A self-contained power unit is a power unit that is attached or underneath the lift table making the power unit and the lift table one piece of equipment. A remote power unit is detached from the equipment making it free from the equipment itself. The reason a company would choose to go with a remote power unit instead of a self-contained power unit is for two main reasons, the application or the size of the power unit itself. Some applications require their equipment to have a higher HP power u... Read More
The majority of vehicle restraints are exposed to the elements. Zinc plating the vehicle restraint improves the loading dock area’s aesthetics by eliminating any rusting on the unit itself.
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An edge of dock is an effective alternative to a manual dock plate. The equipment can easily be removed or transferred to another site. The down side of an edge of dock application is that it is only primarily designed for light duty applications involving pallet trucks or carts. The leading reason for a company to purchase an edge of dock would be because of its price and application. Edge of docks are available in both can be manual or hydraulic both being very easy to operate.
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A self leveling lift table is a table that adjusts its height automatically when weight is added or removed to the unit. Its main use is to help improve ergonomics in the work place by keeping the load at a comfortable height for the operator. Self leveling lift tables are also equipped with a rotating top to minimize reaching and provide access to any product on the table more conveniently. Options available include a rotator break, fork pockets, and accordion bellows. Self leveling lift tables... Read More
The majority of loading dock areas has a level approach as the truck backs into the loading dock bay and contacts the dock bumpers. In some applications the truck backs down a declined approach to get to the loading dock bay. Without making special pit considerations the top of the truck’s trailer could impact the building wall or the closed overhead door causing severe damage before the bottom of the trailer contacts the dock bumpers. In this application it is recommended to extend or project... Read More
To decide between a dock lift and a dock leveler you must first look at the application. Applications that do not have a conventional 48” high dock area would require ground level loading. Dock lifts are the best way to handle ground level loading applications. Dock levelers are best suited for applications that do have a fixed 48” dock height and are best for applications that require frequent use. Both pieces of equipment are safe and offer efficient ways of loading or unloading items from... Read More
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
Portable lift tables typically have 2 fixed casters and 2 swivel casters equipped with either steel or phenolic wheels for mobility and ease of positioning. Manually moving a lift table with more than 6,000 lbs creates significant inertia that is difficult to stop, it’s easier to start the fully loaded lift table moving than stopping the fully loaded lift table. There are applications requiring portable lift tables with much higher load ratings, these high capacity portable lift tables are gen... 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