Pentalift News Blog
What is dock leveler lip crown?
October 22, 2018, 4:00 pm -
The majority of all loading dock positions service varying heights of incoming trucks, it is important to have a dock leveler service trucks higher than finished floor level. The hinged lip assembly when fully extended is not level (not the same trajectory) with the dock leveler deck assembly, by design it is slightly tapered downward. If the lip did not have this tapered downward (crown) feature when a truck is in position that is higher than the floor level the tip of the lip would project upwards creating a barrier. Dock levelers can be ordered with reduced lip crown, this would be appropriate when the finished floor height and the truck bed height are consistently the same.
Contact a Pentalift Sales Representative for more information.
What is the point of a guarded foot pedal control?
October 15, 2018, 2:49 pm - A guarded foot pedal control station is an alternate control system for all lift tables. Guarded foot pedal control stations are very popular because it gives operation to the table while having the operator’s hands free. This gives the operator the ability to keep working while adjusting the height of the lift table. The guarded foot pedal control pedals are protected by a steal cover to help prevent any falling debris from operating the table. A guarded foot pedal control station isn’t always necessary but can be very helpful depending on what the application is.
Contact a Pentalift Sales Representative for more information.
What are the most common loading dock product electrical interlocks?
October 15, 2018, 9:06 am -
Although there are many combinations available there are 2 very common interlocks specified. 1. Interlocking a vehicle restraint to a hydraulic or air powered dock leveler. This interlock is safety related, the dock leveler will not operate until the truck in position has been secured by the vehicle restraint. The truck secured signal from the vehicle restraint now renders the dock leveler controls operational. 2. Interlocking the overhead door to a hydraulic or air powered dock leveler. This interlock is used to reduce potential damage to the overhead door and improve building security. Before the dock leveler will operate the overhead door must be raised which activates a wall installed limit switch. The activated limit switch now renders the dock leveler controls operational. When the dock leveler is cycled it will not contact the overhead door causing damage to the door and the locking mechanism.
Contact a Pentalift Sales Representative for more information.
Why are there more and more steel face loading dock bumper in use?
October 1, 2018, 1:53 pm -
Loading dock bumpers are designed to stop an incoming truck and prevent damage to the building. When the truck is in position and the loading begins it is common for the truck bed to raise and lower due to the weight change. The back of the truck is tight to the face of the dock bumper; this up and down movement causes abrasion to the face of the dock bumper and puts stress on the dock bumper anchor bolts. A laminated dock bumper with a steel face absorbs the energy from the truck as it is backed into position. During the loading process the truck bed up and down movement now slides on the steel face of the bumper significantly removing the abrasion factor and also lowers the stress on the anchor bolts.
Contact a Pentalift Sales Representative for more information.
Can hydraulic lift tables be used outside?
September 24, 2018, 11:56 am - Yes they can when properly equipped. Exterior lift tables can be ordered with a steel checker plate deck for improved pedestrian traction. In addition protective guard rails, gates and access chains are also readily available for operator safety. The main concern in an outdoor application is protecting the electric hydraulic power unit from the elements. In almost all cases the electric hydraulic power unit is located inside the building away from the elements; the hydraulic hoses are routed to the lift table through underground conduit. If the application calls for an external lift table it is important that you first do your research. Describe the application and goals and ensure that your supplier has experience with lift tables installed in the elements to addresses all operational and safety considerations. Contact a Pentalift Sales Representative for more information.
