Hot dip galvanizing is one of a number of Factory supplied finishes that are available for loading dock equipment. Hot dip galvanizing is by far the best type of metal coverage for equipment that is used in corrosive or frequent wash down applications. It also serves to extend the product life of equipment that is used outdoors and is exposed to the natural elements. Hot dip galvanizing is also the most expensive metal coating available. The additional cost is a result of the equipment hav... Read More
ProSeries remote power units are generally installed right on the floor within close proximity of the lift table. Remote power units are supplied with 10’ of hydraulic hose as standard however longer hydraulic hose lengths are available; depending on the model up to 35’ of hydraulic hose can be ordered. An optional wall mounting bracket is available to install the power unit up off the floor and out of harm’s way. It is recommended to install this option with a minimum of 6’ of under cle... Read More
In its simplest form a dock leveler is an adjustable ramp that provides lift truck access from the warehouse floor to the truck bed. Dock leveler deck cant allows the dock leveler deck and lip assembly to flex up to 4” laterally or from side-to- side. Typically incoming truck beds are pretty much level from side-to-side with the warehouse floor. However if there is an uneven build-up of snow, ice or debris outside the building the incoming truck bed can be parked on an angle with one corner of... 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
Dock levelers and dock lifts are 2 of the most common products used at a loading dock area and are generally installed into a pre-formed concrete pit. Prior to the equipment arriving at the construction site the pits are first formed. The pit curb angle is required at that time to form the pit to the manufacturer’s specified length, width and depth. The pit curb angle is manufactured from steel angle iron and has tangs or J bolts welded to the inside of the angle for the concrete to “knit”... 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
Air Powered Dock Levelers offer trouble free performance Air Powered Dock Levelers are designed to provide superior product value through prolonged, trouble-free performance. Convenient push button activation increases the efficiency and safety of the loading/unloading process. Pentalift AD Series Air Powered Dock Levelers provide superior performance in high frequency and abusive environment applications. Air Powered Dock Levelers have fewer moving parts Air powered dock levelers fit betwe... Read More