The dock leveler site inspection sheet primarily serves as a means to relay the required information to provide the suitable replacement dock leveler.
The most obvious information to confirm is the overall pit size; the pit width, pit length and pit depth. The pit depth should be measured on both sides at the front of the pit and measured both sides at the rear of the pit.
Extra care should be taken to ensure the rear pit depth is accurate. Over the years it is common for debris to accumulate and collect at the rear of the pit. Measuring from the finished floor level to the top of the debris could result in an unsuitable and more expensive replacement dock leveler.
It is more expensive to modify a standard dock leveler height to suit a shallower pit than it is to suit a deeper pit. Ensure that the rear pit depth measurement is from finished floor level to the actual concrete at the base of the pit.
The site inspection is a good time to review the current application with the customer. The dock leveler being replaced may have been ideal at the time of the original installation but operations change,  tenants change, buildings are sold, higher capacity lift trucks and loads could be in use etc.
The link below covers the common terminology used and how to calculate the correct dock leveler capacity rating based on the specifics of the application. The customer may indicate that they use 5,000 lb. capacity lift trucks regularly but only once a month they use an 8,000 lb. capacity lift truck. Base all capacity calculations on that one time a month when the 8,000 lb. capacity lift truck is in use.
https://www.pentalift.com/solutions/dock-leveler-capacity-understanding-loading-dock-capacity/
As standard dock levelers are provided with a 16” long hinged lip assembly. As opposed to automatically quoting the same length lip assembly it is worth inquiring if 2” or 4” of more lip purchase on the truck bed better suits the current application.
When replacing a hydraulic dock leveler it is important to confirm the voltage of the existing dock leveler. If replacing a mechanical dock leveler with a hydraulic model confirm what power source is available to operate the new hydraulic dock leveler.
During the site inspection investigate if the pit curb angle and especially the rear pit curb angle is in place and solidly imbedded in the concrete. If any of the curb angle is loose or bent and especially the rear curb angle now is the time to make the necessary repairs or replacement prior to the installation of the new dock leveler.
Completing and submitting the Replacement Dock Leveler Site Inspection Sheet is a valuable tool when conveying the site conditions to the dock leveler manufacturer. This completed form will assist in selecting and supplying the most suitable model of replacement dock leveler.
For additional information on the Replacement Dock Leveler Site Inspection Sheet please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.