In the most common vehicle restraints installations the restraint back plate is anchored to the face of the poured concrete foundation. A concrete block or brick foundation is not strong enough to anchor the restraint into position hence the need for the surface mounting box. A concrete slab is poured tight to the foundation wall and the surface mounting box is bolted down into the concrete slab. With the surface mounting box bolted into position the vehicle restraint is then installed.
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In the majority of applications dock levelers are installed in a recessed pit. Dock levelers can be installed external to the building in a free standing frame if there are any obstructions to prevent a pit being poured. The underground obstructions could be a water pipe, electrical line, etc. Another reason to consider a dock leveler in a free standing frame is limited floor space at the loading dock area.
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In the majority of applications the dock attendant positions the dock leveler on the truck. When the truck is loaded the dock attendant typically operates and returns the dock leveler to the stored closed position. If there is no dock attendant and the truck departs with the dock leveler in position the dock leveler lowers and the lip slowly retracts. If equipped with an optional auto return when the lip reaches the fully retracted position a limit switch is activated. This starts the lift motor... Read More
The majority of vehicle restraints are exposed to the elements. Zinc plating the vehicle restraint improves the loading dock area’s aesthetics by eliminating any rusting on the unit itself.
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To decide between a dock lift and a dock leveler you must first look at the application. Applications that do not have a conventional 48” high dock area would require ground level loading. Dock lifts are the best way to handle ground level loading applications. Dock levelers are best suited for applications that do have a fixed 48” dock height and are best for applications that require frequent use. Both pieces of equipment are safe and offer efficient ways of loading or unloading items from... Read More
In some loading dock areas floor space is at a premium, in an application like this it is common to install the dock leveler just outside the overhead door in a free standing frame. If there is an existing facility that requires an additional loading dock it is common to research what services (gas, electricity, water, drain etc.) are below the existing poured concrete floor. If there are no services under the slab a pit is constructed, if there is services below the poured concrete floor it is ... Read More
The majority of all loading dock positions service varying heights of incoming trucks, it is important to have a dock leveler service trucks higher than finished floor level. The hinged lip assembly when fully extended is not level (not the same trajectory) with the dock leveler deck assembly, by design it is slightly tapered downward. If the lip did not have this tapered downward (crown) feature when a truck is in position that is higher than the floor level the tip of the lip would project upw... Read More
Although there are many combinations available there are 2 very common interlocks specified. 1. Interlocking a vehicle restraint to a hydraulic or air powered dock leveler. This interlock is safety related, the dock leveler will not operate until the truck in position has been secured by the vehicle restraint. The truck secured signal from the vehicle restraint now renders the dock leveler controls operational. 2. Interlocking the overhead door to a hydraulic or air powered dock leveler. This in... Read More
Loading dock bumpers are designed to stop an incoming truck and prevent damage to the building. When the truck is in position and the loading begins it is common for the truck bed to raise and lower due to the weight change. The back of the truck is tight to the face of the dock bumper; this up and down movement causes abrasion to the face of the dock bumper and puts stress on the dock bumper anchor bolts. A laminated dock bumper with a steel face absorbs the energy from the truck as it is backe... Read More
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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