Many applications will require that your lift table be installed into a concrete pit.
The first thing to consider is your pit's overall dimensions. Beginning with the width and length, you want to leave a 1" gap around the perimeter of the platform, between the edge of the deck and edge of the pit wall. As a starting point, therefore, your overall pit width and length will be the platform width + 2" and the platform length + 2". This is for a lift table with no hinged bridges. Once you add a ma... Read More
What does dock leveler deck cant mean? Deck cant means that the dock leveler platform can tilt or flex up to 4” per side. If the truck and dock leveler are both level then the deck cant feature is not required. However if the incoming truck is up to 4” higher on one side than the other, this could be caused by an uneven approach, snow/ice build-up on one side of the drive etc. then the deck cant becomes a very important feature. As the dock leveler is cycled the platform lowers to the truck ... Read More
Manufacturing engineers can find the use of videos extremely helpful, if used correctly. Sharing videos of employees will help pinpoint where processes are going wrong, and what can be improved. If used incorrectly, though, they can cause issues with unreliable data, union-related hassles, and low morale.
Here’s how to get the benefits but not the drawbacks:
1. Choose a Goal
There are many ways that videos can improve production. These include:
Decreasing wasted time at various poi... Read More
What are the guidelines to install a lift table into a pit? This is a frequently asked question. The idea is to address the safety and well-being of anyone that might come within close proximity of the lift table when it is in operation. When the lift table is lowering into the pit there must be protection to avoid a potential pinch point if a person is standing close by. The appropriate methods for providing toe protection when a lift table is installed in a pit are laid out in ANSI MH29.1, Saf... 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
Most lift table applications are indoors and do not have any unusual exposure that can impact the finish. For these typical applications, Pentalift’s standard finish of gray enamel paint is usually the desired choice. There are applications however, where a custom finish is required. It could be as simple as upgrading to a non-standard color, to match existing equipment or to identify the equipment for a specific purpose. For typical outdoor applications an upgrade to a high solids epoxy finis... Read More
How important are site checks to quoting Dock Seals? Site checks are very important to make sure that the Dock Seal selected will provide the best conditions for energy conservation. Some of the most important factors to identify involve the vehicle approach...is it level, declined or inclined? If approach is level then there is no modification to the seal required, however Dock Seal side pads can easily be tapered as required to suit non level approaches. For the correct Dock Seal compression, ... Read More
A leading manufacturer of tires approached Pentalift concerning a dock lift application at their research and testing facility in Northeast Ohio. Pentalift was able to design and manufacture a dock lift specific to the company’s needs which would fit into their existing pit with minimum modifications from Ohio dock equipment dealer; Action Door, who installed the unit - saving the client time and money.
The lift which was replaced was installed forty years earlier and had required ongoing m... Read More
Starting with first point of contact, the newest addition to Pentalift’s website video library thoroughly describes the process when designing and fabricating custom lift tables. It demonstrates the communication with the customer to determine application requirements, the budgeting and estimating processes, design review, along with the other steps involved before an order is released for production. The new video then takes you to the production floor and shows the viewer how Pentalift ensur... 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