What Is an Underbody Hoist on a Truck?
by Kevin CaronTruck hoists are hydraulic or pull-chain systems that raise or tilt the bed of a truck, as in a dump truck. Underbody hoists are typically hydraulic, and are located directly below the truck's bed.
Function
An underbody hoist lifts up the bed of a truck via one or two hydraulic cylinders. These cylinders expand at an angle toward the back of the truck, causing the bed to tip backward and dump out its contents.
Truck Sizes
Underbody hoists are manufactured for a variety of different small and mid-sized trucks. These hoists are typically available for trucks measuring anywhere from 5 to 12 feet long, measured from the cab to the trunnion.
Construction
In addition to a hydraulic cylinder or cylinders, underbody hoists consist of a frame, a hydraulic pump and hoses, and a multi-gallon hydraulic reservoir. These hoists are designed so that they add only minimal body weight and size to a truck.
References
Writer Bio
Kevin Caron has over a decade of experience in the publishing industry. He has written for newspapers and served in various editorial roles for a number of publishing companies. Caron holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Keene State College in Keene, N.H.
