Choosing the Right Dock Leveler Plate for Your Loading Dock

A dock leveler plate is a metal bridge that bridges the gap between a loading dock and transport vehicle, compensating for the difference in height between warehouse floor and truck bed.dock leveler plate It protects both your products and the staff members who load and unload them by ensuring a smooth transition between work areas. It also helps ensure efficient and safe operation in a busy workplace. Incorrectly outfitting your loading dock with a dock plate that is not suited to its intended purpose can result in damage and safety risks.

A common misconception is that dock plates and dock levelers are the same, but they are actually two different pieces of equipment with distinct applications.dock leveler plate Dock plates are lightweight and portable, and as a result, they can only be used for lighter loads, such as those transported by manual equipment such as dollies, pallet jacks, panel trucks, or trolley carts. The other major difference between dock plates and dock levelers is that they are designed to be a permanent fixture, while dock boards and other portable gap-bridging equipment are meant to be temporary.

There are several types of dock levelers available, and the type you choose will depend on your facility’s needs and budget.dock leveler plate One of the most important factors is the activation system, which determines how the dock leveler is triggered to move into operation. The three most common activation systems are mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic.

1.1 Mechanical Pit Leveler

Sometimes known as a “mechanical dock leveler,” this style of leveler uses a mechanical spring system to elevate the deck from a stored position. This is the most popular dock leveler variety, and it offers a lower cost than other styles of pit dock levelers. It is typically "upward biased," which means that it consistently urges the deck upward, and an electrical power source at the dock is required to operate it.

1.2 Air Pit Leveler

This variety is more expensive than the mechanical dock leveler, and it operates with an air-powered system. Unlike the mechanical pit leveler, this dock leveler requires no electrical power at the dock to operate, and it is often safer than other types of pit dock levels because it does not have moving parts that can break or wear out.

1.3 Hydraulic Dock Leveler

This style of dock leveler is more costly than the other two, but it provides superior functionality and durability for your business. It utilizes a hydraulic system to elevate and lower the dock leveler deck, and it is designed with a constant radius rear hinge, two-point crown control, optimized lip chamfer, and steel dock edge to prevent run-off.

If you’re unsure of the type of dock leveler that will best suit your facilities, a Beuschel Sales representative can meet with you to assess your needs and make recommendations. Contact us today to schedule a meeting. We look forward to hearing from you!

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