS push the load out, to prevent the load from
hitting you. NEVER pull the load from the vehicle onto
the platform. Pulling the load from the vehicle can result
in a fall from the platform causing serious injury or death.
•If pushed out too far, the load can fall off the platform,
and cause serious bodily injury or death to other people.
Deploy the cart-stops before pushing out the load. If not
available, push the load slowly while checking the
outboard platform edges.
•The load must ALWAYS be secured when raising or
lowering on the liftgate, to prevent it from shifting
position and rolling off the platform edges. Failure to
properly secure the load will increase the risk of serious
bodily injury or death to the operator or any bystanders.
•When using a pallet jack, lower and rest the pallet or
load upon the platform surface before operating the
liftgate.
•For loads on wheels, engage wheel brakes of carts,
trolleys and machinery (if available) before operating the
liftgate.
•For loads that could slip, the use of original DHOLLANDIA cart-stops or an appropriate alternative securement device (ex. ratchet
straps) is required. The load must not be able to move during movement of the platform. See 9.6 page 32 for correct use of original
DHOLLANDIA cart stops.
•NEVER leave the liftgate unattended in open position. Before leaving the vehicle unattended, close the doors of the vehicle, stow
the platform in its travel position and switch OFF the main battery disconnect switch in the external control box (if so equipped), or
the cab switch. Leaving the liftgate in open position unattended can result in serious bodily injury or death to unaware bystanders.
See 9.5 page 31 for instructions on properly stowing platform into its travel position.
❶
❷
❸

12
DHOLLANDIA
WARNING
•NEVER move the vehicle with the liftgate in the open position. ALWAYS close and secure the doors of the vehicle, stow the liftgate
in its travel position and switch OFF the main battery disconnect switch in the external control box (if so equipped), or the cab
switch, before moving the vehicle. If so equipped, close the mechanical platform lock after stowing the platform in its travel position.
Failure to properly stow the liftgate in its travel position prior to moving the vehicle may result in serious bodily injury or death.
•Use of the liftgate near vehicular traffic may result in serious bodily injury or death from being struck by another vehicle. When
operating the liftgate on or near a street or parking lot, be sure to stay clear of vehicular traffic. ALWAYS be sure to clearly identify
to other drivers that the liftgate is in use. DHOLLANDIA recommends use of warning cones to clearly identify to drivers that the
liftgate is being operated. When the liftgate is operated near vehicular traffic, wear working clothes in high-visibility colors and a
retro-reflective safety vest.
•DO NOT raise the liftgate with the rear doors partially open. Doing so may damage the doors or the liftgate platform and may also
result in serious bodily injury or death to the operator or any bystanders.
•Above all, USE GOOD COMMON SENSE when operating the liftgate. DO NOT operate the liftgate until the contents of this
manual have been read and fully understood. Improper use of the liftgate increases the risk of serious bodily injury or death to the
operator and any bystanders.
NOTICE
•The most important safety and operation instructions are summarized in a product video that can
be viewed online at:
1. Level ride + automatic tilt at ground level
http://www.dhollandia.com/uservideo/RM-US-2017-01
2. Standard ramping ride
http://www.dhollandia.com/uservideo/RP-US
•Make sure you review these instructions prior to operation of the associated DHOLLANDIA
liftgate.
❶
❷

13
DHOLLANDIA
7.3 DANGER ZONES, RISK OF CRUSH AND SHEAR INJURY
•There are 4 main danger zones on and around the platform, that can be hazardous to the operator and any other persons nearby:
WARNING
Impact by the platform or the moving parts
of the liftgate will result in serious bodily
injury or death. To prevent people from
being hit by the platform, by objects falling
off the platform or being caught in pinch
points or being pinched by the moving parts
of the liftgate:
→Keep visual control over the entire
working area of the liftgate at all times,
including the area directly behind and
under the platform;
→DO NOT allow any person to stand near
the liftgate and its platform. Ensure at all
times that nobody stands under, or
within reach of the moving platform and
its load.
WARNING
Lowering an empty or fully loaded platform
on one’s feet may result in serious bodily
injury. To prevent people from having their
feet crushed or sheared by the lowering
platform:
→Keep visual control over the entire
working area of the liftgate at all times,
including the area directly behind and
under the platform;
→When operating the liftgate from a
position on the ground, ALWAYS stand
at the side of vehicle body, at a safe
distance of minimum 20” (500mm)
away from the moving platform.
Correct operator position
Danger zone
1. ALWAYS stay clear of the range of motion
of the platform
❶
❶
❷
2. Beware of crushing zone between
lowering platform and ground
❷

