The majority of dock lifts are used to load and unload incoming trucks at a grade level application.

Dock lifts are often installed either in a preformed pit flush with grade level or surface installed on a concrete pad. Dock lifts surface installed on a concrete pad are usually equipped with an approach ramp for access from grade to the dock lift platform.

In an ideal situation the incoming truck / trailer backs into position stopping just ahead of the dock lift. Based on experience, on-going arriving trucks / trailers will not stop in the correct location. Some will over shoot the ideal stopping position. In doing so un-protected dock lifts can and do receive structural damage to the dock lift guard rails, bridge plates and structural components from impact as the vehicle is backed into position. To avoid impact damage to the dock lift some form of protective device or barrier is strongly recommended to stop the incoming vehicle in the correct position.

Steel bollards imbedded in concrete are the most effective and commonly applied barrier to stop an incoming truck in position preventing damage to the dock lift. The steel bollards are typically 10”-12” diameter steel pipe filled with concrete and rebar that project 48” -50” above grade level. They are designed to withstand typical truck impact forces. The steel bollards are positioned slightly ahead of the dock lift providing this very important protective barrier as well as a good stopping target for the truck driver.

This link illustrates typical steel bollard(s) placement for pit installed dock lifts. https://www.pentalift.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dock-Lift-Pit-Installation-Configurations-A-B-C-D-E.pdf

This link illustrates typical steel bollard(s) placement for surface installed dock lifts. https://www.pentalift.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dock-Lift-Surfacet-Installation-Configurations-F-G-H.pdf

Dock lifts that are installed in a 3 sided pit often have dock bumpers installed on the face of the foundation wall. These dock bumpers stop the incoming truck in position preventing damage to the building wall and the dock lift.

The link brochure cover shows a truck backed into position at rest with the truck bed contacting the loading dock bumpers. https://www.pentalift.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/HED-Dock-Lift-Brochure.pdf

For additional information on any Pentalift product please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.