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DH-VHT column liftgates OPERATION MANUAL Manufacturer: DHOLLANDIA US, L.L.C. E-mail : us.info@dhollandia.com 270 Southridge Parkway Bessemer City North Carolina, 28016 website : www.dhollandia.com 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...
Liftgate decals used and affixed in areas, other than the rear of the vehicle: ..................54 10.2 Use of the ‘WARNING. LIFTGATE OUT OF SERVICE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE’ sign .......... 55 MEANING OF SAFETY AND WARNING SIGNS ..........................56 END NOTE ......................................58 DHOLLANDIA...
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ANNEXES ......................................58 13.1 Checklist for preventative maintenance and repair ........................58 DHOLLANDIA...
Many safety signs and symbols used in this manual are based on international standards, others refer to specific situations or actions. Consult section 11 on page 56 for an overview of signs and symbols used in DHOLLANDIA manuals and their meaning.
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.
• DHOLLANDIA liftgates are designed for the loading and unloading of cargo. If the operator is required to ride on the platform, ALWAYS carefully observe all safety instructions of section 7.3 from page 16 onwards and section 7.4 from page 19 onwards, as well as the associated safety decals supplied with the liftgate.
• The DH-VHT… comprise of a range of fully hydraulic column lifts, driven by 2 lift cylinders mounted vertically in the left side and right side lift columns. Usually, the liftgate is equipped with a foldable platform that can be lowered below loading dock level. The DH-VHT is available with lift capacities ranging from 3,300-6,600 lbs.
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At the ground, the ramp can be deployed as an access ramp to drive the cargo on and off the platform. Flashing lights: flashing warning lights mounted on the platform to make the platform visible in public traffic. DHOLLANDIA...
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Main external control box (ONLY CE version) External double toggle switch (US version) DHOLLANDIA...
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Raise lock for the retention ramp: locking device used to secure the retention ramp in its vertical position, where it serves as load restraint; or to allow further deployment to its ramp position, where it provides easy access to the platform for loading / unloading. DHOLLANDIA...
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For all liftgate models above, the electric control box and the hydraulic power pack are connected to the vehicle battery (or auxiliary battery) during fitting, according to the fitting instructions of DHOLLANDIA, and the requirements imposed by the vehicle manufacturer.
• DHOLLANDIA liftgates are designed for the loading and unloading of cargo. If the operator is required to ride on the platform, ALWAYS carefully observe all safety instructions of section 7.3 from page 16 onwards and section 7.4 from page 19 onwards, as well as the associated safety decals supplied with the liftgate.
→ Use guard rails where available. See 7.4 on page 19. → NEVER move the vehicle while a person is standing on the platform, or inside the vehicle body. → NEVER use the platform as an elevated working platform. DHOLLANDIA...
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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 4 for contact info.
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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 section 7.7 on page 30.
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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 operating the liftgate from a position on the ground, ALWAYS stand at the side of vehicle body, at a safe distance of minimum 50 cm away from the moving platform. DHOLLANDIA...
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• 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. DHOLLANDIA...
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• ALWAYS keep visual control over the entire work area of the liftgate. • NEVER allow any other person, except the operator, to stand near the liftgate and its platform. DHOLLANDIA...
Liftgates lifting higher than 6.5’ (2 m) above ground level must be equipped with guard rails along the exposed edges of the platform. For liftgates with a lower range, DHOLLANDIA recommends that guard rails be used to mitigate the risk of falling.
→ ALWAYS keep visual control over the entire working area of the liftgate and its platform; → For internal platforms, NEVER allow any other person inside the vehicle body when using the liftgate. → Before lowering, ALWAYS inspect the area UNDER and BEHIND the platform. DHOLLANDIA...
→ When standing inside the vehicle body, ALWAYS stand at a safe distance of min. 10” (250 mm) from the outboard edge of the vehicle floor; → NEVER step in or out of the vehicle body while the platform is in motion. → Before moving the platform, ALWAYS inspect the area UNDER and AROUND the platform. ❹ ❸ DHOLLANDIA...
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• Unless specified differently by the client, DHOLLANDIA external ❶ ❷ column lifts DH-VB / VO / VX are equipped with a safe toe-guard flap with detection switch [ref. OVP401] where possible. 1. For the operator on the platform, this flap stops the LIFT...
• To avoid this risk, NEVER use this cross-tube as a handhold. • ALWAYS make sure your footing is stable, and hold any free hands onto the dedicated guard rail. DHOLLANDIA...
• While travelling on the platform, the operator must ALWAYS observe the safety precautions below. DHOLLANDIA...
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(250 mm) distance from the hazard zone the platform and the rear of the vehicle between the platform and the rear of the floor. Maintain 3 points of contact (see vehicle floor. above). DHOLLANDIA...
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When standing in front or behind the load, the operator risks 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. DHOLLANDIA...
• 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. DHOLLANDIA...
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Keep the between the loading dock and controls to adjust the platform platform securely stowed in its vehicle floor. position flush with the loading dock travel position to avoid damage. surface. DHOLLANDIA...
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ALWAYS use a dock plate from the loading dock to the vehicle floor, and safely stow the lift below the vehicle floor level, or in the pocket or brief case under the loading dock. DHOLLANDIA...
DO NOT cover up any accidents or damage; it can be dangerous to you, your co-workers, and other persons. NOTICE Authorized DHOLLANDIA service agents may be found at www.dhollandia.com or by calling your regional DHOLLANDIA distributor. See page 4 for contact info.
Competent and regular preventative maintenance is essential to the operational reliability of the liftgate as well as the safety of the operator and all bystanders. • All maintenance and repair work must be performed by authorized DHOLLANDIA service agents and using original DHOLLANDIA replacement parts only. •...
