In some loading dock areas floor space is at a premium, in an application like this it is common to install the dock leveler just outside the overhead door in a free standing frame. If there is an existing facility that requires an additional loading dock it is common to research what services (gas, electricity, water, drain etc.) are below the existing poured concrete floor. If there are no services under the slab a pit is constructed, if there is services below the poured concrete floor it is ... Read More
Although manual pallet trucks or power driven pallet trucks are the most common pieces of material handling equipment used on a dock lift some applications call for the use of a lift truck. If using a lift truck on a dock lift there is one very important option to consider. With the dock lift in the lowered closed position the operator drives the lift truck onto the dock lift platform. As soon as the up button is operated an optional automatic hinged hydraulic roll off stop on the dock lift is a... Read More
Although there are many combinations available there are 2 very common interlocks specified. 1. Interlocking a vehicle restraint to a hydraulic or air powered dock leveler. This interlock is safety related, the dock leveler will not operate until the truck in position has been secured by the vehicle restraint. The truck secured signal from the vehicle restraint now renders the dock leveler controls operational. 2. Interlocking the overhead door to a hydraulic or air powered dock leveler. This in... Read More
Lift, tilt, and rotate tables are used for many different applications, but a very common application for a lift, tilt, and rotate table is to help increase ergonomics inside of the work place. These pieces of equipment can help eliminate any unhealthy bending or stretching of the body in the work area to prevent future or long term injures. Ergonomic lift, tilt, and rotate tables help make a more efficient and comfortable work place and can prolong the duration of a employees career.
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The majority of dock lift manufacturers have a pre-engineered product line selection to cover the majority of all typical dock lift applications hence they are referred to as Dock Lifts. There are a number of applications that a dock lift has to raise higher than a standard dock lift, wider than a standard dock lift, longer than a standard dock lift, stainless steel construction etc. Even though the application requirements are often similar these lifts are outside of many dock lift manufacturer... Read More
Self leveling lift tables are very common in de-palletizing or palletizing applications. When empty self leveling lift tables store in the raised position, in a de-palletizing application a lift truck or a “straddle” lift truck first places the fully loaded pallet on the raised platform. The pallet is then lowered and the weight of the pallet forces the self leveling lift table down into the closed fully lowered position. The top of the loaded pallet is now at the ideal ergonomic operators w... Read More
Protective bollards serve the same function as loading dock bumpers. When the truck is backed into position bollards or loading dock bumpers stop the incoming truck movement and protect the loading dock equipment from damage. As many dock lifts are installed ahead of the building foundation steel bollards are typically poured into position to keep the truck from impacting the dock lift. Steel bollards are often 6” – 8” in diameter, typically installed approximately 4’ above grade and 4â€... Read More
Not all Low Profile Dock Lifts are ordered with wear plates and retaining cradles but the majority definitely are. Conventional Dock Lifts have a lower steel frame assembly. This steel frame assembly serves a number of functions, 2 of which are the scissor lift leg rollers run back and forth on this steel frame when cycled and the steel frame has provision for lag bolting the dock lift into position during the installation process. To achieve the low profile dock lift feature one of the componen... Read More
Self leveling lift tables are very common in palletizing or de-palletizing applications. When empty self leveling lift tables store in the raised position, in a palletizing application first an empty pallet is placed on the platform. As product is moved onto the pallet the increased weight automatically lowers the lift table keeping the operators work height at an ergonomically correct position. When the lift table is fully lowered the pallet is full. A lift truck is then required to engage the ... Read More
Auto Return is only available on hydraulic dock levelers. When the truck is backed into position and the trailer doors are open the dock attendant cycles the dock leveler. The dock leveler deck raises, the lip extends, the dock leveler is then lowered and the extended lip is positioned on the truck bed. When the truck is loaded / unloaded typically the dock attendant would cycle the dock leveler into the closed, stored position. If there is no dock attendant available the truck driver departs, t... Read More