Pentalift Dock lifts are equipped with a manually operated, 18” long x 60” wide hinged transition plate that permits pallet truck access from the dock lift platform to the bed of the truck; these transition plates are referred to as hinged bridge plates.
Optional hinged bridge plates are available in sizes up to 42” long x up to 96” wide.
Available in one piece or two piece design, hinged bridge plates typically are stored in the vertical position. When required, the dock attendant manually raises and lowers the hinged bridge plate(s) using an operator chain.
The weight of the hinged bridge plate increases based on the overall size of the bridge plate and the capacity rating of the dock lift. Heavier bridge plates make it physically more difficult for the dock attendant to raise and lower the bridge plate.
To reduce the physical effort required to operate the hinged bridge plates, Pentalift offers Three Lift Assists Options:
Hinged Bridge Lip Assist
This design incorporates an extension spring that is installed in line with the operating chain.
- As the bridge plate is lowered, the extension spring stretches.
- To raise the bridge plate, the dock attendant physically pulls upward on the operating chain.
- The stretched spring returning to its normal position assists in reducing the physical effort required to raise the hinged bridge plate.
This link shows a hinged bridge lip assist.
Hydraulic Hinged Bridge Assist
This design uses a platform-installed hydraulic cylinder connected to a chain to raise the bridge plate into the stored vertical position.
- When raised, the chain secures the bridge plate in the upward position.
- This design eliminates any physical lifting of the bridge plate.
- To lower the bridge plate, the dock attendant releases the locking chain and nudges the bridge plate forward.
- A hydraulic fixed flow control valve assures safe, controlled lowering of the bridge plate.
This link shows a hydraulic hinged bridge assist.
Hydraulic Powered Bridge Plate
This design features a hydraulic cylinder that is installed in the platform assembly that both raises and lowers the hinged bridge plate.
- Using push button controls, the dock attendant has eliminated all physical effort required to both raise and lower the hinged bridge plate.
Page 7 of this link shows a hydraulic powered bridge plate.