For light load capabilities and limited working ranges, levelers provide an ideal solution for a smooth transition and loading efficiency between the floor and the trailer bed. When the staging and shipping areas are small, using the edge of dock levelers would be the right equipment to go with.
They are also great for working on trucks that have minimal differences in height, such as in air-ride suspension trailers or captive fleets. In other words, they have a massive contribution to the loading and dock industry.
What is an edge of dock leveler?
Many warehouses use the levelers to bridge the gap between the truck trailers and the loading docks. Unloading and loading operations present some risks to forklifts, handling equipment, and pedestrians. The purpose of this equipment is to create smooth and safe loading and transition.
It guarantees the safety of both the workers and the cargo by preventing tripping from floor surfaces.
Also, these edge of dock levelers reduce product pilferage, contaminant infiltration, and pest infestation, particularly when stored.
The operation becomes ergonomically friendly. The levelers save space and time as there is no need to move, store, and find portable plates. Moreover, they are more suitable for companies that have tighter budgets due to their ease of installation and typically require a smaller investment. It is because the construction of dock pits can become quite expensive.
Edge of dock and traditional dock levelers have similar functionality, in which the lip is extended, raised, and lowered when connecting the trailer bed to the dock. While both have the same purpose, the differences make them the right choice for various setups of the loading dock.
Consulting an expert can help you understand the levelers much better, thus helping you make an informed decision.
Hydraulic and mechanical versions of edge of dock levelers
The hydraulically based models of these levelers provide safety and convenience with push-button features. The hydraulic design features lip and deck retraction and a power extension. You can adjust the descent speed of the leveler with its exclusive speed control.
On the other hand, the mechanically operated edges of dock levelers are popular in the market. They come with a spring lift mechanism in dual extension, offering durability and efficiency. Using this equipment ensures smooth and safe operation. The rugged construction and meticulous engineering guarantee extended life.
Both versions of the levelers are specifically designed to work in low frequency and low capacity settings.
Typically, the mechanical model uses a lever to lower and raise the deck into the truck trailer. While the mechanical edge of dock levelers are considered having a limited range in operation, it is more affordable than the hydraulic edge of dock levelers.
In general, the hydraulic models and mechanical versions work the same way. But the hydraulically operated ones come with a push button to lower and raise the deck.
Edge of dock levelers generally come with a design that gets mounted to the face of the dock instead of the dock surface pit or floor. It promotes ease of installation. If the building or dock has no pit leveler or a pit itself, then pit framing or surface demo are associated with high costs.
But it is easy to weld the edge of dock levelers to the dock steel angle and anchor it to the dock face.
