Dock lifts service several applications in facilities ranging from loading docks to cold storage to warehousing, both in an interior and exterior capacity.
When pit-installed at an exterior location – in front of the loading dock doors – the dock lift is able to service a wide range of incoming trucks, providing exterior grade level access for multiple applications. When positioned for loading or offloading of the trailer from the facility, a hinged bridge plate is lowered to provide easy transfer on or off the platform.
To protect the dock lift from impact when the truck backs into position, bollards are often pre-cast into the concrete. The hinged bridge plate should be sized to provide a minimum of 12” of projection beyond the face of the bollards. All models of Pentalift dock lifts are designed for outdoor use in typical Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter applications. Power units are available in any voltage with a wide range of horsepower ratings, the higher the horsepower rating, the faster the platform rises.
An interior pit mounted dock lift offers the facility’s overhead door the opportunity to close completely, unlike a pit installed dock leveler, minimizing any energy loss. At the site, the dock lift is installed in a three sided pit, again servicing a wide range of incoming truck heights. The bridge plate is constructed of steel checker plate and the higher the dock lift capacity, the thicker the steel. For ease of operation a bridge plate can be lowered and raised hydraulically.
Dock lifts are not used exclusively for loading and unloading trucks, at some locations a dock lift is used to safely and efficiently move product between two levels. For additional safety precautions, Penatlift includes an up travel limit switch which automatically shuts off the power unit when the dock lift is in the raised position, assuring smooth transfer to the upper level.
Not every application allows a dock lift to be installed into a recessed pit, as an alternative, Pentalift offers a line of surface installed, low profile dock lifts. Our LPE dock lifts are generally specified with a 36 inch approach ramp, to provide easy access from the floor to and from the dock lift platform. This series of dock lift are available in lifting capacities of 4000 lbs to 8000 lbs, accommodating many applications which use either manual pallet trucks or power-driven pallet trucks.
We offer many affordable solutions to service trucks at grade level. To discuss your requirements, please contact a Pentalift sales representative or visit us online.