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
The short answer is yes and here’s the reason why. Typically dock levelers are installed in a 3 sided pit at the loading dock area. To allow for operating clearances there is usually a 1” gap between the dock leveler platform and the side walls of the pit. When the dock leveler is in the closed stored closed position and the overhead door is closed these 1” side gaps allow cold exterior air to blow up from the dock leveler pit into the building.  Traditional efforts to conserve energy at ... Read More
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 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
Self-contained power units cost less and are the most common, however, there are alternatives. Remote power units are one of the alternatives and are best suited for wash down applications. When periodic maintenance is required, it is easier to access a remote power unit. At the time of installation, remote power units are typically installed 7’ – 8’above finished floor level on a wall mounting bracket. This moves the power unit up and away from potential impact. The hydraulic hoses are th... Read More
You can’t force workers to go along with major changes in a process. From ignoring training to wasting time complaining to trying to find shortcuts, employees who do not agree with the new process will effectively prevent it from working. Even worse, since most changes have little hiccups, the process will need a few employees to really go the extra mile to help make it come together. A common estimate says that major changes will require at least 25% of employees to put in extra effort during... Read More