Pentalift News Blog
What are the most common loading dock product electrical interlocks?
October 15, 2018, 9:06 am -
Although there are many combinations available there are 2 very common interlocks specified. 1. Interlocking a vehicle restraint to a hydraulic or air powered dock leveler. This interlock is safety related, the dock leveler will not operate until the truck in position has been secured by the vehicle restraint. The truck secured signal from the vehicle restraint now renders the dock leveler controls operational. 2. Interlocking the overhead door to a hydraulic or air powered dock leveler. This interlock is used to reduce potential damage to the overhead door and improve building security. Before the dock leveler will operate the overhead door must be raised which activates a wall installed limit switch. The activated limit switch now renders the dock leveler controls operational. When the dock leveler is cycled it will not contact the overhead door causing damage to the door and the locking mechanism.
Contact a Pentalift Sales Representative for more information.
Why are there more and more steel face loading dock bumper in use?
October 1, 2018, 1:53 pm -
Loading dock bumpers are designed to stop an incoming truck and prevent damage to the building. When the truck is in position and the loading begins it is common for the truck bed to raise and lower due to the weight change. The back of the truck is tight to the face of the dock bumper; this up and down movement causes abrasion to the face of the dock bumper and puts stress on the dock bumper anchor bolts. A laminated dock bumper with a steel face absorbs the energy from the truck as it is backed into position. During the loading process the truck bed up and down movement now slides on the steel face of the bumper significantly removing the abrasion factor and also lowers the stress on the anchor bolts.
Contact a Pentalift Sales Representative for more information.
Can hydraulic lift tables be used outside?
September 24, 2018, 11:56 am - Yes they can when properly equipped. Exterior lift tables can be ordered with a steel checker plate deck for improved pedestrian traction. In addition protective guard rails, gates and access chains are also readily available for operator safety. The main concern in an outdoor application is protecting the electric hydraulic power unit from the elements. In almost all cases the electric hydraulic power unit is located inside the building away from the elements; the hydraulic hoses are routed to the lift table through underground conduit. If the application calls for an external lift table it is important that you first do your research. Describe the application and goals and ensure that your supplier has experience with lift tables installed in the elements to addresses all operational and safety considerations. Contact a Pentalift Sales Representative for more information.
With winter coming on, how can we improve the energy efficiency at our loading dock area?
September 20, 2018, 10:40 am - The two main areas to investigate are dock leveler weather seals and overhead door dock seals. Many dock leveler installations have conventional weather seal installed at the top of the deck side plates. This weather seal provides the best seal with the dock leveler in the closed stored position. When the dock leveler is on the truck bed and the truck bed is higher than finished floor, this sealing effect is lost. A number of dock leveler manufacturers offer a secondary wedge seal design to seal the dock position when the dock leveler is in use on the truck. Contact your local loading dock equipment expert for more information.
Why is it important that a dock leveler is installed correctly?
September 10, 2018, 1:21 pm -
A vast amount of problems that occur in the field to dock equipment is because of improper installation. Different brands of dock levelers have different instructions and different methods of installation that vary from company to company. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a safe and successful installation to help minimize problems in the field.
Contact a Pentalift Sales Representative for more information.
