The loading dock is one of the busiest areas in your entire commercial facility. It can also be one of the most dangerous. Using levelers in your dock area is and easy and cost-effective way to improve your loading dock safety. A loading dock lever can make things safer for both your workers and those who deliver to your facility. Let’s look at the different types of levelers and how they work.
Different Types of Loading Dock Levelers
Loading dock levers come in three different types that all operate differently and take on a different role in loading dock operations. There are also three ways to power your leveler: air, mechanical, and hydraulic. Let’s take a look at what those types mean for your establishment.
Your loading dock lever options are:
- Pit style– this style of loading dock lever is placed across dock bays to make the path smoother for forklifts than enter/exit the trailers.
- Vertical style– this style is similar to a seal that goes around the trailer once it has attached to the dock.
- Edge of dock style– this type of leveler helps make your dock and truck trailer the same height.
The type of loading dock lever you use will be specific to your needs, product passing through your dock, and the design of your loading dock area.
As mentioned above, there is more than one way to power your leveler. Here are the options for operating your dock leveler.
Air– in this style of leveler, air is pushed through the device, and that air operates the device.
Mechanical– these can also be called manual-powered levers. These devices are fixed into place and powered by a person.
Hydraulic– this type is connected to a power source and operated by a push-button.
Just like with choosing what style of loading dock lever you need, the type of power you use will also be dependent on your dock design and the needs of your business.
Tips for Picking the Best Loading Dock Lever for Your Facility
The loading dock lever you choose will depend on the needs of your facility and the type of goods you transport. Each type of loading dock lever has a specific benefit. Here are a few of the loading dock leveler options and their benefits.
Pit style– this is the type of leveler you would need if your dock area isn’t even. It helps make the path in and out of the area smooth, improving safety for workers and your products.
Vertical style– this style is ideal if you need to control the temperature around the trailer while you load/unload. It acts as a seal to keep the temperature consistent.
Edge of deck style– if your dock isn’t the same height as the trailers that use your dock, this presents a hazard. An edge of deck leveler helps even out any height differences, making transport smoother and safer.
Authority Dock & Door Can Help You Find the Best Loading Dock Lever for Your Facility
Adding a loading dock lever is an essential piece of your loading dock operations. These will provide safety and cost-efficiency to your business. You can choose from multiple methods of power and a variety of styles that will fit the needs of your dock.
