What is a Dock Leveler?

Are you looking for an optimal solution for loading and unloading goods but don’t know where to start? Have you heard of Dock Levelers but don’t know exactly about their operating principles, structure, and the applications this material handling equipment offers?

The following article by Naltako hopes to answer all the above questions.

What is a Dock Leveler?

A Dock Leveler is widely used equipment in warehouses, factories, ports,…

The main function of a Dock Leveler is to bridge the gap between the warehouse floor and the floor of transport vehicles, including container trucks, lorries, and specialized cargo vehicles… helping forklifts to enter and exit containers and load/unload goods quickly, safely, and efficiently.

You may be interested in: Naltako Dock Leveler Catalog

Dock Leveler Structure

After understanding what a Dock Leveler is and the basic functions of this lifting equipment, we invite you to consult further information about the product’s structure.

A Dock Leveler consists of 4 main parts:

Platform: The part that comes into direct contact with the forklift is usually made of steel plates with a thickness of 6mm to 8mm. The surface of the hydraulic dock leveler can be coated with a layer of anti-slip paint or have ridges to increase grip for forklifts.

Lifting system: Responsible for lifting the platform to the desired height, creating conditions for forklifts to move up and down the transport vehicles conveniently.

Frame system: The part responsible for securing the hydraulic system and the platform.

Lip: The part that connects the Dock Leveler platform with the truck floor, also known as the platform edge. The lip can be made of steel or rubber, with a length and slope suitable for various types of trucks.

Besides the 4 main parts above, some current Dock Leveler models are also equipped with safety systems, obstacle warnings, overload warnings, Dock Locks, automatic electrical control systems…

Operating principles of a Dock Leveler

A Dock Leveler operates on the lifting and lowering principles of 3 widely used lifting systems today.

Hydraulic lifting system: When the platform needs to be lifted, hydraulic oil is pumped into the hydraulic cylinder, pushing the piston up, and lifting the platform. When the platform needs to be lowered, hydraulic oil is discharged from the hydraulic cylinder, the piston moves down, and the platform lowers.

Mechanical lifting system: Uses the principles of springs, pulleys, and hand cranks to raise and lower the platform’s height.

Airbag lifting system: A pump motor compresses or pushes air out, thereby creating a thrust that helps the platform rise and fall as desired.

Dock Leveler Classifications

There are many ways to classify automatic Dock Levelers. Below are the 2 main classification methods.

Classification of Dock Levelers by lifting system

Hydraulic Dock Leveler: This is the most widely used type of Dock Leveler in warehouses, factories, shops, and repair garages due to its applicability and durability. Hydraulic-powered dock levelers can withstand heavy loads and operate in many harsh environments.

Mechanical Dock Leveler: This leveler does not require a power source and is cheaper than the other two types. However, the equipment has a low load capacity and requires human effort to raise and lower the platform. In addition, mechanical dock levelers also emit unpleasant noises during operation.

Air Operated Dock Leveler: The equipment operates smoothly, has a high load capacity, and is suitable for many types of vehicles. However, the product has a complex structure, making repair and maintenance difficult.

Hướng dẫn lựa chọn dock leveler chất lượng

Classification of Dock Levelers by load capacity

Mini dock leveler: Usually, a Dock Leveler with a load capacity of under 500kg is called a mini dock leveler. This type is suitable for small businesses with low-load goods transportation needs.

Heavy-duty dock leveler: Dock Levelers can withstand load capacities from over 500kg to tens of tons. The products are often used for motorized forklifts and container handlers. Among the high-load-bearing types, the 6-ton dock leveler is the most popular and widely used.

Benefits of a Dock Leveler

Using a Dock Leveler brings many benefits to businesses and small business individuals:

Enhance goods loading/unloading efficiency: Helps forklifts enter and exit containers easily and quickly, saving time in loading and unloading goods.

Minimize human effort, ensure occupational safety: The assistance of a Dock Leveler significantly reduces human effort, limiting the risk of accidents during the goods loading and unloading process.

Minimize the risk of cargo damage: A Dock Leveler is the bridge between the warehouse floor and the cargo vehicle. Therefore, automatic dock levelers will minimize the risk of damage caused by the cargo handling process.

Applications of Dock Levelers

Dock Levelers are widely applied in many different fields, including:

• Warehouses and manufacturing plants;
• Logistics centers;
• Supermarkets, shopping malls;
• Ports and airports;
• Motorcycle and automobile dealers/manufacturers

See more:

Applications of Hydraulic Dock Levelers

Tips for choosing the right Dock Leveler

To choose the right automatic dock leveler, you first need to determine your goods lifting needs in terms of load capacity, minimum platform dimensions, frequency of use…

After identifying the above factors, choose the type of Dock Leveler according to your affordable budget.

Finally, choose a reputable and high-quality Dock Leveler supplier with clear product warranty and maintenance policies. Do not forget to compare prices among suppliers to get the best price.

Where to buy reputable and high-quality Dock Levelers?

Naltako Industrial Joint Stock Company is a unit specializing in the design, manufacture, and installation of various types of Dock Levelers, especially hydraulic dock levelers.

Highlights:

• Naltako possesses a team of skilled and experienced engineers and workers.
• Naltako utilizes advanced and modern technology in manufacturing.
• Naltako provides high-quality products and services at competitive prices.
• Naltako has attentive warranty and after-sales services.

Reference: The Most Popular Industrial Dock Leveler Models in 2024

With the motto “Prestige – Quality – Efficiency”, Naltako is committed to bringing customers the best products and services.

Contact information: Naltako Company

Address: Km19, National Highway 6, Phuc Tien TDP, Bien Giang, Ha Dong, Hanoi.

Phone: 0981.977.898

Website: https://naltako.vn/

Email: nhat.mtk53@gmail.com