A vast amount of problems that occur in the field to dock equipment is because of improper installation. Different brands of dock levelers have different instructions and different methods of installation that vary from company to company. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a safe and successful installation to help minimize problems in the field.
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The hot dip galvanizing process has a number of factors to consider. Extended delivery-the equipment is first built, tested dismantled and shipped in sub-assemblies to the galvanizer. After the hot dip galvanizing process is completed the equipment is returned and re-assembled, there is often some element of rework such as re-threading tapped holes etc. Distortion-the sub-assemblies consist of many different steel materials and thicknesses. The hot dip process and the cooling stages often distor... Read More
Hot dip galvanizing is significantly more costly on the front end than a spray galvanized or a painted equipment finish. The increased costs can be associated with the extra handling during the manufacturing process, the shipping costs of the sub-assemblies to and from the galvanizer’s facility and any rework required before final assembly. In some applications hot dip galvanized equipment (although initially more costly) is not considered expensive in relation to the extended structural lifet... Read More
Auto Return is only available on hydraulic dock levelers. When the truck is backed into position and the trailer doors are open the dock attendant cycles the dock leveler. The dock leveler deck raises, the lip extends, the dock leveler is then lowered and the extended lip is positioned on the truck bed. When the truck is loaded / unloaded typically the dock attendant would cycle the dock leveler into the closed, stored position. If there is no dock attendant available the truck driver departs, t... Read More
When properly specified a declined dock area can be sealed just as effective as if it was a level approach. First you determine the percentage of decline at the loading dock area, this is done by calculating the amount of rise over 50’ from the front of the dock area. For example let’s say the percentage of decline is 4 percent. For a proper seal start with 4”-6” of dock seal projection beyond the face of the dock bumper at the bottom of the side pads. Now deduct 1” of projection at th... Read More
Flaps or as they are commonly referred to as “wear pleats” extend the life of a compression style dock seal. With the truck backed into position there should be 4” -6” of dock seal foam compression, this amount of compression provides the best seal. As the truck is loaded or unloaded it is natural for the truck bed to move up and down. The trucks up and down movement has an abrasive effect on the front of the dock seal side pads, the wear pleats provide an outer layer of protection that ... Read More
Pentalift manufactures the most extensive line of standard lift tables, tilters and rotators to perform tasks in the most efficiently and ergonomically correct method. These products reduce the risk of operator injury, improve operator comfort and morale as well as increase productivity. Click here for more information.
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The common dynamic total load multiplier is 2.5 when calculating capacity for standard dock leveler applications. However, dynamic total load multiplier can range from 2.0 to 5.0, depending on the severity of the application and the manufacturer. Since there is no recognized industry standard, manufacturers rate their capacities differently. Some may use lower multipliers to be more competitively priced or leave the impression that their particular dock leveler is stronger than other manufacture... Read More
Declining driveway approaches are very common at the loading dock area. Incoming vehicles are backed into position at an angle determined by the percentage of the decline. The most effective method to address this situation is to project the dock leveler pit forward. The amount of projection is determined by the percentage of the driveway decline. Projecting the dock leveler pit at the onset eliminates damage caused by vehicle impact to the building and the resultant need for aftermarket bumper ... Read More
There are 3 different operating types of lift tables. They are hydraulic, pneumatic and self leveling. All 3 styles are different but have their benefits, depending on what the application is. Hydraulic lift tables offer the widest range of features and customization regarding platform size, capacity, vertical travel, and safety features. Pneumatic lift tables are offered in an air bag design which is limited to 24” of travel. The air bag lift tables may be limited but if an airline is the onl... Read More