Pentalift News Blog
Energy Savings Can Be Realized at the Loading Dock Area.
September 27, 2019, 2:10 pm - Start with equipping all dock levelers at the loading dock area with weather seal to minimize costly and unwanted energy exchange. The basic dock leveler weather seal is designed to seal the side of the dock leveler deck to the pit side walls minimizing any exterior air from entering the building. Weather seals are available in a neoprene/rubber strip design or for improved sealing or they are also available is a brush style design. Either of these weather seals works well saving energy when the dock leveler is in the stored or closed position. When the dock leveler is in use and the dock leveler deck assembly is above the finished floor level (working range) conventional dock leveler weather seal is rendered ineffective however there is a cost effective solution available. The EnergyMax dock leveler weather seal consists of a 3 pc wedge design installed on both sides of the dock leveler deck. Constructed of abrasion and tear resistant vinyl the EnergyMax seal performs throughout the complete working range of the dock leveler. This design effectively minimizes air exchange from the outside of the building to the interiors controlled environment when the dock leveler is in use. The immediate energy saved at the loading dock area is very quickly justified by the installation of EnergyMax dock leveler weatherseal.
What are the most common rotator top options ordered?
September 20, 2019, 2:30 pm - The most commonly ordered option for a rotating top is a form of holding the top in position. There are 2 common holding options such as a rotating top “detent”. The operator slowly rotates the top into a pre-determined position and a spring loaded detent engages in a “dish” in the underside of the rotating top. The rotating top is held in position until the operator applies a gentle nudge to the rotating top and the top rotates off the detent and onward. A positive mechanical rotating lock is also available. As the name implies a locking pin is engaged into a predrilled locking ring located on the underside the rotating top creating a positive lock. The rotating top is securely held in position until the operator removes the locking pin thereby allowing the top to once again rotate. These are the 2 most common options; more are available and all are based upon the actual application.
How and when should we maintain our mechanical dock levelers?
September 13, 2019, 2:47 pm - That’s a good question; the frequency of operation at the dock area determines the recommended maintenance schedule. In most applications mechanical dock levelers should receive a spring and fall maintenance inspection. The inspection consists of first a functionality test followed by visually checking all of the weldments and removing all excess debris from the pit. Perform any adjustments that may be required to the lift springs, lip actuator springs and hold down mechanism. Lubricate the main pivot points and lip hinge spools as per the dock leveler manufacturers recommended guidelines. Test the dock leveler one final time and submit a dated maintenance report to the customer making any recommendations that may be required. A safe loading dock area is good business for everybody.
Why and when would you consider using a tilt table?
September 6, 2019, 2:20 pm - Tilt tables are typically used with bins that contain loose individual components or stacked components. To avoid repetitive bending and reaching down into the bottom of the bin it is more ergonomically correct to tilt the bin towards the operator for ease of component positioning or removal. Tilt tables are available in hydraulic operation up to 90 degrees. Most common models tilt to 45 degrees. Pneumatic tilters are also available and tilt up to 40 degrees. A combination lift and tilt will further create a safe and ergonomically friendly work station.
Low Profile Dock Lift Surface Mounted
July 17, 2019, 10:50 am - Low Profile Dock Lift With a lowered height of only 6” a low profile dock lift allows ground level access without the need for construction of a pit. A Pentalift low profile dock lift can accommodate truck/trailer heights from pick-ups to semi-trailers with a vertical travel of 54”. It requires no pit and has the […]
