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
Protective bollards serve the same function as loading dock bumpers. When the truck is backed into position bollards or loading dock bumpers stop the incoming truck movement and protect the loading dock equipment from damage. As many dock lifts are installed ahead of the building foundation steel bollards are typically poured into position to keep the truck from impacting the dock lift. Steel bollards are often 6” – 8” in diameter, typically installed approximately 4’ above grade and 4â€... Read More
Hot dip galvanizing is often specified in highly corrosive or repeated wash down applications. Common applications would be food processing facilities and chemical processing facilities. Preparing for the hot dip galvanizing process the equipment is built, tested then dismantled and sent to the galvanizer in sub-assemblies. The sub-assemblies are first dipped into an acid solution for cleaning, once cleaned dipped into a hot (approximately 850 degree) molten zinc galvanizing solution. The extrem... 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
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
Flaps or as they are commonly referred to as “wear pleats” extend the life of a compression style dock seal. With the truck backed into position there should be 4” -6” of dock seal foam compression, this amount of compression provides the best seal. As the truck is loaded or unloaded it is natural for the truck bed to move up and down. The trucks up and down movement has an abrasive effect on the front of the dock seal side pads, the wear pleats provide an outer layer of protection that ... Read More
The common dynamic total load multiplier is 2.5 when calculating capacity for standard dock leveler applications. However, dynamic total load multiplier can range from 2.0 to 5.0, depending on the severity of the application and the manufacturer. Since there is no recognized industry standard, manufacturers rate their capacities differently. Some may use lower multipliers to be more competitively priced or leave the impression that their particular dock leveler is stronger than other manufacture... 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
Preventative maintenance for dock equipment is highly recommended. The more you maintain your dock equipment, the better and longer your equipment will last. Regular maintenance increases employee safety, helps to control repair costs and assists in avoiding company down times. When unexpected maintenance occurs, it can have a long chain of unexpected delays by stopping goods from entering or leaving a facility. Maintaining your equipment on a regular basis can minimize these delays and improve ... Read More