Chances are that you have seen quite a few dock levelers in your life. They are pieces of loading dock equipment that many large stores use to receive or send shipments on semi-trucks. Grocery stores, hardware stores, warehouses, and more use dock levelers in their shipping and receiving areas.
What Does a Dock Leveler Do?
A dock leveler does just as its name suggests. They are pieces of equipment that are stationed at loading dock doors. Dock levelers allow products and equipment such as forklifts to move between the transport vehicle and the dock. They usually use some sort of ramp called a deck. There is a lip at the end of the deck that attaches to the end of the transport vehicle. The deck and lip are usually made with a non-slip type of surface for safety. Dock levelers allow businesses to safely and efficiently receive shipments.
Different Types of Dock Levelers
There are 4 popular dock leveler types to choose from and each has its own benefits. The 4 different types include mechanical, hydraulic, air, and vertical levelers. Mechanical dock levelers are the most versatile of the 4 main types. They are very simple to operate and the most cost-effective although they have to be operated manually. Hydraulic dock levelers can handle heavy loads with ease and operate well in extreme weather conditions. Air-powered dock levelers are operated by an inflated airbag and usually controlled by the push-button operation. Vertical dock levelers are primarily used on loading docks where the internal temperature of the building has to be controlled. They run on a hydraulic system and are stored vertically so that the overhead doors may close completely.
Dock Levelers with Altech Doors
Altech Doors carries mechanical, airbag, and hydraulically operated dock levelers. We provide a large range of weight capacities as well, ranging from 100 lbs to 80,000 lbs. We offer truck restraints, dock seals, dock shelters, and bumpers as well. At Altech Doors we guarantee you great service and the results you want. We proudly service Detroit, MI, Southfield, MI, Livonia, MI, Novi, MI, Romulus, MI, and the surrounding areas. If you would like more information about hollow metal doors or any of our services contact us online or at (734) 525-0875.