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Pentalift’s Dock Lift Automatic Hydraulic Pop Up Chock Increases Safety at the Loading Dock

admin — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 18:30:22 +0000

Dock lifts that raise or lower lift trucks should always be ordered with a hydraulic pop up chock to increase safety at the loading dock area. Pentalift’s hydraulic operated pop up chock forms a protective barrier to prevent the lift truck from driving off the elevated dock lift platform to the floor level. The operation of the hydraulic pop up chock is both automatic and effective. With the dock lift in the lowered position the pop up chock is flush to the floor level, the lift truck is driven onto the dock lift. When the operator activates the dock lift to raise, the pop up chock is hydraulically driven into the vertical position before the dock lift platform begins to raise. Only when the pop up chock is in position will the dock lift raise. As the fork lift backs off the trailer onto the dock lift the pop up chock acts as a safety barrier to prevent the lift truck from accidentally driving off the dock lift due to either lift truck mechanical failure or weather conditions. Only when the dock lift is fully lowered does the automatic pop up chock retract flush to the floor position allowing the lift truck to leave the platform safely.

Protect your building, vehicles and dock equipment from impact by projecting the dock leveler pit

admin — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:28:45 +0000

Declining approaches are very common at the loading dock area, incoming vehicles are backed into position at an angle determined by the percentage of the decline. The most effective method to address this situation is to project the dock leveler pit forward; the amount of projection is determined by the percentage of the decline. Projecting the dock leveler pit at the onset eliminates damage caused by vehicle impact to the building and the resultant need for aftermarket bumper extensions, longer hinged lip assemblies etc. to address this condition. At loading docks equipped with dock seals, the dock seals can be tapered (more projection on the bottom than the top) to suit the percentage of decline, this assures an efficient and even top to bottom seal without putting undue stress on the building walls. For additional information please contact your local Pentalift sales representative. More on pit projection

Importance of Proper Loading Dock Equipment Installation

admin — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:22:18 +0000

A very high percentage of field issues with loading dock equipment can be directly attributed to improper or incomplete installation. This could result in the compromised function and operation of the equipment, Pentalift provides thorough step by step installation instructions. We encourage you to take the required actions within your organization to ensure that all of the installation procedures are completed as specified in the owners manual and installation instructions. More on proper installation

Pentalift Designs a Custom Drive-Over Dock Lift

admin — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:06:27 +0000

A financial company requested assistance with designing and selecting a dock lift to meet their unique application. For security reasons the vehicles had to be loaded within the confines of the building using a straight drive through traffic pattern. The dock lift illustrated is equipped with pocket style lift out guard rails, when not in use the guard rails are removed from the platform and stored on site. The dock lift is pit installed and the vehicles drive over the dock lift, the guard rails are then installed, the vehicle backs into position. The dock lift platform is 12’ wide, 16’ long, 8’ vertical lift, 15,000 lb. capacity. The dock lift is equipped with a bridge plate on one end to service the vehicle and also on one side of the platform to service an elevated off load position. A remote 10 hp power unit complete with push button controls on a coil cord were also provided.

Will a lift table deck assembly hold the position it is stopped at for an extended period of time?

admin — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:31:19 +0000

Will a lift table deck assembly hold the position it is stopped at for an extended period of time? In most lift table applications it is quite common and also acceptable for the deck assembly to very slowly drift downward if the lift is left in the raised position for an extended period of time. However there are applications that require the lift table to remain in the raised position for an extended time without any downward drift. To address this requirement Pentalift offers a number of optional hydraulic valves. A manually operated hold valve is located on the hydraulic power unit, when closed the hydraulic oil is trapped in the cylinder preventing the lift table from lowering. Another solution is an electrically operated holding valve. Installed at the base of the lift cylinder, this valve is normally closed and opens electrically only when the operator activates the down button. If it is imperative that the lift table does not drift down the best solution is engaging mechanical stops. Mechanical stops can be positioned either manually or positioned using double acting hydraulic cylinders. Based upon the application and the power unit positioning Pentalift offers a solution to address downward drift.

