<b/r>Dock levelers are manufactured with 3 operating styles. They are mechanical (spring), pneumatic (air), and hydraulic (oil).
<b/r> Mechanical is initially the least expensive, however they require an element of physical effort to both raise and lower the platform. From an ergonomic and safety perspective, hydraulic dock levelers provide the best performance. If the mechanical dock leveler is structurally sound, it makes perfect sense to convert to fully hydraulic operation. Th... Read More
Vertical Dock Levelers are specially designed to permit the overhead doors to close completely. This makes them particularly popular for controlled climate applications by sealing in the conditioned air.
Vertical levelers are also an excellent choice in food warehousing or in a cold storage facility where the open and clean pit design offers a sanitary solution and also reduces the possibility of vermin entry.
Click this link for an overview of the vertical storing dock leveler’s optiona... Read More
Pentalift offers a complete line of Dock Seals and Shelters to suit the most common overhead door sizes and to compliment the Dock Leveler and Vehicle Restraint product lines.
Products range from basic foam seals, inflatable seals, to rigid, flexible or air inflatable dock shelters. All products are designed to improve safety, protect merchandise, reduce cost and improve security at the loading dock.
Contact your Pentalift Sales Representative for additional information.... Read More
That is a very good question that does not have one simple answer.
The site and the application are often factors in selecting the most appropriate type of dock levelers for your use. All things being equal, think of the "good, better, best" comparison.
With that criteria, Mechanical Dock Levelers rate as good. Air Powered Dock Levelers rate as better and Hydraulic Dock Levelers rate as best. The application will be very important in assisting you with making the correct selection.
LODE... Read More
Hydraulic Dock Levelers use a push button control to operate the dock leveler. When the button is pushed, an electric motor starts and a hydraulic cylinder is used to raise the platform. A second hydraulic cylinder extends the lip assembly. When the dock attendant releases the control button, the dock leveler automatically lowers into position on the truck bed.
Air Powered Dock Levelers, though structurally the same, use a push button control station to operate a 115/1/60 pneumatic blower to ... Read More
Mechanical Dock Levelers use a series of springs and levers to raise the platform and extend the lip assembly. The Mechanical Dock Leveler is then “walked down” into position on the delivery truck bed.
Air Powered Dock Levelers, though structurally the same, use a push button control station to operate a 115/1/60 blower, which inflates an air bladder to raise the platform. A mechanical assembly operates the hinged lip. Once the lip is actuated and fully extended, the dock attendant releas... Read More
That’s a very common question that is raised when decisions are made related to dock leveler selection.
Mechanical dock levelers use a series of springs and levers to raise the platform and extend the lip assembly. The mechanical dock leveler is then “walked down” into position on the delivery truck bed.
Hydraulic dock levelers, though structurally the same, use a push button control to operate the dock leveler. When the button is pushed, an electric motor starts and a hydraulic cyli... Read More
If the overhead door is closed and locked, a mechanical dock leveler will not damage the door when the dock leveler is activated. An air powered dock leveler or hydraulic dock leveler will cause extensive damage to the closed and locked overhead door if operated. To address this concern for potential damage, both air powered and hydraulic dock levelers can be ordered with an optional overhead door interlock switch. A striker plate on the door activates a wall installed limit switch when the door... Read More
Loading dock information regularly references TENV Electric Motors and TEFC Electric Motors. What is the difference? TENV stands for Totally Enclosed Not Ventilated Electric Motors. These are used in a wide variety of smaller horsepower applications. This type of electric motor radiates its excess heat through the body of the motor. It is commonly built with special high temperature insulation. TEFC stands for Totally Enclosed, Fan-Cooled Electric Motor.
These are constructed with a small fan... Read More
Hydraulic conversion kits are used to convert a structurally sound, mechanically activated dock leveler to full hydraulic operation. If a mechanical dock leveler is to be replaced due to operational problems, there are two approaches that can be investigated. One is to completely remove the existing dock leveler and replace with a hydraulic dock leveler. However if the original dock leveler deck assembly, lip assembly, hinge pins and spools are structurally sound, then a hydraulic conversion kit... Read More