Dock levelers are structurally designed to accommodate dynamic or moving loads at the loading dock.
The most common dock height is 48” above exterior grade and uses dock levelers to load and unload trucks. With a truck backed into position at a loading dock, the dock leveler is activated: the deck raises, the hinged lip extends, and the deck assembly is then lowered until the extended lip contacts the bed of the truck. The truck is now ready to be loaded or unloaded.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Dock Leveler Capacity
There are several factors to consider when selecting the correct dock leveler capacity rating. Most important is to determine the combined weight of the product and the weight of the lift truck that will be driven across the dock leveler deck and lip assembly. This is referred to as the total rolling load weight.
It is common for trucks to arrive at the loading dock 3”–4” higher or lower than the finished floor level. Dock levelers are designed to accommodate trucks that are slightly higher or lower than the finished floor level.
However, the immediate impact/shock loads that are transferred to the dock leveler structure as the lift truck drives across should also be factored into choosing the correct dock leveler capacity. To accommodate these factors, a dock leveler capacity that is greater than the actual load is required.
Other factors to consider include:
- The speed of the lift truck as it crosses the dock leveler deck assembly.
- The number of trucks and number of pallets per truck being loaded or unloaded per day.
Standard Dock Leveler Capacities
Standard dock levelers are available with capacity ratings ranging from 35,000 lbs. to 150,000 lbs.
Follow the link below for detailed guidance on selecting the appropriate dock leveler capacity for your application.:
Dock Leveler Capacity – Understanding Loading Dock Capacity
Contact Information
For additional information on any Pentalift product, please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.