The main concern is operator safety as it relates to eliminating potential pinch/shear/crush points when the lift table platform and rotating top lowers into the pit. First the lift table is equipped with . Electric toes sensors are an interlocked 4 sided bar assembly that is suspended under the lower 4 sided edge of the lift table platform. When lowering if any obstruction (operator’s foot, debris etc.) contacts the suspended 4 sided perimeter bar the lowering stops immediately. Second the ro... Read More
Electric toe sensors are most commonly used on lift tables that are installed in a preformed recessed pit. In a recessed pit installation there is the potential for introducing a shear hazard as the platform lowers into the pit. Electric toe sensors are an interlocked 4 sided bar assembly that is suspended under the lower edge of the lift table platform. The suspended perimeter bar assembly interacts with 4 limit switches, one per corner. When the down button is activated the electrical signal t... Read More
If this option is ordered the hydraulic velocity fuse is installed in the return line of the lift table’s hydraulic circuit. As the lift table starts to lower the hydraulic oil flows out of the lift cylinder(s) and through the velocity fuse to the power unit reservoir. Depending on the model of lift table the velocity fuse is installed directly on the base of the lift cylinder or in a common manifold that monitors the returning oil flow rate from a bank of multiple lift cylinders. Velocity fus... 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
When a lift table lowers into a recessed pit there is often the challenge of addressing a potential pinch point. A lift table with straight 90 degree vertical toe guards on the platform sides can create a pinch point as the platform lowers into the pit. The two most common lift table options to minimize the risk of a pinch point as the platform lowers are tapered toe guards or electric toe sensors. Tapered toe guards are tapered inward 30 degrees on all 4 sides of the platform sides. Changing th... Read More
Under normal operating conditions the truck is backed into position at the loading dock and the trailer door is opened. The attendant operates the dock leveler, the dock leveler deck raises and the hydraulic lip extends. The dock leveler is then lowered into position with the extended hydraulic lip resting on the bed of the truck. After the loading is completed the attendant returns the dock leveler to the closed stored position, that’s what is supposed to happen. However should the truck depa... Read More
That’s a good question; the frequency of operation at the dock area determines the recommended maintenance schedule. In most applications mechanical dock levelers should receive a spring and fall maintenance inspection. The inspection consists of first a functionality test followed by visually checking all of the weldments and removing all excess debris from the pit. Perform any adjustments that may be required to the lift springs, lip actuator springs and hold down mechanism. Lubricate th... Read More
Rainstop RS800 helps make the rain go away!
Had enough of the rainy season? Feel like you need to build an arc?! Dock seals are not enough. Improve dock safety and worker morale. Provide shelter from the rain. Typical docks have a slight decline approach. When rain water hits the top of the trailer it runs back in the building. This causes product damage and slippery, unsafe conditions on your loading dock. The Rainstop uses a stiffly sprung five and a half inch foam filled header curtain. This... Read More
Roll-Off Stop Lip adds Extra Safety
Roll-Off Stop Lip Levelers have an extra safety measure versus standard levelers that can help prevent forklifts from falling off the dock when the door is open and there is no trailer secured to the door opening. The extra feature is a vertical roll-off stop lip that stands up at the edge of the dock when the dock is in the parked position.
8" High Roll-Off Stop Lip Barrier
The Pentalift roll-off stop lip barrier is one of the highest in the industry. ... Read More
When performing maintenance on a lift table all maintenance must be done by trained personnel and all electrical work is suggested to be performed by an electrician. Nobody should go under the lift table unless properly supported by the lift table’s maintenance stand. Performing maintenance on a lift table should never be done with any sort of load on platform because the maintenance stand of the lift table is only designed to withstand the table’s weight without a load on platform. To incre... Read More