Mechanical dock levelers operate using a combination of heavy-duty springs, cables and actuating chains to provide reliable loading dock operation.
In the closed, stored position mechanical dock levelers have a number of pre-loaded lift springs that are designed to force the deck assembly upward into the raised position. A hold down device is used to counter the effect of the lift springs and retain the dock leveler platform down in the closed, stored position when the dock leveler is not in use.
Activating the Mechanical Dock Leveler
To activate a mechanical dock leveler the dock attendant pulls up on the release chain. Pulling up on the release chain disengages the hold down assembly and the pre-loaded lift springs now force the dock leveler deck assembly upward.
As the deck assembly rises the hinged lip assembly begins to extend. When the dock leveler deck assembly is fully raised the hinged lip assembly is fully extended and locked in the extended position, preparing the dock leveler for truck loading.
Positioning the Dock Leveler on the Truck Bed
The dock attendant walks out onto the raised deck assembly; the operator’s weight forces the deck assembly downward until the extended lip assembly makes contact with the truck bed. The hold down device now locks the deck assembly in place with the hinged lip assembly resting firmly on the bed of the truck. With the dock leveler activated and in position the truck is ready to be loaded.
Dock Leveler Operation During Loading
During loading it is common for the dock leveler deck assembly to “float” up and down as the weight of the lift truck drives back and forth across the dock leveler. The hold down device is designed to assure that the dock leveler lip assembly remains firmly in contact with the bed of the truck as the dock leveler deck assembly “floats” up and down during loading. This floating action is critical for maintaining proper truck-to-dock alignment.
Returning the Mechanical Dock Leveler to the Stored Position
When loading is complete the dock attendant pulls up on the release chain but only for enough time for the lip assembly to clear the truck bed and fold back into the vertical position. When the lip clears the bed of the truck the dock attendant now drops the release chain and the deck assembly is retained in position with lip assembly vertical; the dock attendant now walks back out onto the deck assembly until dock leveler is lowered and returned to the closed, stored position.
Mechanical Dock Leveler Brochure and Product Information
This link leads to Pentalift’s mechanical dock leveler brochure featuring Pentalift’s features and benefits for heavy-duty loading dock applications:
https://www.pentalift.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Mechanical-Dock-Brochure.pdf
Mechanical Dock Leveler Maintenance and Performance
Regular lubrication, cleaning, and proper adjustment of mechanical dock levelers is essential to ensure smooth, trouble-free operation and to maximize the service life of your loading dock equipment. For information on any Pentalift product please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.