New Hydraulic Dock Leveler Video

admin — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:38:52 +0000

Pentalift Equipment Corporation has recently completed and posted a new Hydraulic Dock Leveler video. This comprehensive video provides an overview of many of the operational and safety features designed into Pentalift hydraulic dock levelers to address the requirements of a modern busy loading dock. This video shows the hydraulic operating and safety features as well as control panel selections and some of the structural advantages associated with Pentalift hydraulic dock levelers. Go to http://www.pentalift.com/loading-docks/loading-dock-videos.php to view the video.

Safety Requirements of Pit Installed Lift Tables

admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:14:36 +0000

Safety Requirements of Pit Installed Lift Tables It is common for lift tables to be installed into a recessed pit, pit installation provides floor level access both on and off the lift table platform. Per ANSI MH29.1 Safety requirements for Industrial Scissor Lifts toe protection must be provided along the entire unprotected sides and ends of the platform if the lift table is pit installed. The two most common methods of providing toe protection are electric toe sensors and beveled toe guards. Electric toe sensors are installed below the platform edge and if an obstruction is met during descent the platform will be brought to rest. Beveled toe guards are provided as a physical alert. Beveled toe guards are tapered inward and are approximately 30 degrees from vertical to eliminate potential pinch points. The bevel angle pushes items in its path away.

The Importance of Loading Dock Bumpers

admin — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 19:18:26 +0000

Dock bumpers are a very important component of loading dock installations. Dock bumpers are the target for the backing truck / trailer. The dock bumpers also absorb the forces of the backing truck /trailer when it makes contact with the facility. The impact force from the backing truck / trailer can exceed 200, 000 lbs. Once parked at the facility the truck / trailer bed will move up and down as the weight of the lift truck and load is driven onto and off of it. This movement is referred to as “float”. It is important the dock bumper have the correct physical size and appropriate face material to accommodate the “float” range present at the installation. Steel faced bumpers provide a very effective loading dock bumper solution. Improper bumper selection and application may result in damage to the facility and truck / trailers as well as create safety concerns. Refer to the Pentalift web page for more bumper information http://www.pentalift.com/loading-docks/prodinfo-dock-bumpers.php. A Pentalift representative can assist with proper bumper selection and application.

Description of Electrical Line Loss

admin — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 19:05:02 +0000

Line loss is a decrease in the power supply from the source to the destination. As electricity flows energy is lost due to the heating of the conductor, caused by electrical resistance. AC motors that are utilized in dock levelers and scissor lifts, perform best with line loss less than 5% of the motors requirement. It’s important to determine the distance from the power source to the motor, identify the voltage specified and then calculate the proper gauge off wire to minimize line loss to the electric motor. Line loss is generally more of a concern with lower voltages such as 115/1/60. Line loss concerns increase as the amperage draw increases. With Loading Dock and Lift Equipment, increased hydraulic power unit motor horsepower sizing is the most common reason for amperage draw increases. For additional information http://www.energyaction.com.au/line-loss-factors.html

3 Best Ways to Increase Safety at the Loading Dock

admin — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:14:35 +0000

Loading docks are usually a busy hub within a company and could have several health and safety risks associated to them. There are several ways to mitigate some of these risk and create a safer work environment at your loading dock. Below are 3 ways to increase the safety at the Loading Dock area.

1. Installing vehicle restraint safety systems improves communication between the dock attendant and the truck driver. This also prevents unscheduled vehicle departures.

2. Winterize your dock area by replacing worn or damaged dock seals and adding weatherseal to the dock levelers. This minimizes snow entry and the subsequent melting thereby reducing slip hazards at the loading dock area.

3. Have dock equipment serviced on an ongoing basis to avoid dock attendants working with compromised equipment resulting in the potential for injury. This equipment includes your dock leveler, vehicle restraints, and bay doors.