In lift table terms, low height refers to the measurement of the top of the table’s platform to the floor when the table is in its lowest position. Travel refers to the amount of vertical lift from the tables resting position to its highest position. Raised position is the measurement of the table’s platform to floor when the table is at its extended height.
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The purpose of a velocity fuse is to ensure safety to any operator using a hydraulic lift table, hydraulic dock lift, or a hydraulic dock leveler. The way it works is by regulating flow leaving the cylinder. If the velocity fuse senses any sort of flow that is too fast then the velocity fuse will close locking the oil in the cylinders stopping the lift from lowering. This ensures safety to the operator to minimize any risk of injury.
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As we know, air is compressible and fluids are not. Air in the hydraulic system can cause sponginess or bounce in the hydraulic cylinder until it is successfully removed.
One of the main features of a PentaFlow cylinder is that air in the system, often introduced during installation, can be easily removed to eliminate sponginess and bounce. When the lift cylinder piston reaches full extension, a horizontally positioned actuator opens the internal valve in the lift cylinder.
Once the valve ... Read More
The PentaFlow Lift Cylinder has a mechanically operated internal valve. This valve is located in the machined cartridge at the base of the chromed piston. During the lifting cycle, the internal valve is closed. When the piston reaches full extension, a horizontally positioned actuator opens the internal valve. Once the valve opens, the hydraulic oil is ported (directed) out of a fitting at the top of the lift cylinder. It then goes through a connecting hydraulic hose and back to the reservoir.
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The majority of dock lift manufacturers use lift cylinders that “dead end” when the lift cylinder is fully extended. “Dead ending” the lift cylinder puts stress into the lift cylinder components. The power unit’s pressure relief valve must open and mechanical stops are required.
A PentaFlow Lift Cylinder has an internal mechanical valve that opens automatically every time the cylinder reaches full extension. The hydraulic oil is ported directly back to the reservoir.
This Pen... Read More
This question is asked often. A 1hp, 3hp; 5hp etc. power unit will all raise a dock lift of any capacity. The reason for increasing the horsepower rating is related to the lifting speed. As the lifting capacity gets increased, additional lift cylinders are required to lift the extra weight.
To fill the lift cylinders in a time that is acceptable to raise the dock lift, the volume of oil being pumped to the lift cylinders is increased. This requires a larger volume pump. To operate the larger ... Read More
Only if you are using a lift truck on your dock lift would you require an Automatic Hydraulic Roll-Off-Stop.
When the dock lift is in the lowered, closed position, the roll-off-stop is flat. The lift truck drives across the roll-off-stop onto the platform. When the "up" button is activated, the roll-off-stop is powered into the vertical position before the dock lift begins to rise.
When the dock lift is in the raised position, the lift truck drives onto the delivery truck. When the lif... Read More
In a word, many. As standard, most Dock Lift manufacturers offer a hand held push button control with an up and down button.
The push button is attached to the power unit by an electrical cord. The control cord can vary in length.Retractable coil cords are very common. They are often 5’ long retracted and stretch up to 20’ long extended, providing the operator with increased mobility.
Controls can be installed on a post on the platform or in a wall-installed control panel. The specific... Read More
They actually serve the exact same function. Some manufacturers refer to them as Elevating Docks and others refer to them as Dock Lifts.
It is the same with the common terminology, hinged lips and hinged bridge plates as well as with safety trip bars and toe sensors, to name a couple of examples. Different words, same function.
In 2012, ANSI MH29.1, the glossary of term, was revised in an attempt to standardize many of the terms used primarily for the customers benefit. Some of these terms... 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