14
DHOLLANDIA
WARNING
•If the operator on the platform stands
too close to the inboard platform edge,
protruding toes might be crushed or
sheared between the rising platform
and the vehicle floor. This can cause
serious bodily injury.
•Therefore, when operating the liftgate
from a position on the platform,
ALWAYS stand at a safe distance of
min. 10” (250mm) from the inboard
platform edge.
•NEVER reach over or through the
platform and the moving parts of the
liftgate while trying to operate the lift.
ALWAYS keep your head, limbs and
body clear of the moving platform and
other pinch points.
WARNING
•If the operator enters the zone
between the closing platform and the
rear frame of the vehicle body with his
head, upper body or limbs, protruding
body parts may be hit, crushed or
sheared by the closing platform. This
will cause serious bodily injury or
death.
•Therefore, while stowing the platform
in its travel position, ALWAYS stand
with both feet on the ground on a free-
standing, safe operator position at the
side of the body and ALWAYS keep
head, limbs and upper body clear of
hazardous space between the platform
and the rear frame of the vehicle body.
•NEVER reach over or through the
platform and the moving parts of the
liftgate while trying to operate the lift.
ALWAYS keep your head, limbs and
body clear of the moving platform and
other pinch points.
4. Beware of the crushing zone between
closing platform and rear frame of vehicle
body
❹
❹
❸
❸
3. Beware of the crushing zone between
rising platform and vehicle floor

15
DHOLLANDIA
WARNING
The operator or other persons approaching too close to these danger zones risk serious bodily injury or death by
pinching, crushing or shearing of limbs, upper body or head. To prevent these hazards:
→ALWAYS stand clear of the range of motion of the platform and moving parts of the liftgate;
→Keep hands, feet and upper body clear of pinch points and moving parts of the liftgate;
→DO NOT allow any other person to stand near the liftgate and its platform.
7.4 SAFE OPERATOR POSITION
•The instructions on safe operator position aim to enforce that the
operator stands in a safe position before and while operating the liftgate,
and protect him against the risks of crushing and sheering as described
in previous 7.3 from page 13 onwards.
•Main external control box: the zone beside the vehicle body, just in
front of the toggle switch control or side-mounted external control box, is
the safest position from where the operator can LOWER and unfold the
platform into the work position; LIFT and LOWER the platform to load
and unload; or fold and LIFT the platform back in its travel position.
•Auxiliary controls: the operator may also LOWER and LIFT the platform
through use of the auxiliary controls. The operator must use extreme
caution when lowering or lifting the platform with the auxiliary controls
and must ensure it is done from a safe position. Use of auxiliary controls
from an improper position greatly increases the operator's risk of
crushing or shearing of toes, limbs, head, and upper body as well as
death.
•The operator may also LOWER and LIFT the platform through the use of
the platform mounted foot controls (optional) which restrict both
operator's feet to a predetermined position on the platform. The operator
must use extreme caution when using platform mounted foot controls
to avoid falling from the platform. ALWAYS maintain 3 points of contact
(see page 17).

16
DHOLLANDIA
•Handheld auxiliary controls with a spiral cable should only be used under the following conditions:
•A fixed internal control should only be used inside the vehicle
body from a safe operator position that is a minimum 16"x16"
square, clearly and permanently marked at a minimum of 10"
from the hazard zone between the platform and the rear of the
vehicle floor (1 on figure directly right). A fixed internal control
should NEVER be used from a position on the platform.
•The marked operator positions on the platform must be kept clear
at all times. It is prohibited to place a load on these dedicated
areas.
WARNING
•When operating the liftgate, DO NOT stand in front or behind the load. Doing so puts the operator at risk of being pushed off the
platform or being crushed between the moving load and the rear frame of the vehicle body, resulting in serious bodily injury or
death.
•To prevent this hazard, ALWAYS stand on the side of the load, NEVER in front or behind.
On the platform, from a safe operator
position of minimum 16”x16” square,
clearly and permanently marked at
minimum 10” distance from the hazard
zone between the platform and the rear
of the vehicle floor. Maintain 3 points of
contact (see page 17).
Inside the vehicle body, from a safe
operator position of minimum 16”x16”
square, clearly and permanently marked
at minimum 10” distance from the hazard
zone between the platform and the rear
of the vehicle floor.
On the ground, from a safe operator
position at a minimum of 20” away from
the side edge of the platform.
20”
16”
10”
16”
10”
10”
16”
32”
❶

