The majority of dock areas are designed to provide a level approach for a truck backing into position at the loading dock. The incoming trucks back into position until contact is made with the dock bumpers.
However, in space-limited areas, a declining dock approach is commonly seen in industrial and warehouse facilities where trucks actually back down a slope to reach the loading dock. In a declining, downward-sloped dock approach, the top of the trailer will impact the building wall above the overhead door before the bed height of the trailer contacts the dock bumpers.
Why Use a Projected (Cantilevered) Dock Leveler Pit?
The most effective way to compensate for the declined approach and prevent damage to the building wall is to project or cantilever the dock leveler pit area forward.
Brochure: The Benefits of Projected/Cantilevered Dock Pits For Dock Leveler Installations.
Projecting the dock leveler pit forward moves the mounting surface for the dock bumpers forward. Moving the dock bumpers forward stops the incoming truck with the top of the trailer further away from the building wall, eliminating potential impact damage to the building walls above the overhead door.
Effect on Dock Seal Design
Projecting the dock leveler pit at a declined approach also has an impact on the dock seal design. Dock seals can be manufactured with tapered side pads to suit the percentage of decline. Based on the percentage of decline, the side pads will be manufactured to have more projection at the bottom of the side pads than at the top of the side pads.
Tapering the dock seal side pads will assure an even seal, eliminating any gaps over the full height of the trailer once the trailer is backed down the declined approach into position.
Tapering the dock seal side pads at a declining approach will also reduce any stress and damage to the building wall that is caused by the incoming truck over-compressing the dock seal and exerting excessive force on the building wall.
Considerations for Vehicle Restraints
Depending on the percentage of decline at the loading dock area and the model of vehicle restraint used, the vehicle restraint may also have to be extended forward to properly engage with the truck’s rear impact guard, securing the truck in position during loading and off-loading.
Contact Us
For additional information, please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.