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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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
Although vertical storing dock levelers are initially more expensive they can actually be more cost effective in the long run depending on the application. Vertical storing dock levelers are more energy efficient because when they are in the stored position with the overhead door closed the chance of energy loss is minimized. Vertical storing dock levelers also reduce the risk of vermin entry which is very important in any food industry. Dock seals definitely help eliminate energy loss but canno... 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
The majority of vehicle restraints are fastened directly to the face of the foundation wall. In some cases the foundation wall will not withstand the forces to hold the vehicle restraint in position such as a concrete block wall or a brick wall. In new construction with the concrete pre cast (tilt up) wall the contractor often specifies that nothing is to be bolted to the face of the wall. To address a vehicle restraint installation that cannot be attached to the foundation wall Pentalift has de... Read More
Compression, with foam pad dock seals the amount of compression is very important. Too little compression results in not enough of a sealing factor, too much compression puts excess pressure on the building wall and causes premature failure of the dock seal. It’s very easy to calculate the correct amount of dock seal compression; measure from the wall the dock seal will be installed on to the face of the dock bumper and add 4”– 6”. 4”-6” of dock seal projection beyond the face of the... Read More
When selecting a dock lift, you want to make sure you find the most appropriate one for your application. The 5 main things to look for when choosing a dock lift would be whether the equipment is going to be floor mounted or pit installed, platform dimensions, what the lifting and roll over capacities will be, bridge lengths and what voltage will be offered to the dock lift at the place of installation. The manufacturer needs to know whether the equipment is going to be pit installed or placed o... Read More
Lift tables that are placed in a pit require different features than a lift table that is lagged to the floor. When a lift table is placed in a pit, it introduces potential pinch point between the underside of the platform and the pit wall. In order to minimize pinch point hazards, lift tables are required to either have bevel toe guards or electric toe sensors. Bevel toe guards are steel plates on the side of the table positioned at approximately a 30 degree angle towards the frame to provide p... 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