Vertical storing dock leveler installations all require a cast in place rear C channel.
The rear channel(s) is required on site in the early stages of construction; they are positioned when the loading dock areas finished floor level is being formed and the C channel is then cast in place when the finished floor concrete is poured.
The cast in place rear channel includes the dock leveler tilt bar pockets, maintenance stand and lift cylinder installation brackets.
The cast in place rear channel is available with optional pre-drilled holes to route the hydraulic hoses and electrical wiring from the dock leveler deck assembly to the power unit location. This method of installation is preferred to the steel mounting plate below. It avoids field welding of critical structural components. It reduces the installation time per unit substantially.
An alternative to the cast in place channel c/w mounting plate brackets is a solid steel plate with the same mounting plate brackets pre-fabricated and welded into position. The steel mounting plate is most commonly used when replacing an existing vertical storing dock leveler.
The existing deck assembly is removed and all the brackets that are welded to the existing cast in place rear channel are then removed using a cutting torch; using a grinder the face of the original cast in place channel is then ground flush. The solid steel plate c/w mounting brackets is then welded to the smooth faced existing cast in place channel.
This installation method is less preferable than cast in place C channel. It involves a significant amount of additional labour in the field. Field welding is being completed for important structural welds. Repainting is required on the numerous locations where the significant field welds are placed. If the dock equipment is hot dip galvanized the hot dip finish is burnt and compromised around the welding locations.
The solid steel mounting plate is also used when the construction schedule does not permit enough time to wait for the dock leveler suppliers manufactured rear cast in place channel to arrive at site.
The Contractor pours a smooth face section of C channel into place and at a later date the dock leveler installer welds the solid steel mounting plate c/w mounting brackets into position on the rear channel prior to installing the dock leveler.
For additional information on any Pentalift product please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.