When your moving floor isn't doing what you want it to

1. Your floor won't move

One situation that sometimes arises is when you can't get your floor to move at all. That may sound serious, but always start with the basics. However simple it might seem, first check:

• Is the PTO actually switched on?
• Are the quick couplings connected correctly?
• Are the lights switched on?
• Is there any blockage at the quick couplings?

Because without oil flow, there is no movement. This may sound logical, but in practice, these basic checks are often overlooked.

2. Oil is flowing, but there’s no movement

It can also happen that there's oil flow, but the floor still won't move. That's when things get a bit trickier. You want to load or unload, but the system isn't doing what it's supposed to.

In that case, go through the following checks:

• Is the emergency override active?

Check if the emergency switch on the remote control has been activated. If it has, deactivate it.

• There's an electrical fault

This could be a break in the wiring or an issue with the coil.

Usually, you can carry on working temporarily using the emergency override, but make sure you get it checked and repaired as soon as you're back at the workshop.

• The oil is too hot

If the oil gets too hot, the system intervenes. Often, the cause is insufficient pressure from the PTO. In that case, there's nothing to do but allow the oil to cool down. After a bit of patience, you should be able to carry on.

• There is dirt in the valves

The DB valve in particular can be sensitive to contamination. In that case, cleaning or replacing it is the solution. Important: do not dismantle the DB valve.

• Insufficient flow

Insufficient flow is a well-known cause of floor issues. At less than 60 l/min, the floor system may become stuck. The control spool then remains in the neutral position and won't move properly.

Possible solutions:

• increase the pump speed
• check the pump
• adjust the drossel
• install a different pump if necessary

• The hoses are connected incorrectly

This happens in practice more often than you'd think. The pressure and return lines can accidentally be swapped, which means that there's pressure and the system is running, but the floor isn't moving as intended.

In that case, check the filter first, and then connect the pressure and return lines correctly.

3. The floor system starts immediately

Sometimes the floor system starts up as soon as you switch on the PTO.

This means something is stuck in the "on" position somewhere.

In that case, check the following:

• whether the CF7 switch is jammed
• whether the emergency override is still active
• whether the pressure and return lines have been swapped

These are usually not major faults, but you need to know where to look.

4. The floor isn't doing what you expect when loading or unloading

Does the floor only unload in both settings? Or only load? This may indicate an electrical fault or that the emergency control on the loading/unloading valve has been activated.

This isn’t usually a problem you want to spend a lot of time sorting out whilst you’re out and about. Only use the emergency override when absolutely necessary, and then have the system checked by a specialist.

Summary

Many "faults" aren't major problems.

Often, it's down to settings, contamination, incorrectly connected hoses, or something simple that's been overlooked. With a few targeted checks, you can usually get back up and running quickly in most cases.

Always think logically: if the system keeps malfunctioning or you're unsure of the cause, switch off the loading and unloading system and the hydraulic pump, and get it checked. Trying to force it to keep working can cause damage to the loading and unloading system or the trailer.

That's why proper maintenance remains crucial. By regularly checking and keeping your floor system clean, you prevent unnecessary downtime and extend the lifespan of your trailer.

Need some assistance? Kraker Trailers has an extensive network of experienced service partners across Europe who can help you with any questions.