Loading dock equipment is used for the easy and safe loading, unloading, and movement of material at docks. There are different types of loading dock equipment. Here is the brief description of some of them.
Dock Levelers
Dock levelers are used to allow easy transfer of goods from the docks to the trailers. They create a bridge between the dock and the trailer thus ensuring easy and safe movement of material. Depending upon their drive mechanism, dock levelers are of three types ““ mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic. Mechanical dock levelers are the least expensive. In this type of leveler, the spring and chain action causes the deck to move up and down. The docks that handle large volume of material generally use hydraulic dock levelers. This type of leveler is automatic and gets activated with a push button. Pneumatic levelers use air bags to move the deck up. These are gaining popularity because of their simple and easy operation and low maintenance.
Another type of dock leveler which is extensively used in climate controlled docks is vertical dock levelers. These are hydraulic levelers that remain vertical when not in use. It helps the docks to maintain cleanliness and improve their energy efficiency.
While choosing a dock leveler, one should keep in mind the volume of material the dock handles, the load that the leveler should be able to carry, and the height adjustment.
Vehicle Restraint
Another dock loading equipment is vehicle restraint. This equipment is used to enhance the safety at the dock. Since the accidental movement of truck during loading, unloading or parking at the dock can cause mishaps, vehicle restraints are used to keep them in place. One can use mechanical, Electro-mechanical or Electro-hydraulic vehicle restraint in their dock facility. While selecting this loading dock equipment, one should ensure that it is user friendly.
Dock Seals
This loading dock equipment is used to fill the gaps between the trailer and the dock door. This helps to prevent the leakage of air, which is the major cause of loss of energy at docks. Also, it improves the safety of material and helps prevent contamination of the stored material, which could occur due to air infiltration. There are different types of dock seals. Among them, inflatable dock seals are the most widely used. They seal both the sides and top of the trailer. Pad dock seal is another popular dock seal. It is popular because of its low cost.
Besides the above, there are several other types of loading dock equipment which includes dock lights, dock bumpers, dock doors, dock lifts and so on. There are several things that one should consider while buying loading dock equipment. Some of them are reputation of the manufacturer, cost of the equipment, specifications of the equipment, and its safety features. One should only trust a reputed dock loading equipment company for buying such equipment. The most important specifications that should be checked are the weight bearing capacity and size of the equipment. Also, one should pay attention to the material of construction of the equipment.
Pentalift designs, engineers, and manufactures material handling equipment loading dock equipment and scissor lift tables, both custom and standard. Founded in 1983, Pentalift has grown to become North America's leading provider of quality material handling equipment /delivered with a consistently high level of customer service.
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