Pentalift News Blog
Importance of Proper Loading Dock Equipment Installation
April 22, 2013, 2:22 pm - A very high percentage of field issues with loading dock equipment can be directly attributed to improper or incomplete installation. This could result in the compromised function and operation of the equipment, Pentalift provides thorough step by step installation instructions. We encourage you to take the required actions within your organization to ensure that all of the installation procedures are completed as specified in the owners manual and installation instructions. More on proper installation
Pentalift Designs a Custom Drive-Over Dock Lift
April 2, 2013, 8:06 am - A financial company requested assistance with designing and selecting a dock lift to meet their unique application. For security reasons the vehicles had to be loaded within the confines of the building using a straight drive through traffic pattern. The dock lift illustrated is equipped with pocket style lift out guard rails, when not in use the guard rails are removed from the platform and stored on site. The dock lift is pit installed and the vehicles drive over the dock lift, the guard rails are then installed, the vehicle backs into position. The dock lift platform is 12’ wide, 16’ long, 8’ vertical lift, 15,000 lb. capacity. The dock lift is equipped with a bridge plate on one end to service the vehicle and also on one side of the platform to service an elevated off load position. A remote 10 hp power unit complete with push button controls on a coil cord were also provided.
Will a lift table deck assembly hold the position it is stopped at for an extended period of time?
March 5, 2013, 1:31 pm - Will a lift table deck assembly hold the position it is stopped at for an extended period of time? In most lift table applications it is quite common and also acceptable for the deck assembly to very slowly drift downward if the lift is left in the raised position for an extended period of time. However there are applications that require the lift table to remain in the raised position for an extended time without any downward drift. To address this requirement Pentalift offers a number of optional hydraulic valves. A manually operated hold valve is located on the hydraulic power unit, when closed the hydraulic oil is trapped in the cylinder preventing the lift table from lowering. Another solution is an electrically operated holding valve. Installed at the base of the lift cylinder, this valve is normally closed and opens electrically only when the operator activates the down button. If it is imperative that the lift table does not drift down the best solution is engaging mechanical stops. Mechanical stops can be positioned either manually or positioned using double acting hydraulic cylinders. Based upon the application and the power unit positioning Pentalift offers a solution to address downward drift.
New Hydraulic Dock Leveler Video
February 13, 2013, 3:38 pm - Pentalift Equipment Corporation has recently completed and posted a new Hydraulic Dock Leveler video. This comprehensive video provides an overview of many of the operational and safety features designed into Pentalift hydraulic dock levelers to address the requirements of a modern busy loading dock. This video shows the hydraulic operating and safety features as well as control panel selections and some of the structural advantages associated with Pentalift hydraulic dock levelers. Go to http://www.pentalift.com/loading-docks/loading-dock-videos.php to view the video.
Safety Requirements of Pit Installed Lift Tables
January 30, 2013, 3:14 pm - Safety Requirements of Pit Installed Lift Tables It is common for lift tables to be installed into a recessed pit, pit installation provides floor level access both on and off the lift table platform. Per ANSI MH29.1 Safety requirements for Industrial Scissor Lifts toe protection must be provided along the entire unprotected sides and ends of the platform if the lift table is pit installed. The two most common methods of providing toe protection are electric toe sensors and beveled toe guards. Electric toe sensors are installed below the platform edge and if an obstruction is met during descent the platform will be brought to rest. Beveled toe guards are provided as a physical alert. Beveled toe guards are tapered inward and are approximately 30 degrees from vertical to eliminate potential pinch points. The bevel angle pushes items in its path away.
