There are a number of important factors to consider when specifying a loading dock leveler;top of the list is calculating the load capacity rating. Simply put a dock leveler is an adjustable height bridge between the bed of the truck and the building floor. Investigating the maximum weight of the load travelling across the dock leveler platform is essential. Knowing the maximum weight is used in a formula to ensure the dock leveler maintains its structural integrity providing a safe working en... Read More
It is very common to have a declining approach at the loading dock and it’s important to know to how to protect the building walls from damage. Incoming vehicles backing down the driveway into position at an angle risk the top of the trailer impacting the building wall before the bed of the trailer contacts the dock bumpers. The main objective is to stop the truck backing into position well ahead of contacting the building wall. The most common and effective method to address this situation is... Read More
Conventional hydraulic dock levelers are powered up and the hydraulic lip extends, when the push button is released it is gravity down until the extended lip rests on the truck bed ready for use. During loading/unloading it is common for the truck bed to move up and down this is referred to as “float”. Vertical storing dock levelers are powered up and powered down. On the downward travel approximately 24” above the finished floor level a limit switch activates and releases the controlled d... Read More
The first step when considering converting to hydraulic operation is to investigate if the dock leveler is structurally sound. In its simplest form a dock leveler is a temporary structural bridge between the building floor and the truck to be loaded. A qualified loading dock service technician should first perform a complete front to back structural inspection of the dock levelers primary components. During the inspection the technician should check the deck, beam and headboard weldments, the li... Read More
The most significant benefit of converting a mechanical dock leveler to hydraulic is the safety and ease of single push button operation at the loading dock area. Converting to hydraulic eliminates the need to repetitively bend and pull the release chain and then walk the dock leveler downward into position on the truck. When successfully converted to hydraulic operation it’s now as easy as pushing a button. Any brand of mechanical dock leveler will require an ongoing maintenance program that ... Read More
The short answer is yes and here’s the reason why. Typically dock levelers are installed in a 3 sided pit at the loading dock area. To allow for operating clearances there is usually a 1” gap between the dock leveler platform and the side walls of the pit. When the dock leveler is in the closed stored closed position and the overhead door is closed these 1” side gaps allow cold exterior air to blow up from the dock leveler pit into the building.  Traditional efforts to conserve energy at ... Read More
When the dock leveler is in the closed/stored position the hinged lip assembly is vertical tucked in behind the front of the dock leveler frame. When the dock leveler is operated the deck raises and the hinged lip rotates outward to the extended position. In the extended position the lip assembly is not parallel with the deck plate it is positioned just slightly lower than parallel to the deck plate, this is referred to as “lip crown”. Dock levelers service varying heights of incoming vehicl... Read More
Under normal operating conditions the truck is backed into position at the loading dock and the trailer door is opened. The attendant operates the dock leveler, the dock leveler deck raises and the hydraulic lip extends. The dock leveler is then lowered into position with the extended hydraulic lip resting on the bed of the truck. After the loading is completed the attendant returns the dock leveler to the closed stored position, that’s what is supposed to happen. However should the truck depa... Read More
That’s a good question; the frequency of operation at the dock area determines the recommended maintenance schedule. In most applications mechanical dock levelers should receive a spring and fall maintenance inspection. The inspection consists of first a functionality test followed by visually checking all of the weldments and removing all excess debris from the pit. Perform any adjustments that may be required to the lift springs, lip actuator springs and hold down mechanism. Lubricate th... Read More
Low Profile Dock Lift
With a lowered height of only 6” a low profile dock lift allows ground level access without the need for construction of a pit. A Pentalift low profile dock lift can accommodate truck/trailer heights from pick-ups to semi-trailers with a vertical travel of 54”. It requires no pit and has the capability to be semi-portable, a low profile unit is an effective solution for ground level doors, confined spaces and leased building applications. Sizes and capacities are avail... Read More