With truck designs evolving and safety becoming the most important element within dock areas, manufacture engineers have to pay particular attention to dock leveler technology. Only by researching the field and speaking with the market experts can company owners select the optimal dock leveler for their operations. And so within this post, we’ll provide three factors to consider when selecting a dock leveler.
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- Ease of Operation
Convenience is an important element in selecting a dock level. It’s important that your team can quickly and simply operate the machinery within their day-to-day processes. It’s also the main reason that many companies are turning to hydraulic levelers. These systems use simple push-button controls to raise the leveler and extend the lip. When the loading has been completed, the button can then be used to return the leveler to the stored position. The great benefit of this type of operation is that it means employees don’t have to bend and lift chains, thereby reducing the chances of injury and improving employee performance.
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- Maintenance Costs
Initial cost is only a part of the equation when assessing the full price of dock leveler products. It’s also important for company leaders to consider the system’s maintenance costs.
When assessing the various market products, decision-makers must find out how easy it is to reach the system components. It’s also important to consider the quality of the product’s construction to determine how often the system will require maintenance. Typically, hydraulic systems require less maintenance than other types of leveler system because of their maintenance-focused designed. However, these levelers might be more of an upfront investment.
Lower cost mechanical systems will require regular maintenance and adjustments to hold down the system. Mechanical systems are also more prone to component failure over time.
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- Leveler Capacity
It’s imperative that the leveler selected is the optimal fit for the dock area. Manufacture engineers must consider their full capacity needs when making their decision. An important element in analyzing capacity needs is the frequency of use for the system. Companies should determine how many trucks will be serviced at the dock per day, and how many loads will be required per truck.
It’s also imperative that you to consider the gross load weight for the system. This calculation can be completed by combining the weight of the heaviest capacity lift truck and the heaviest load. By analyzing these figures, companies can then determine their ideal leveler capacity.
By researching the process carefully and reviewing their in-house requirements, firms can make the ideal dock leveler selection for their long-term operational needs. To learn more, speak with our team directly!