In the majority of applications Low Profile Dock Lifts are designed for surface installations and do not require a pre formed pit.
With the dock lift platform in the closed, lowered position a hinged approach ramp is installed on the end of the platform opposite the end of the platform that is servicing the truck.
The hinged approach ramp provides access from the floor level to the lowered dock lift platform for a pallet truck, cart or a power drive pallet truck to move product on or off the lowered dock lift platform.
This link leads to a photograph of a low profile dock lift equipped with a hinged approach ramp. https://www.pentalift.com/solutions/hinged-approach-ramp/
The closed, low height of the low profile dock lift is 6”; a 36” long hinged approach ramp usually provides an acceptable percentage of incline/decline to safely move the product on or off the lowered dock lift platform. The 36” long hinged approach ramps are available in two different widths, 60” or 72” wide.
For additional information on any Pentalift product please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.