The option of equipping a dock leveler with Auto Return to Cross Traffic Position is only available on hydraulic dock levelers.
With the truck backed into position at the loading dock the overhead door and the trailer doors are opened, the dock attendant cycles the hydraulic dock leveler by depressing the up button on the wall mounted controls.
The dock leveler deck assembly raises and when the deck is fully raised the hydraulic operated lip extends. The dock attendant then releases the do... Read More
Designed to minimize energy loss at the loading dock area dock leveler weather seal is one of the most common loading dock equipment options ordered.
During building construction the dock leveler pit is designed to provide 1” of clearance between both sides of the dock leveler deck assembly and the pit side wall. This 1” clearance is an industry standard that allows for any minor lateral movement of the dock leveler deck assembly during the operating cycle.
With the dock leveler in the... Read More
In the majority of applications the incoming trucks back into position level at a 4’ elevated loading dock area. The 4’ elevated loading dock area is achieved through a combination of building design and site grading during the building construction.
There are some sites that initially have grade level loading only. Converting a site with grade level loading to a site with a 4’ high loading dock involves site excavation and grading. Starting at floor level the Contractor excavates down ... Read More
To understand dock leveler end loading first we should review the standard dock leveler unloading sequence of operations.
With a truck backed into position at the loading dock the overhead door is opened, the truck door is opened and the dock attendant cycles the dock leveler. The dock leveler deck assembly raises from the stored/closed position, when the deck assembly is fully raised the hinged lip assembly extends.
The dock attendant then lowers the deck assembly with the hinged lip ext... Read More
Hydraulic dock levelers offer many advantages over mechanical dock levelers in terms of convenience, efficiency and safety.
Hydraulic dock levelers can handle heavier loads than mechanical dock levelers. Due to the operation of push button controls hydraulic dock leveler platforms and hinged lip assemblies can be structurally heavier than a mechanical version which requires physical interaction to operate the dock leveler.
Hydraulic dock levelers are more ergonomically correct and operator... Read More
There are a number of benefits to consider when upgrading a mechanical dock leveler to hydraulic operation.
From an ergonomic and safety perspective hydraulic operated dock levelers are easier for dock attendants to operate by reducing the physical effort required to raise and lower the deck assembly.
Hydraulic operation eliminates the physical need for the dock attendant to constantly bend over and pull the mechanical dock leveler release mechanism and it also avoids the dock attendant ha... Read More
The majority of dock leveler manufacturers offer foam insulated deck assemblies as more of a safety product than an energy saving product. Â There are many options available to conserve energy at the loading dock area of any facility and contrary to some popular thought foam insulated dock leveler deck assemblies are not on that list.
In most applications conventional pit model dock levelers are in the closed/stored position with the overhead door closed on top of the dock leveler deck assemb... Read More
As standard all mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic dock levelers have a full platform width x 16” long hinged bridge assembly. This 16” long hinged bridge assembly is the Industry standard and in conjunction with 2- 4 ½” thick dock bumpers provides adequate lip penetration into the majority of truck beds at the loading dock.
18” long hinged lip assemblies are available as an option and provide additional lip penetration with a perfectly aligned trailer or provide safer lip penetrati... Read More
With a truck backed into position at the loading dock the overhead door is opened, the truck is then restrained using a vehicle restraint safety system or wheel chocks and the dock leveler is now ready to operate.
The dock leveler deck assembly raises and when fully raised the hinged lip extends, the deck and extended lip are lowered into position with the lip at rest on the bed of the truck. The truck is now ready to be loaded or unloaded.
The lift truck drives across the dock leveler dec... Read More
When a dock leveler is in the closed stored position the front hinged lip assembly is in the vertical position.
Once a truck is backed into position tight to the loading dock bumpers the dock attendant operates the dock leveler. The dock leveler deck assembly raises and when at full height the hinged lip assembly extends, the dock leveler with the lip extended is then lowered onto the bed of the truck and the product transfer begins.
With the hinged lip assembly fully extended it is design... Read More