• DHOLLANDIA disclaims liability for all personal bodily injury and / or property damage that results from overloading practices. • The maximum rated capacity is the maximum weight that the liftgate can carry under the following best possible circumstances: →...
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Keep the pallet jack and its load on side edges of the platform. the platform surface, as close as possible to the inboard platform edge. Lower and rest the pallet or load on the platform surface to prevent it from shifting position while lifting and lowering. DHOLLANDIA...
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/ lower it on the platform. • NEVER use the platform to level the ground surface, or to push or pull loads or material by means of the platform. NEVER use the platform to move snow or other debris. DHOLLANDIA...
9 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS - PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES MAIN EXTERNAL BOXES • DHOLLANDIA offers various control boxes, delivered per customer specification. Contact your national DHOLLANDIA distributor for more information, prior to ordering your liftgate. See contact info on page 4. •...
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Main toggle switch control (American version) – version as of 10/2019 - E0837.2.C5009 DHOLLANDIA...
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Will stop the liftgate in case of emergency involving hazard to operator or bystander. • Will stop the liftgate and reduce the risk of a pump unit burn-out if the motor solenoid is stuck and the motor runs continuously (control button or contact damaged, motor solenoid short circuited by low voltage.) Operation: DHOLLANDIA...
See contact info on page 4. • The most popular options are outlined below. Contact your national DHOLLANDIA distributor for operation instructions on other models, or models with different configurations, prior to operating the liftgate. See contact info on page 4.
→ Only use the handheld 3-button or 4-button controls with extreme caution. • DHOLLANDIA strongly discourages the use of handheld 3-button or 4-button controls. They should only be used after adequate risk analysis by the vehicle owner or their authorized occupational health and safety manager, and under guidance of safe work practices issued by them.
Before using Motor 2 always check the overall state of the liftgate and its hydraulic + electric components. • Contact an official DHOLLANDIA service agent before usage of Motor 2. • Failure to follow these steps can cause damage to the vehicle or liftgate or cause severe personal injury to the operator and/or bystanders.
Section 9.1 and 9.2 above explain how each of the functions OPEN - LOWER - LIFT - CLOSE are activated via the various types of controls. This section explains in which sequence the DH-VHT must be operated, and which steps must be followed.
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To unlock the VHT liftgate, LOWER the platform is fully opened to horizontal position prior to putting platform 6”. weight on the platform. If applicable, raise flip ramp in vertical position (as load restraint); or open fully (as access ramp). DHOLLANDIA...
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Use one of the LIFT functions to LIFT the platform to the bodily injury or death to the operator or any bystanders. floor, or above the floor to loading dock level. Make sure you comply with load charts and instructions at all times. DHOLLANDIA...
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• LOWER the platform until it stops and the hydraulic system turns in overpressure. The platform is now in its best position to reverse the vehicle into loading docks. Operator must reverse slowly and avoid impact of columns against loading dock as much as possible. DHOLLANDIA...
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CLOSE the platform until it reaches the closed vertical position and you hear the hydraulic system turn in overpressure. • LIFT the platform until platform hooks lock into the column mounted stowage hooks. The arrows on the stickers match if the liftgate is in locked position. DHOLLANDIA...
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(if so equipped) counter-clockwise will switch off electrical power to the liftgate. • Consult the DHOLLANDIA website to view the operation video on the DHVHT column liftgate, or scan the QR code on the decal affixed above the control box.
Failure to properly adjust height of stabilizing legs increases the risk of serious injury or death to the operator and any bystanders. • Operation (if applicable on the controller): Joystick control box (ref. OAE030.BT) Arctic control box (OAE041.BP) DHOLLANDIA...
4 for contact info. The most popular cart-stop models are discussed below. Contact your regional DHOLLANDIA distributor for operational instructions on other models or models with different options, prior to operating the liftgate. See page 4 for contact info.
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CLOSE Kick the lever into position 1. Step on the cart-stop flap. DHOLLANDIA...
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ROLL-STOP OPEN TO ACCESS RAMP From flip ramp in raised position, pull chain sideways and down. Drop down ramp in full open position. CLOSE Lift up the ramp, fold it back onto platform surface. Close lock for flip ramp. DHOLLANDIA...
• NEVER remove or paint over any decal. ❶ Missing, worn or illegible warning decals must be immediately replaced. Get free replacement decals from DHOLLANDIA. ❷ ❺ Contact your regional DHOLLANDIA ❸...
Therefore these locking decals should always be present on the same location and should match before moving the vehicle. • Always check if these decals are located on the right location. The stickers should always be placed under the chain attachment and above the end stop on the left beam of the VHT liftgate. DHOLLANDIA...
‘WARNING. LIFTGATE OUT OF SERVICE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPERATE’ sign provided with the liftgate on a position clearly visible to other potential operators. See examples below. The liftgate must not be used again until it has been serviced or repaired by a qualified service technician. • DHOLLANDIA...
11 MEANING OF SAFETY AND WARNING SIGNS WARNING signs MANDATORY ACTION signs Overview and keep visual control over the working Contact your regional DHOLLANDIA distributor. area of the liftgate at all times. General warning sign used to alert the user to Consult the DHOLLANDIA website.
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Switch OFF the electrical power to the liftgate via the main battery disconnect switch and / or cabin switch. This is an operation to be executed manually (as opposed to an electrical function controlled by means of one of the control units). DHOLLANDIA...
A checklist for preventive maintenance and inspection of the liftgate can be found in the annex after this page. • All maintenance and repair work should be performed by authorized DHOLLANDIA service agents, and using only authorized OEM DHOLLANDIA replacement parts.
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