How to Control Hydraulic Components of Lowbed Trailer

A practical guide for controlling hydraulic systems on lowbed trailers: gooseneck, ramps, steering axles, hydraulic power unit, hoses, valves and safety procedures.

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📌 Published on 2025-11-06 | ✍️ Semi Trailer News Technical Team

Image: Hydraulic power control interface of a lowbed trailer

🔹 Main Hydraulic Components on Lowbeds

• Detachable Gooseneck Cylinder — For connection/tilting
• Hydraulic Ramps — Lifting and lowering heavy machinery
• Self-Steering Axle Cylinder — Improves maneuverability
• Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) — Pump + reservoir + filters
• Control Valves — Manual/electric directional valves

✅ How to Control Hydraulic Gooseneck

Purpose: Enable loading from front by lowering the deck.

1. Park on flat surface, apply parking brake, use wheel chocks.
2. Connect hydraulic/electrical lines to tractor HPU (if required).
3. Select Gooseneck Lift on control panel.
4. Press/operate valve → Neck tilts and deck touches ground.
5. After loading, raise neck slowly ensuring no misalignment.

✅ How to Operate Hydraulic Ramps

• Stand on side, not directly behind the ramps.
• Select Ramp Up/Down on hydraulic panel.
• Control lowering speed — avoid free-fall movements.
• Check locking pins fully engaged before moving the trailer.

✅ Steering Axle Hydraulic Control

Mode	Function	When to Use
Automatic	Axles steer with trailer angle	Normal driving
Manual Override	Joystick or switch controls wheels	Tight areas / docking
Center Lock	Locks wheels straight	Highway speed

🧰 Hydraulic Power Control Options

• Tractor PTO driven — Direct pump from truck gearbox
• Diesel/Electric Power Pack — Onboard auxiliary unit
• Hand Pump Backup — Emergency operations

⚙ Pressure & Flow Monitoring

• Check pressure gauge while operating cylinders
• Flow control valves must not be fully restricted
• Temperature above 70°C may indicate pump overload

🧪 Routine Safety Checklist

• Inspect hoses for cracks and leakage
• Clean quick couplers & keep dust caps fitted
• Verify oil level in reservoir daily
• Bleed trapped air if cylinders move irregularly

⚠ Common Operator Errors

• Operating ramps with unsecured load → slip risk
• Turning at high speed with steering active → axle wear
• Running HPU dry → pump failure
• Holding pressure on end-of-stroke → seal damage

🧾 Best Practices

• Record hours of hydraulic use for preventive maintenance
• Replace hoses every 5 years under heavy-duty cycles
• Keep a spare hose kit onboard
• Train drivers on proper joystick/valve operations

Conclusion:
Understanding hydraulic controls is essential to safe and productive lowbed operations. Correct use ensures higher uptime, reduced component wear and safer loading conditions.

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