Yes you can. With the dock lift in the lowered position there is no issue. However if the dock lift is to be loaded or unloaded from the side in the raised position the dock lift capacity rating must be carefully selected to avoid platform deflection and premature wear. Dock lifts are generally loaded and unloaded from the ends. The weight moves on and off the dock lift platform travelling with the length of the scissor legs. When dock lifts are loaded and unloaded from the side the weight travels across the width of the scissor legs. Travelling across the width of the scissor legs is not as supportive as travelling with the length of the scissor legs. Dock lifts have 3 capacity ratings; lifting capacity, end edge load capacity and side edge load capacity. Edge loads are similar to a point load. For example a 6,000 lb capacity rated dock lift will safely lift an evenly distributed 6,000 lb. The same dock lift has an end edge load rating of 4,800 lbs lbs and a side edge load rating of 3,780 lbs. If the application requires side loading in the raised position it is recommended to contact a Pentalift sales representative to discuss and select the appropriate dock lift capacity rating to address side loading.
Feb 24, 2020