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
There are 3 different operating types of lift tables. They are hydraulic, pneumatic and self leveling. All 3 styles are different but have their benefits, depending on what the application is. Hydraulic lift tables offer the widest range of features and customization regarding platform size, capacity, vertical travel, and safety features. Pneumatic lift tables are offered in an air bag design which is limited to 24” of travel. The air bag lift tables may be limited but if an airline is the onl... Read More
Preventative maintenance for dock equipment is highly recommended. The more you maintain your dock equipment, the better and longer your equipment will last. Regular maintenance increases employee safety, helps to control repair costs and assists in avoiding company down times. When unexpected maintenance occurs, it can have a long chain of unexpected delays by stopping goods from entering or leaving a facility. Maintaining your equipment on a regular basis can minimize these delays and improve ... Read More
Choosing between a hydraulic dock leveler and mechanical dock leveler depends on what is most important to the user. Mechanical dock levelers cost less than hydraulic dock levelers, but mechanical dock levelers do require periodic (2 times a year) adjustable maintenance throughout use of the equipment. Hydraulic levelers can handle higher load capacities and also operate more easily than mechanical dock levelers, due to a manual push button that operates the power unit. While hydraulic dock leve... Read More
If you have both a hydraulic dock leveler and an overhead door in the closed position and try to operate the dock leveler, the power of the dock leveler will damage the locked overhead door. If you have a vertical storing dock leveler in the rest (vertical) position and try and operate (lower) it when an overhead door is in the closed position, the dock will cause severe damage by impacting with the overhead door. In order to ensure that the dock leveler will not be able to operate when the over... Read More
No low designed hydraulic lift tables do not require a pre formed pit or a lift truck to position the pallet on the lift table. The platform of this design rests right at floor level with a bevelled leading edge. A manual pump truck is all that is required to position or remove the pallet on this design of hydraulic lift table. This significantly lowers the cost of material handling equipment and also improves safety by keeping power driven equipment away from the work station.
Contact a Pent... Read More
In a busy warehouse, there is no room for error. In order to reduce error, companies rely on warehouse management systems (WMS). When choosing the right WMS for your warehouse, it’s important not to make the following mistakes. These mistakes are costly and can threaten the safety of your employees.
Not doing your due-diligence
Before choosing a WMS, do your homework. Research different manufacturers and ask questions. Remember that you will be using the system and it has to make sense f... Read More