As standard all Pentalift mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic dock levelers are provided with a 16” long hinged lip assembly.
A dock leveler equipped with a 16” long hinged lip used in conjunction with 4 1/2” thick dock bumpers provides adequate lip penetration onto the floor/bed of the truck during loading.
An optional 18” long lip assembly is very common and is recommended. The 18” long lip ensures that there is adequate lip penetration onto the floor/bed of the truck... Read More
Pentalift Dock lifts are equipped with a manually operated, 18” long x 60” wide hinged transition plate that permits pallet truck access from the dock lift platform to the bed of the truck; these transition plates are referred to as hinged bridge plates.
Optional hinged bridge plates are available in sizes up to 42” long x up to 96” wide.
Available in one piece or two piece design, hinged bridge plates typically are stored in the vertical position. When required, the dock attendant... Read More
Hydraulic operated dock levelers offer many advantages over mechanically operated dock levelers.
Ergonomics and Ease of Operation
Hydraulic Dock Levelers
Operated with simple push-button controls.
The operator raises the deck assembly, the hinged lip assembly extends, and the deck lowers until contact is made with the truck bed.
No physical effort is required from the dock attendant.
Mechanical Dock Levelers
The dock attendant must bend and pull... Read More
The size of the overhead door typically determines whether a dock seal or a dock shelter will provide the best energy savings. The dock seal or dock shelter provides a seal at an open overhead door with a truck backed into position.
Dock Seals
Installed on: Overhead doors up to 9’ wide x 10’ high.
Compression style dock seals are the preferred energy-efficient seal installed on Overhead doors up to 9’ wide x 10’ high .
One of the most important dimensions to confirm is the ... Read More
Dock seals and dock shelters are both designed to conserve energy when a truck is backed into position at the loading dock and the loading dock’s overhead door is open.
The dock seal or dock shelter provides a tight seal between the back of the truck and the building wall. This seal minimizes energy loss from inside the building to the exterior while the overhead door is open and the truck is being loaded or unloaded.
When to Use a Dock Seal vs. Dock Shelter
Dock Seals are typically... Read More
The majority of dock areas are designed to provide a level approach for a truck backing into position at the loading dock. The incoming trucks back into position until contact is made with the dock bumpers.
However, in space-limited areas, a declining dock approach is commonly seen in industrial and warehouse facilities where trucks actually back down a slope to reach the loading dock. In a declining, downward-sloped dock approach, the top of the trailer will impact the building wall above th... Read More
First introduced in the early 1980s, vehicle restraints have become a very common safety device installed at the loading dock. The primary purpose of a vehicle restraint is to lock the truck in position at the loading dock to prevent an unscheduled truck departure during loading or unloading. Pentalift offers seven different models of vehicle restraints, all designed to improve safety at the loading dock.
Model HFR32
The model HFR32 is widely recognized as the industry leader in face-mounted... Read More
Vehicle restraint safety systems play a critical role in loading dock safety by securing trailers in place during the loading and unloading process. Integrating—or interlocking—these vehicle restraints with dock levelers significantly enhances safety protocols and reduces the risk of accidents at the loading dock.
Why Interlock Vehicle Restraints with Dock Levelers?
The primary purpose of interlocking a vehicle restraint system with a hydraulic or pneumatic dock leveler is to prevent d... Read More
Since their development in the early 1980s, vehicle restraint safety systems have played a vital role in improving loading dock safety.
Vehicle Restraint Systems serve two essential purposes:
1. To securely restrain a trailer in position during loading or unloading.
2. To provide clear visual communication between the truck driver and the dock attendant.
Let’s break down how these systems work and why they’re so important.
1. Securely Restrain the Trailer in Position
All co... Read More
When it comes to purchasing a loading dock leveler, understanding the installation method is as important as selecting the right capacity or size. Each style has unique structural requirements, timelines, and costs. Understanding these differences up front can lead to fewer delays, accurate budgeting, and cost savings, especially in new construction. It will help to ensure that the installation is successful.
At Pentalift we work closely with our customers and dealer network right from the s... Read More