Although dock levelers are fairly durable pieces of equipment, they may need replacing from time to time. After all, they do get driven over a lot! So, it makes sense to upgrade them if you can afford to. Koke, a manufacturer of dock levelers, offers a complete line of dock levelers to suit your needs. You can choose from various options at Advanced Overhead Doors & Service based on your specific business needs. The following are some benefits of dock levelers.
HED Series: These units are hydraulically operated to bridge the gap between a truck and a building. Their operating range is +/-5″. They offer lip activation and are low-cost. If your business uses dock levelers frequently, a MEDLF Series unit may suit your needs. These dock levelers are ideal for use with captive fleet trucks. They mount to the dock face and are easy to retrofit.
GVW: When choosing a dock leveler, consider the GVW of the forklift that will be using it. Then, consider its maximum weight and its life span. Other important considerations include the height of the truck bed and dock. A recessed leveler should also be able to accommodate a pallet jack. Also, make sure to check the width of your dock leveler. Standard dock levelers are 6 ft wide. Wider models are ideal for side-by-side pallet arrangement.
Powered dock levelers have the advantage of interlocking with other loading dock equipment. This increases safety. Because the dock leveler is operated only with the trailer restrained, it cannot lower itself without preventing other loading vehicles from rolling off the dock. Moreover, they also feature a full-range toe guard, which closes the sides of the ramp once it is fully raised. This prevents pinch points during lowering. And finally, full-range toe guards are an optional addition to dock levelers.
In addition to preventing warehouse accidents, dock levelers improve safety and productivity. By reducing accidents caused by bumps, they help ensure the loading dock runs efficiently. You can choose from two types of dock levelers: hydraulic and power-assisted. The type of dock leveler that best suits your needs is dependent on its design and GVW. The type of loading dock you have will determine the type of dock leveler you need.
A vertical dock leveler is the most robust option, offering a perfect seal when stored upright. These dock levelers are ideal for cold storage facilities and food warehousing. They can help to seal in conditioned air when overhead doors are closed. In addition, they are the best choice for heavy-duty and high-frequency loading. And you can choose between horizontal and vertical dock levelers according to the specific needs of your business. The benefits of these dock levelers are numerous.
Mechanical dock levelers offer superior product value, extended trouble-free performance, and no manual lifting. Unlike manual levelers, mechanical dock levelers use a pull chain to release the platform. The operator walks onto the platform and forces it to rest on the truck’s bed. A walk-down requirement ranges from 120 to 175 pounds. When selecting a dock leveler, consider the height of your truck and the weight of the load you’re hauling. If the platform is too low, you may need a larger dock leveler.
A low-cost option is the edge-of-dock (EOD) dock leveler. An EOD dock leveler is a small, flat ramp that is secured against the face of the dock with a curb channel. They are generally low-cost and can accommodate a small vertical operating range. An EOD leveler is particularly useful for docks with very little variation in height. The advantage of an EOD dock leveler is that they require minimal maintenance.
Aside from allowing for a higher level of stability, hydraulic dock levelers offer a platform for the transfer of loads. Aside from being sturdy and durable, they also feature shock-absorbing components and hydraulic controls. They also provide a simple way to operate and maintain them, as well as a low cost of ownership. Aside from that, they also feature an industry-leading built-in safety system. And you can count on their reliable service to keep your dock leveler working at peak efficiency.
If your loading dock is low-height, you can choose from one of two different types of dock levelers. The mechanical pit leveler is the most common type, and is also the cheapest. These levelers operate by a hydraulic cylinder to raise and lower the deck. They also tend to be less expensive than the electrically powered version, and they usually require less maintenance than a mechanical leveler. If you’re looking for an affordable solution, you can choose the edge-of-dock leveler.