A dock leveller (or dock leveler) is an indispensable piece of equipment that ensures seamless transportation. This often involves transferring goods between vehicles and warehouses. Dock levellers are crucial in optimising operations, improving safety, and streamlining workflows.
Bridge Door Systems wants to highlight dock levellers’ many purposes and benefits. Specifically, we want to take a closer look at their various types and professional tips.
What Is a Dock Leveller?
A dock leveller is a height-adjustable platform that bridges the gap between the warehouse floor and a vehicle’s loading bed. So, what does a dock leveller do? It is a tool that addresses height discrepancies between a loading dock and vehicles of varying heights.
This issue is common in warehouses and distribution centres where different vehicles are used. This includes trucks, trailers, and vans used to load and unload goods. Loading and unloading can become unsafe and inefficient without a proper dock leveller.
Dock levellers create a stable surface that allows goods to move swiftly between the vehicle and the warehouse. They withstand heavy traffic and typically use strong materials like steel or aluminium. This makes them highly reliable across various operations, from handling fragile items to moving bulky or oversized goods.
How Does a Dock Leveller Work?
Dock levellers function as adjustable platforms that align the dock height with the vehicle’s loading bed. Therefore, this helps to eliminate the dangerous gap or step between the two surfaces. The mechanism behind these systems can vary, but most dock levellers consist of the following components:
- Base Frame: This anchors the leveller securely to the loading dock.
- Platform: The surface that supports goods movement and adjusts to accommodate different heights.
- Lip: This component extends from the platform and rests on the vehicle bed. Therefore, this provides a continually stable surface for loading or unloading goods.
Depending on the type, dock levellers can operate manually (mechanical) or use automated systems like hydraulics or pneumatics for smoother adjustments. When activated, the leveller adjusts its height to match the truck bed, and the lip extends for a steady connection.
What Is a Dock Leveller Used For?
Dock levellers are crucial in industries that require smooth, safe handling of goods. They serve several purposes, so makes them vital to the daily operations of many businesses:
Facilitate Faster Loading and Unloading: Dock levellers speed up the loading and unloading. Specifically, this eliminates the physical barriers caused by gaps and uneven surfaces. This efficiency allows businesses to handle more products in less time.
Enhance Safety: The stability that a dock leveller provides helps prevent accidents. This is for those specifically related to slips, trips, and falls caused by gaps between the dock and the vehicle. They also guarantee that the forklift or pallet jack remains steady while goods are moving between vehicles.
Reduce Risk of Damage: The smooth surface of a dock leveller minimises the risk of damage to goods, especially those caused by abrupt drops or uneven surfaces during loading or unloading.
Optimise Workflow: Dock levellers improve operational flow by creating a safe and stable environment for goods transfer. This is especially important for businesses that handle high volumes or heavy loads. Therefore, it guarantees that workers can complete tasks more efficiently and safely.
Types of Dock Levellers
Hydraulic Dock Levellers
Hydraulic dock levellers are ideal for heavy-duty operations, offering high precision and minimal manual effort. They suit businesses that handle large loads, frequent use, and harsh working environments. Hydraulic systems allow for quick, automatic adjustments, making them a breeze to use in high-traffic areas.
Mechanical Dock Levellers
Operators manually operate mechanical dock levellers, making them a more cost-effective solution compared to hydraulic models. They are suitable for low-traffic facilities, lighter loads, and businesses with limited budgets. Although they require more physical effort to operate, mechanical levellers are reliable and easy to maintain.
Air-Powered Dock Levellers
These systems use pneumatic (air-powered) technology to adjust the leveller’s height smoothly. Air-powered dock levellers balance the simplicity of mechanical models and the precision of hydraulic ones. However, they work well for medium-duty operations where automation is desired without the higher costs of hydraulic models.
Edge-of-Dock Levellers
Edge-of-dock levellers are compact, cost-effective solutions for smaller spaces and low-demand environments. Install these levellers at the edge of a loading dock to bridge minor height differences. As a result, they are an excellent choice for businesses with limited space or lower operational needs.
How Much Does a Dock Leveller Cost?
The cost of a dock leveller can vary widely based on factors like type, size, and features. It’s important to note that the initial cost is one part of the total investment. Add additional costs, such as installation, maintenance, and future repairs, into your budget.
Mechanical dock levellers: £1,500–£3,000
Hydraulic models: £3,000–£10,000, so depends on customisations
Air-powered options: £4,000–£8,000
Edge-of-dock levellers: £1,000–£2,500
How to Install a Dock Leveller
Professional installation is crucial for ensuring both safety and optimal performance. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Site Preparation: The dock area must be measured and cleared before installing the dock leveller.
- Securing the Base Frame: The base frame is anchored securely to the dock, guaranteeing complete stability during use.
- Platform and Lip Installation: The platform and lip are attached and aligned, guaranteeing smooth adjustments and a safe connection with the vehicle.
- Testing: Once installed, the system is tested to ensure it operates correctly and meets all safety standards.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dock leveller is an important decision that impacts the safety and productivity of your business. If you are looking for dock levellers UK, Bridge Door Systems has an array of loading bay equipment available.
Contact us today to learn how a dock leveller improves your operations.