Loading dock: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 15:16, 27 April 2020

Revision as of 15:19, 27 April 2020

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* Activation System: Providing the motive power of the dock leveler, these systems can be mechanical (springs) pneumatic (air bladders) or hydraulic. They may or may not require external power interfaces, depending on the type of leveler.

* Bumpers: Help to prevent the transport vehicle from contacting and damaging the exterior of the building, dock leveler or vehicle restraint. Commonly made from rubber, they range in size, projection and are based on vehicles serviced among other factors.

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'''Applications of Dock Levelers'''<br>

As the needs of consumers in the loading dock area have changed, so have the kinds of levelers and their applications. Although some feature special designs, many fall into the following categories:

* The most common type of dock leveler is the Pit Leveler which is found in a recessed concrete opening in a building’s concrete floor at the dock door. There are three major sub-categories:

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* '''Mechanical Pit Leveler'''s are the most common of Pit Levelers. It utilizes a mechanical spring system to raise the leveler and is commonly “upward biased” which means the spring is tending to force the leveler deck to rise up all of the time and a restraining device is preventing such motion. Although requiring no electrical power supply and being the least expensive up front, the mechanical pit leveler tends to be the most expensive to service and to maintain over their life.</blockquote>

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* '''Air Pit Levelers''' employ a pneumatic bag system in order to raise and lower the leveler deck. It also requires an electrical power source, either at the dock or adjacent. Generally, Air Pit Levelers are moderately more expensive than mechanical levelers but with reduced service and maintenance requirements comparatively.</blockquote>

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* '''Hydraulic Pit Leveler''' is one of the most versatile of the pit style levelers. Raised and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic pit leveler comes in many configurations with various electrical phasing and sources. This pit leveler option gives the most flexibility with lower service and maintenance costs.</blockquote>

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'''Additional Types of Dock Levelers'''

* A '''vertical leveler''' is a dock leveler that is stored in a vertical position, allowing you to store the leveler completely inside the building and close the dock door onto concrete floor instead of across the leveler. Vertical levelers provide optimal environmental control and are often used in food service applications or areas where wash down is a concern. They are typically pit or shelf-mounted and hydraulically operated.

* '''Rail Dock Levelers''' are a variation of the vertical leveler used to service rail cars. While some rail dock levelers are mounted in a pit, most are mounted on a sliding rail which allows them to move horizontally along the rail track either hydraulically or manually. Pit mounted are ideal for larger rail door openings and provide lower service and maintenance costs while rail mounted units can be moved to align with more narrow rail car opening. Rail Dock Levelers are typically hydraulically operated.