When quoting a dock leveler position on a LEED certified project, there really is only one choice; the Pentalift HDV or HUV vertical dock leveler.
With the onset of cooler months ahead of us, warehouses and other facilities like hospitals, airports and grocery stores with a loading dock should consider the cost savings of offering a complete seal when loading and unloading goods at their docks. The vertical dock allows the truck to make full contact with the building before the overhead doors... Read More
Declining 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 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 extensions, longer... Read More
A very high percentage of field issues with loading dock equipment can be directly attributed to improper or incomplete installation. This could result in the compromised function and operation of the equipment, Pentalift provides thorough step by step installation instructions. We encourage you to take the required actions within your organization to ensure that all of the installation procedures are completed as specified in the owners manual and installation instructions. More on proper insta... Read More
A financial company requested assistance with designing and selecting a dock lift to meet their unique application. For security reasons the vehicles had to be loaded within the confines of the building using a straight drive through traffic pattern. The dock lift is equipped with pocket style lift out guard rails, when not in use the guard rails are removed from the platform and stored on site. The dock lift is pit installed and the vehicles drive over the dock lift, the guard rails are then in... Read More
Pentalift Equipment Corporation has recently completed and posted a new Hydraulic Dock Leveler video. This comprehensive video provides an overview of many of the operational and safety features designed into Pentalift hydraulic dock levelers to address the requirements of a modern busy loading dock. This video shows the hydraulic operating and safety features as well as control panel selections and some of the structural advantages associated with Pentalift hydraulic dock levelers. Go to https:... Read More
Dock bumpers are a very important component of loading dock installations. Dock bumpers are the target for the backing truck / trailer. The dock bumpers also absorb the forces of the backing truck /trailer when it makes contact with the facility. The impact force from the backing truck / trailer can exceed 200, 000 lbs. Once parked at the facility the truck / trailer bed will move up and down as the weight of the lift truck and load is driven onto and off of it. This movement is referred to as â... Read More
Line loss is a decrease in the power supply from the source to the destination. As electricity flows energy is lost due to the heating of the conductor, caused by electrical resistance. AC motors that are utilized in dock levelers and scissor lifts, perform best with line loss less than 5% of the motors requirement. It’s important to determine the distance from the power source to the motor, identify the voltage specified and then calculate the proper gauge off wire to minimize line loss to th... Read More
Loading docks are usually a busy hub within a company and could have several health and safety risks associated to them. There are several ways to mitigate some of these risk and create a safer work environment at your loading dock. Below are 3 ways to increase the safety at the Loading Dock area.
1. Installing vehicle restraint safety systems improves communication between the dock attendant and the truck driver. This also prevents unscheduled vehicle departures.
2. Winterize your dock ar... Read More
Pentalift is please to introduce its new RainStop Dock Seal. The RS800 RainStop seal is specifically designed to prevent the entry of rain into the loading dock area. The entry of rain into the facility causes product damage and slippery and unsafe conditions. The Pentalift RainStop Dock Seal utilizes a stiffly sprung five and a half inch foam filled header curtain to create a positive seal on the top of the trailer. The RainStop Dock Seal diverts the water from the top of the trailer and away f... Read More
As energy costs continue to escalate one of the quickest ways to save money this time of the year is right at your loading dock area. An efficient dock seal / shelter installation will minimize the transfer of cool air from the exterior to the interior of the building. An efficient dock seal / shelter also minimizes product damage from inclement weather. Dock leveler weather seal close gaps around your dock leveler and results in further energy savings and comfort at the loading dock. These chan... Read More