Basic Dock Design Information

 

Dock Leveler Capacity – Understanding Loading Dock Capacity

Pentalift has developed a comprehensive dock design slide presentation (multipage document providing general dock design and consideration items) that can be found on our website.

Careful consideration should be given to all aspects when designing an efficient and safe loading dock. Below are the basic aspects of Loading Dock Design to consider.

Operation of Dock Leveler:

Dock levelers are available in mechanical (semi automatic) or fully hydraulic operation. Mechanical dock levelers suit a wide range of applications however hydraulic dock levelers provide the highest level of safety, performance and versatility.

Width of Dock Leveler Platform

There are three common platform widths 6’ wide, 6.5' wide and 7' wide, nominal. 7’ wide platform provides the best access for loading / unloading side-by-side pallets at the back of the trailer.

Length of Dock Leveler Platform with Lip Extended

There are three common platform lengths 6' long, 8’ long and 10’ long, (nominal). 8’ long is most popular platform length. Longer lengths are available to accommodate exceptionally high/low dock heights.

Dock Leveler Capacity:

Mechanical dock levelers are available in 25-30-35-40-45 and 50,000 lb capacities. Hydraulic dock levelers are available 25-30-35-40-45-50-60-80-100,000 lb capacities as standard. Hydraulic dock levelers can be built with higher capacities to suit unique application requirements. Refer to link Understanding capacitiesfor guideline.

Lip Length:

There are 3 standard dock leveler lip lengths 16”, 18” and 20” long. Ideally the lip should project 12” beyond the face of the dock bumpers. 16” lip length is standard with a 4” projection dock bumper.

Energy Efficiency:

Weatherseal is available to minimize energy transfer between the closed dock leveler platform and the outside environment. Solar powered dock levelers provide all of the features and benefits associated with hydraulic operation and utilize solar energy as the power source.

If you require more information regarding dock design, please contact us.