Why would a dock lift be preferred over a regular dock leveler? With the majority of loading docks being approximately 48” above the road or driveway, there are many more dock levelers in use than dock lifts. Applications that don’t have a 48” raised dock area will often require ground level loading. Hydraulic dock lifts provide a safe and efficient answer for this situation. Product is loaded onto the dock lift at grade level, the operator then raises the dock lift to the truck bed heigh... Read More
Why is the Pentalogic valve so important on a hydraulic dock leveler? The power unit on any brand of hydraulic dock leveler is designed to raise the platform and to extend the hinged lip assembly. Conventional hydraulic dock leveler plumbing contains a number of individual valves and assorted fittings. Increasing the number of individual valves increases the likelihood of component failure and hydraulic leaks developing. The Pentalogic valve is a one piece machined housing that incorporates only... Read More
Dock Lifts can come in many forms and with many uses. Some are built into a pit while others are raised but stationary, and others still are portable. Dock Lifts can be manufactured to service virtually any trailer height with capacities of varying amounts. From ride on to hand propelled pallet trucks, a dock lift is an excellent addition to any manufacturing or warehousing facility. Exterior and interior dock lifts are built to withstand all four seasons.
At some locations servicin... Read More
A nationally recognized company was planning a new entertainment facility in the Midwest, and after comparing product lines, contacted Pentalift’s local dealer to assist with the design of a safe and efficient loading dock.
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The customer’s requirements included accommodating a wide variety of trucks and trailers from courier to over-the-road models via two dock positions. In order to fulfill this request it was determined that a dock lift alongside an edge of dock leveler would satisfy ... Read More
With everything that can occur at the loading dock, weather is arguably one of the most dangerous and costly. Dock seals and shelters protect your investment, your energy costs and your employees from inclement weather.
As a warehouse, plant, safety or operations manager with a loading dock in your facility, the number one item on your list should be safety; protecting your employees and any other personnel that might find themselves in your loading dock area. That’s where dock seals and she... Read More
Where equipment safety is paramount, options often provide an excellent opportunity to improve upon a products basic offering. Warehouses are prone to accidents and health and safety personnel as well as industrial engineers realize the benefits of including every option in order to avoid unnecessary injuries and product damage.
Take the loading dock for example; this is a heavily travelled area of any logistics warehouse and the scene of several accidents a year across all industries. This c... Read More
When an international trading manufacturer of electronic components contacted a Pentalift distributor with a unique loading dock application, Pentalift’s in-house engineers designed a dock leveler for their specific needs.
The existing dock height was 43”, the trucks to be loaded were as high as 62”. This significant height differential would have caused a dangerous percentage of platform incline if a standard dock leveler length was provided.
To address both the safety and operational ... Read More
 When an innovative designer and manufacturer of wood stoves, gas grills, and fireplaces realized their continued market success and expanding product line required additional manufacturing facilities, including new loading dock positions, they began searching for the right product.
Since the first wood stove rolled off their production line in the mid-seventies, their commitment was to be distinctive and successful in everything they do. That motto would extend itself to envelope every aspect... Read More
Dock lifts service several applications in facilities ranging from loading docks to cold storage to warehousing, both in an interior and exterior capacity.
When pit-installed at an exterior location - in front of the loading dock doors - the dock lift is able to service a wide range of incoming trucks, providing exterior grade level access for multiple applications. When positioned for loading or offloading of the trailer from the facility, a hinged bridge plate is lowered to provide easy tra... Read More
When protecting worker’s rights, the Ontario Ministry of Labour is very proactive in scheduling health and safety blitz’s to the loading dock sector. Workplace injuries and fatalities can usually be averted with proper maintenance and service on loading dock equipment.
Dock levelers, mechanical, hydraulic and air powered along with vehicle restraints and lift tables should all be serviced at least twice a year and signed off on by the technician performing the task.
In 2014 these indus... Read More