Whether it’s a light volume operation or a facility receiving and shipping products 24/7 there are considerable financial savings to be made by investigating and improving energy efficiency at the loading dock area.
There are 3 major components to consider relative to energy efficiency at the loading dock; the use and configuration of the dock seal and shelter, the insulation rating of the overhead door and the use of the most effective weather seal for the overhead door and dock leveler.
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A dock leveler is a vertically adjustable hinged ramp designed to provide a smooth transition for a lift truck or pallet truck from the building floor to the truck bed at the loading dock area. The vertical adjustment of the dock leveler allows it to accommodate varying truck bed heights. Dock levelers are most often installed in a recessed pit and are flush with the floor when in the closed, stored position.
The dock leveler platform is hinged at the back, when activated the dock leveler dec... Read More
Scissor lift tables are used in a wide range of applications. These applications include improving ergonomics at the work station, high lifts for work platforms or maintenance procedures, high capacity lift tables, portable lift tables to name some of the more common applications.
Lift tables, lift tables with rotating tops and lift tables with tilting tops are proven to be an ergonomic solution to minimize or eliminate repetitive operator bending, stretching or reaching. In addition to the e... Read More
The most common loading dock height is 48”-50” above grade and this accommodates the highest percentage of commercial trucks serviced at the loading dock area. The truck and trailer bed heights arriving at the loading dock are generally 46” - 52” high and the standard 48”-50” dock height is in the middle of this range.
The goal is to have the loading dock height and the truck bed heights match. The less difference between these two dimensions the better. Lower differences result i... Read More
There are 3 primary categories of Lifting Equipment used in Material Handling, Lift Trucks, Overhead Cranes and Lift and Positioning Equipment.
For 35+ years Pentalift has earned the reputation as a trusted manufacturer of Lift and Positioning Equipment within the Material Handling Industry including an extensive line of Pre-Engineered Lift Tables.
Pentalift also has proven engineering experience in the design and manufacture of Custom Lift Tables that are specific to the application requi... Read More
With supply chains tightening it has become important to understand the role that loading dock equipment plays in the fast paced workplace. Choosing the correct loading docks has become more important now than ever to safely and efficiently provide a quick turn around when loading or unloading trucks at the loading dock area.
As a trusted manufacturer of loading dock equipment for 35+ years Pentalift is ideally suited to guide a client, Architect or Engineering firm through all aspects of suc... Read More
There are a number of important factors to consider when specifying a loading dock leveler;top of the list is calculating the load capacity rating. Simply put a dock leveler is an adjustable height bridge between the bed of the truck and the building floor. Investigating the maximum weight of the load travelling across the dock leveler platform is essential. Knowing the maximum weight is used in a formula to ensure the dock leveler maintains its structural integrity providing a safe working en... Read More
Self-leveling lift tables are weight sensitive and are most commonly used in a palletizing or de-palletizing application. Self-leveling lift table platforms are typically 48” x 48” and are equipped with a rotating top. In a palletizing application self-leveling lift tables are at rest in the raised position with an empty pallet on the lift table platform.
The lift table is held in the raised position by extended compression springs. As weight is added to the pallet the springs compress an... Read More
In many parts of the country winter is just around the corner and now is the time to prepare your loading dock area. The 2 primary factors to consider are improving energy efficiencies at the dock doors and inspect the dock equipment for reliable performance and operator safety. The dock levelers may have been originally supplied with a weather seal that is designed to close the gap between the sides of the dock leveler deck and the pit wall. Check to see if the weather seal is in place and stil... Read More
Semi portable, fully portable and power driven are the 3 most common portability options available for lift tables. Semi portable models are equipped with 2 load rollers and bearings on one end of the lift table frame and a removable 2 wheeled dolly handle at the other end of the frame. Engaging the dolly handle raises that end of the frame slightly up off the floor transferring the weight to the rollers located on the opposite end of the frame providing portability. The lift table is to be move... Read More