Today, selecting the right dock leveller for your facility can be more complicated than ever. New models are being introduced. Truck designs are changing. Productivity is critical. And safety is becoming an even bigger issue at loading docks across Europe.
There are now three basic types of dock levellers: hydraulic, air-powered and mechanical. Each design has its place, depending on the application, but there are distinct differences between each type. So before you select a dock leveller for your facility, follow this simple six-step procedure for evaluating your needs. By analyzing these key areas, you'll be able to choose the best equipment for your operation. Here's a brief look at the topics we cover:
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Your Specific Needs
Safety
Ease of Operation
Maintenance
Reliability/Durability
Manufacturer Support
Step 1: Consider your specific needs |
Different operations place different demands on a dock leveller. Make sure that the dock leveller you choose matches your individual requirements. Consider the types of vehicles that will use your loading dock, trailer dimensions, frequency of use and load capacities. All of these factors will help determine the dock leveller that's best designed for your operation.
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| Step 2: Put employee safety first |
Safety is one of the most critical considerations when selecting any loading dock equipment. The dock leveller covers the "danger zone" - that gap between the loading dock and trailer that is crossed by fork-lifts up to 100,000 times per year. Make sure that the dock levellers you choose are built for maximum safety in four key areas: (1) vacant dock drop-off protection; (2) free-fall protection; (3) protecting cross-traffic against voids in the floor; and (4) protecting personnel during dock leveller maintenance.
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| Step 3: Look for easy operation |
Convenience is a key consideration in choosing your dock leveller. For optimum productivity, you want a system that's easy to learn, easy to operate and easy on your personnel. You need to look at the convenience of operation for the three dock leveller types, hydraulic, mechanical, and power-assisted mechanical to determine which is best suited for your facility. Push-button vs. pull chain, full range float, and lip extension/retraction are just a few of the issues to consider.
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| Step4: Consider maintenance costs |
Initial cost is just part of the picture when evaluating your dock leveller purchase. Anticipated maintenance and repair costs are also vital factors. Consider the accessibility of components for servicing. Look for simplicity of design. Check the overall quality of construction. And consider the frequency of required maintenance. Dock levellers can vary widely on these points, which all contribute to the overall lifetime ownership cost of the unit.
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| Step 5: Look for reliability and durability |
To get maximum reliability from your dock leveller, consider your specific application and make sure the equipment can meet the challenge. Structural differences between competitive models may not be obvious at first glance. So when evaluating equipment, look closely for dependable design, quality construction, strength and stability. These factors should give you more dependable performance, longer dock leveller life and lower ownership costs.
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| Step 6: Check manufacturer and representative support |
When you choose a dock leveller, you're making a long-term investment. You're choosing an important product. And you're also choosing a company. Make sure you select a manufacturer and local dealer who stand behind the equipment and provide complete service and support. Ask about a company's track record with existing customers. Ask for a product demonstration, and visit a field site where the equipment has been installed for some time. Check out the availability of service specialists. Ask about guaranteed life expectancy of the dock leveller and make sure you get written warranties.
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