How do I use dock leveler?

A dock leveller is used to bridge the difference in height and distance between the warehouse floor and vehicle in the most efficient way. It is a height-adjustable platform used to ensure smooth transition between dock and truck which helps prevent forklift accidents that can cause serious injuries and forklift damages. It is usually comprised of a simple metal plate that is raised from a stowed position and then lowered onto the back of the truck.

Dock Leveller Types

There are different types of dock levelers. Some examples are hydraulic dock levelers, manual dock leveller, vertical storing dock levelers, edge of dock levelers, container dock levelers and pit forming kit. Below are descriptions of the types of dock levelers.

Hydraulic Dock Leveller – this is stored in the dock pit and provides the smoothest transition between the dock leveller and trailer improving safety and productivity at the loading dock. Thus, preventing injuries and minimizing forklift and product damage. The hydraulic positioning of both the lip and platform ensures high reliability and low maintenance of the dock leveller, and push button activation provides the dock attendant with simple control for safe operation.

Manual Dock leveller - a dock attendant manually pulls the release-chain lifting the leveller from the stored position and the platform – which is equipped with an ergonomic system that delivers a smooth, consistent experience – is walked down onto the trailer bed.

Vertical storing dock leveller – this is stored upright, allowing the truck to fully dock before opening the trailer doors and ensuring superior security and environmental control. Because it is stored vertically in front of the dock door, it acts as a door protection which guards against vehicle impact to the dock doors preventing door damage from accidental impacts.

Edge of dock leveler is a simple dock to truck leveller which is positioned on the edge of the dock which is ideal for trucks with minimal height difference, or if space around the dock is a problem. It also saves time and space by eliminating the need to store, find and move portable plates to correct dock positions.

Container dock leveller is designed so that the trailer can park underneath the dock platform allowing the forklift to access the container on the leveller with ease. The levelers can be mounted inside the building with the cavity under the leveller or alternatively can be mounted in front of the loading docks. These provide room for the trailer under the dock leveller, so containers positioned in the middle of trailers can be entered whilst still on the trailer.

Telescopic Dock Leveller – aims to create a movable bridge between the loading/unloading area and the surface of a vehicle, leveling out differences in height. The ram enables the transit of forklifts or manual lifting devices up to its maximum capacity according to the established nominal load.

The Pit Forming Kit is a dock leveller pit which easily fits together therefore, minimizing costs associated with pouring a dock leveller pit. The part slides and are hooked together to easily create the pit you need.

Choosing a smooth transition dock leveler results in fewer employee injuries, less product and equipment damage, and low lifetime ownership costs.