Pentalift News Blog
Why are projected or cantilevered dock leveler pits required?
December 3, 2018, 1:16 pm -
The majority of loading dock areas has a level approach as the truck backs into the loading dock bay and contacts the dock bumpers. In some applications the truck backs down a declined approach to get to the loading dock bay. Without making special pit considerations the top of the truck’s trailer could impact the building wall or the closed overhead door causing severe damage before the bottom of the trailer contacts the dock bumpers. In this application it is recommended to extend or project the pit and the dock bumpers forward to ensure the truck contacts the dock bumpers first. As a guideline project the pit 1” forward per every percent of declined approach.
Contact a Pentalift Sales Representative for more information.
How to decide between a dock lift and a dock leveler?
November 26, 2018, 11:36 am -
To decide between a dock lift and a dock leveler you must first look at the application. Applications that do not have a conventional 48” high dock area would require ground level loading. Dock lifts are the best way to handle ground level loading applications. Dock levelers are best suited for applications that do have a fixed 48” dock height and are best for applications that require frequent use. Both pieces of equipment are safe and offer efficient ways of loading or unloading items from a truck.
Contact a Pentalift Sales Representative for more information.
When would a lift table application require a powered rotating top?
November 19, 2018, 9:29 am -
A powered rotating top is often used when the load to be rotated exceeds the ergonomic guidelines; basically when it’s just too heavy to rotate by hand. Another common application for a powered rotating top occurs when rotation is a part of an automated system, no human interaction involved. Regardless of the application powered rotating tops can be specified as one direction or bi-direction, limit switches to stop rotation at predetermined positions or to be used completely under operator or PLC control.
Contact a Pentalift Sales Representative for more information.
When are dock leveler free standing frames used?
November 12, 2018, 10:33 am -
In some loading dock areas floor space is at a premium, in an application like this it is common to install the dock leveler just outside the overhead door in a free standing frame. If there is an existing facility that requires an additional loading dock it is common to research what services (gas, electricity, water, drain etc.) are below the existing poured concrete floor. If there are no services under the slab a pit is constructed, if there is services below the poured concrete floor it is common to use a dock leveler free standing frame as opposed to excavating and re-routing the services.
Contact a Pentalift Sales Representative for more information.
Why do the majority of portable lift tables have a recommended maximum 6,000 lb load capacity?
November 5, 2018, 8:32 am -
Portable lift tables typically have 2 fixed casters and 2 swivel casters equipped with either steel or phenolic wheels for mobility and ease of positioning. Manually moving a lift table with more than 6,000 lbs creates significant inertia that is difficult to stop, it’s easier to start the fully loaded lift table moving than stopping the fully loaded lift table. There are applications requiring portable lift tables with much higher load ratings, these high capacity portable lift tables are generally power driven or towed from location to location.
Contact a Pentalift Sales Representative for more information.