17
DHOLLANDIA
•Note: these 3 points of contact usually include the 2 feet
positioned solidly on the platform, and a handgrip mounted to
the rear frame of the vehicle body.
▪To reduce the risk of serious bodily injury or death from falling, DHOLLANDIA recommends the use of guard rails
along the exposed edges of the liftgate platform. Guard rails may be purchased along with your liftgate at the initial
order, or may be purchased and retrofitted to your liftgate later. Please see www.dhollandia.com for further
information or contact your national DHOLLANDIA distributor. See page 3 for contact info.
WARNING
•If not standing solidly, an operator on
the platform risks serious injury or
death by falling off.
•While riding on the platform, ALWAYS
make sure your footing is solid, and
ALWAYS maintain 3 points of contact,
as shown in the picture to the right.
Example: demountable guard rails
❶
❷
❸

18
DHOLLANDIA
7.5 INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING AT LOADING DOCKS
When using the liftgate platform as a bridge plate between the loading floor of the vehicle and the loading dock, follow the instructions
below:
WARNING
•Improper use of the liftgate may result in damage, premature wear or failure of the liftgate, and will increase the risk of serious
injury or death to the operator and other persons nearby.
•In order to maximize the durability, ensure long-term reliability of the liftgate, and protect operators and bystanders from serious
bodily injury or death, the operator must comply with the loading instructions and safe working procedures below.
NOTICE
•When reversing a vehicle with liftgate into a loading dock, ALWAYS make sure there is sufficient ground clearance between the
lowest part of the liftgate and the ground.
•ALWAYS reverse slowly, and avoid hard dock impact on the liftgate.
•Reversing with insufficient ground clearance, or with too hard dock impact may result in severe damage to the liftgate.
•When working at a loading dock, keep the platform securely stowed in
its travel position to avoid damage. Drive the load directly from the dock
onto the vehicle floor (or vice versa).
•Make sure you reverse slowly, to avoid heavy impact of the liftgate
against the loading dock. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to
the liftgate, or to extension plate, dock bumpers, and the vehicle body.
•It is forbidden to use a foldable platform as a
bridge plate between the vehicle floor and a
loading dock. Keep the platform securely
stowed in its travel position to avoid damage.

19
DHOLLANDIA
7.6 RECOMMENDED DAILY PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
NOTICE
Authorized DHOLLANDIA service agents may be found at www.dhollandia.com or by calling your regional DHOLLANDIA distributor.
See page 3 for contact info.
Before operating the liftgate, the operator must conduct the following daily pre-trip inspection. Use caution: stay clear of the area
directly behind the platform while conducting the daily pre-trip inspection.
Replace missing, worn or illegible warning decals immediately. See page 3 for contact info.
Make sure the cabin switch and / or main battery disconnect switch in the control box switch on and off accordingly.
Make sure the battery is fully charged, the main fuse is in good condition, and battery terminal connections are corrosion-free and
tight.
Check the overall condition of the main external control box and its switches. Confirm that all switches (except the ON / OFF cabin
switch) swiftly return to the neutral position after releasing them.
Check the overall condition of the cables entering the various control units, and of the cables to the pump unit. Make sure cables
are not chafed, loose or damaged.
Ensure the cover of the pump unit is properly installed and secured.
Check the pump unit for visible oil leaks.
Follow the instructions in section 9 from page 25 onwards to open and lower the platform to the ground, and continue the checks:
Visually inspect the general condition of the lift frame, lift arms, and mounting plates to the vehicle chassis. Look for cracks or
deformation in the material and welds. Make sure the bolts of the mounting plates to the chassis are tightened.
Make sure all pivot pins and retainer bolts are properly locked and secured.
Visually inspect the general condition of the platform. Look for cracks or deformation in the material and welds. If so equipped,
make sure the platform-mounted options function correctly (cart-stops, foot controls, flashing warning lights).
Visually inspect the general condition of the extension plate, the side steps, their support angles and diagonal braces. Look for
cracks or deformation in the material and welds.
Visually inspect the general condition of the springs used to assist in platform deployment and stowage. Verify if the platform can
be unfolded and folded with reasonable effort (the spring tension is adequate). Look for damage or deformation.
Check the overall condition of the auxiliary controls and their switches. Confirm that all switches swiftly return to the neutral
position after releasing them. In case of a handheld control with spiral cable, inspect the spiral cable for wear or damage.
Make sure safe operator position and center point of maximum load are clearly marked on the platform.
WARNING
•Using a liftgate that is damaged or improperly serviced, can put the operator and bystanders at great risk of serious bodily injury
and death.
•To avoid this risk, inspect the liftgate prior to the first use of each day. Ensure that all safety systems and all functions operate
correctly, and that no maintenance or repair is required.
•If any unsafe condition exists or unusual noises or movements are noticed, DO NOT use the liftgate, attach the 'WARNING.
LIFTGATE OUT OF SERVICE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE' sign provided with the liftgate in a clearly visible location and
contact an authorized DHOLLANDIA agent. [see Notice below]
•DO NOT cover up any accidents or damage; it can be dangerous to you, your co-workers, and other persons.