Loading dock planning and design looks much different today than it did just a decade ago. Planning the right loading dock equipment and design will ensure that safety, productivity, and quality control standards are met. Once site design, traffic flow, configuration, and exterior commercial garage doors and details are finalized, choosing the right loading lock leveler is one of the most important choices you'll make for maximizing efficiency.
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Use our loading dock leveler guide to achieve a set-up that ticks all the logistics boxes, giving your dock operations team the best safety and efficiency standards available.
The dock is one of the main locations listed among OSHA's Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards. According to OSHA, "many workers can also be injured when (1) lift trucks are inadvertently driven off loading docks; (2) lifts fall between docks and an unsecured trailer; (3) they are struck by a lift truck; or (4) they fall while on elevated pallets and tines."
Choosing the right dock leveler will help your dock operations team prevent injuries and maintain productivity standards.
Types of Dock Levelers
Dock levelers bridge the gap and height difference between your dock and the trailer, and choosing the right design will make unloading trucks and trailers easier, while reducing the risk of accidents. There are two main types of dock levelers, and each of these types offer different load capacity, activation systems, environmental capability, and specific cleaning and maintenance requirements.
Recessed Dock Levelers
Recessed dock levelers have a high load range and a long life expectancy. Recessed dock levelers are available with three main types of operators:
1. Mechanical, Spring Loaded Dock Leveler
Mechanical dock levelers utilize a mechanism of chains, pulleys, levers, and fulcrums to allow easy positioning for your docking area. The design of our mechanical dock levelers offers the advantage of a single adjustment point for high strength, durability, easy walk-down, with an open frame design for easy pit clean out.
Mechanical dock levelers don't consume as much power and are usually more affordable to install.
2. Air-Powered Push Button Dock Leveler
A simple, single-push button control panel combined with the power of a high volume, low pressure air pump allows for years of reliable performance. The air-powered push button dock leveler provides a sturdy dock leveler that requires minimal maintenance.
3. Push Button Hydraulic Dock Leveler
Push-button hydraulic dock levelers are very reliable, but they require more maintenance than air powered designs. They will initially cost more than an air-powered or mechanical leveler, but they're a better investment for high-traffic loading docs.
You need a durable mechanical dock leveler that is going to stand the test of time and a model with the right hold-down set-up to reduce wear and tear on parts. As you will be utilizing your loading dock frequently, this will save you money on maintenance, repairs, and even replacement in the future.
Edge of Dock Levelers
Edge of dock levelers are the best choice for docks where there is little variation in truck bed height and light volume loading bays. They can be mounted directly to the dock. They're perfect for businesses that have light load capacities and limited budgets for dock equipment.
Edge of dock levelers are also available in mechanical, air-powered, or hydraulic options.
Find the Right Loading Dock Leveler with Expert Support
When you work with Door Systems commercial door specialists, you can enjoy a variety of benefits, including:
High-quality brands and parts that will hold up under extended use
Fast and efficient installs &#; no costly downtime
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With Door Systems, you can focus on your business, we'll focus on your dock and door equipment
Dependable expert advice from trusted master technicians
Customer-centered service from a global company that is backed by over 120 years of industry experience and skill
Discover the possibilities for your location with our Interactive 3D Warehouse. Give one of our door experts a call at 1-800-THE-DOOR or use our Request a Quote Form.
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Loading Dock Shelter Buyer's Guide
Are you considering the purchase of a loading dock shelter for your facility? Whether your company has been at the same location for decades or is moving to a new facility, ensuring that you select the correct loading dock enclosure for your needs is crucial. Buying the proper dock shelter for your loading dock will benefit your business by protecting against energy loss, product damage, safety hazards, diminished employee comfort, quality inspection concerns, and contamination risks.
What Are Dock Shelters?
Dock shelters are used at loading docks to maintain the indoor loading dock environment. They help seal the space between the trailer and the building during the loading and unloading process. Dock shelters seal the perimeter of a trailer by applying pressure against it using fabric curtains fitted with fiberglass stays. They deliver a wide host of benefits, including long-lasting durability, full access to the trailer, and the ability to serve a wide range of trailers and loading dock applications.
Before selecting which loading dock door shelter is best for your facility, it is important to understand that dock shelters and dock seals are not synonymous. Understanding the differences between a dock shelter and dock seal - their functionality and the unique applications they serve - is essential for selecting the right product.
Are Dock Shelters Worth the Investment?
Oftentimes, to justify the cost of a facility improvement, a cost-benefit analysis needs to be performed before moving ahead with a purchase. The research backing the benefits of dock shelters is unmistakable. Not only can dock door air gaps cost you money, but they can also result in costs related to worker safety.
- The total annual cost of gaps in your dock doors can range between hundreds to thousands of dollars per dock position.
- Gaps can also lead to safety issues &#; wet conditions at the loading dock that lead to worker injuries, and the entry of pests and contaminants into your facility that can lead to inspection failures.
What Should You Consider When Installing a Loading Dock Shelter?
Because there are so many different types of dock shelters available, there are numerous factors to consider before placing your order. Although not an exhaustive list, below are some of the core considerations to make as you decide which loading dock door shelter is ideal for your loading bay:
- What types of trucks is your business receiving at the loading docks?
- What are the sizes of your dock doors? How much space is around the doors on the outside of your building?
- What type of load configurations do you typically send or receive at your dock?
- What level of sealing efficiency and durability do you desire?
- What is your budget?
- Do you want a warranty/satisfaction guarantee to accompany the installation?
Do I Need a New or Upgraded Dock Shelter?
If your facility is already equipped with dock shelters, it is easy to tell if you are due for a replacement or upgrade.
- If a trailer is parked at a dock door with an existing shelter and you can still see the light coming in around the perimeter of the truck, it is time to consider some level of repair or replacement. Consult with a loading dock repair expert in your area to see how the gaps can be sealed, whether that is with shelter upgrades, peripheral sealing products, or a new dock enclosure.
- Inspect the integrity of all dock shelter components. If your dock shelters are showing signs of wear and tear, an upgrade could be appropriate to pursue.
Types of Rite-Hite Loading Dock Shelters
Rite-Hite is proud to offer nine different types of dock shelter models for your loading bay/dock doors.
Explore the benefits and functionality of each dock shelter to learn more about which option is right for your company.
Have questions related to our line of loading dock shelters? Contact our team of professionals today to get the answers you need, and to schedule your dock shelter installation.
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