Fortunately for the industry, Maxon Lift and Hydro Aluminum continue to team together, making an art out of liftgate solutions that enhance profitability through improved performance.
“We are the top US tailgate lift supplier because we set the standards that others follow,” explains Brent Stratton, Maxon Lift Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “For instance, where others use steel, we use aluminum – a design innovation that allows for greater durability and more cargo weight, something our customers love.”
Aluminum is indeed a desirable material: easy-to-use, resistant to corrosion, lightweight with tremendous strength. “The weight savings gained with aluminum lifts translate into increased cargo capacity and greater fuel efficiency,” explains Stratton. “Plus they are easier to operate and look nicer, longer.”
It all started back in the early 1990s. Maxon Lift teamed up with Hydro Aluminum (then VAW) to develop tailgate lifts that would incorporate aluminum extrusions. Of course, some wondered if aluminum would be as strong and sturdy as steel. But Hydro quickly laid those concerns to rest. Combining custom 6061-alloy development and innovative tooling design, Hydro Aluminum produces extrusions with unique interlocking features to tighter-than-commercial tolerances, simplifying Maxon’s assembly and fabrication operations.
Starting with the GPT series, Maxon has since incorporated aluminum – either as standard or as an option – into over half of its products, from the trademark Tuk-A-WayÔseries (GPT, 80-3, TE-20), to the Conventional (MM1300, MM1650) and Railift (RCM) series. Most recently Maxon’s BMR product, a heavy-duty Columnlift, underwent a complete aluminum upgrade as well. Now dubbed BMR-A, it is one of Maxon’s most popular aluminum lifts.
John Sappington, VP of Sales and Marketing at Scully Nationalease in Fontana CA stated, “We love the extruded aluminum platform from Maxon. It has proven to be quite durable in the years we have used it and has allowed Scully Nationalease customers to carry a greater payload in Scully vehicles than in those of our competitors.”
Because the collaboration has continued so smoothly and the product has been of such consistent high quality, the Maxon/Hydro partnership continues today. “We are very happy with Hydro. They have provided reliable support over the years and help maintain a very honest and direct relationship with us,” says Maxine Lugash, Maxon Lift VP of Operations.
“Plus, they share our motto,” chimes in Brent Stratton, “that both initial product quality and after-sales technical support are equally important.”
Indeed, while Hydro extrudes and fabricates most of Maxon’s aluminum parts - lift decks, hinge supports, siderails, and other components - it doesn’t sit on its laurels. “We are constantly looking for better ways of doing the same thing,” says Craig Hatlen, Territory Sales Manager for Hydro Aluminum North America. “We want to grow together with Maxon – to find new ways of bringing innovations to the trucking industry.”
Today Maxon is considering further use of aluminum across the rest of its product lines. “Maxon and Hydro perform joint testing on prototypes, making sure new designs come out right the first time. This partnership will ensure continued leadership and revolutionary products in the liftgate industry!” states Brent Stratton.
To learn more, visit: www.maxonlift.com
