Hydraulic operated dock levelers offer many advantages over mechanically operated dock levelers.
Ergonomics and Ease of Operation
- Hydraulic Dock Levelers
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- Operated with simple push-button controls.
- The operator raises the deck assembly, the hinged lip assembly extends, and the deck lowers until contact is made with the truck bed.
- No physical effort is required from the dock attendant.
- Mechanical Dock Levelers
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- The dock attendant must bend and pull upward on a release chain to raise the deck and extend the hinged lip.
- They then walk onto the raised deck, using their weight to lower it into position.
- Physical effort is required both to activate and lower the mechanical dock leveler.
Capacity and Power
- Mechanical Dock Levelers
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- Spring-activated to raise the deck and extend the lip.
- Limited to lower capacities than Hydraulic Dock Levelers.
- Hydraulic Dock Levelers
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- Powered by an electric motor, pump, and hydraulic cylinder assembly.
- Can lift heavier, stronger deck assemblies.
- Available in higher capacity ratings than mechanical models.
Safety Advantages
- All hydraulic dock levelers include hydraulic fall safe (velocity fuse).
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- Prevents the deck from accidentally lowering if a truck departs unexpectedly with a lift truck on the platform.
- Hydraulic levelers can be electrically interlocked with vehicle restraints:
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- The dock attendant first secures the truck with the restraint.
- Then cycles the dock leveler so the platform lowers and rests securely on the truck bed.
- This prevents accidental unscheduled truck departure, reducing the risk of serious accidents.
Maintenance
- Hydraulic dock levelers require fewer routine adjustments and lubrication compared to mechanical dock levelers.
- Converting mechanically operated levelers to fully hydraulic operation can be a worthwhile investment if the structure is sound.
Converting Mechanical to Hydraulic
Before converting:
- A qualified loading dock service technician should complete a thorough structural inspection.
- If the dock leveler is structurally sound, conversion to hydraulic operation offers many of the benefits described above.
Learn More
For additional information on any Pentalift product, please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.