Choosing the appropriate dock leveler is not as simple as it seems. Deciding whether it should be power assisted, hydraulic, or mechanically operated, can be difficult. There are some guidelines that should be considered when selecting a dock leveler. Remember operating with the incorrect loading dock equipment can slow, stall and even stop production and ultimately have an effect on your operational costs. These inefficiencies can also create potential hazards which may result in an injury to an associate or damage to your product or property. So before you move forward in your selection, please allow Maxim Services to provide an on-site analysis of your needs.

At your facility you will either have a:

Mechanical Edge of the Dock Leveler (EOD)

Mechanical Pit Leveler

Hydraulic Leveler Pit or Edge of the Dock

Power Assisted

Top of the Dock Leveler

There are three basic operating styles for dock levelers: hydraulic, mechanical, and power assisted mechanical units. Each design and style has its place, according to your dock and what kind of trucks typically use your dock.

A: What are your needs:
What type of trucks use your dock? Think about trailer dimensions (height and width). Consider the weight of the loads crossing your dock and the amount of traffic on a day to day basis.

B: Easy operation is important:
Easy operation is important when selecting your leveler. Think about who will be using your dock and what style will best suit your employees. Do some research on the three different types of levelers to see what is best suited for your facility. If you have heavy traffic you should consider a hydraulic or a power assisted mechanical unit.

C: Durability is critical in selecting a leveler:
Make sure the leveler you choose can meet the load capacity and traffic your dock will see everyday. Check the structure and design of the leveler before purchase. Make sure it has enough strength and stability to get the most out of it's life.

D: How much maintenance costs:
Every leveler needs maintenance. Depending on which one you choose will depend on how much maintenance is needed. The simpler the design the easier the leveler will be to maintain. The different styles of levelers can vary on maintenance. Choose wisely because it is critical to the overall lifetime of the unit.

E. Put safety first:
By not having the right dock leveler can result in serious injury. The leveler covers the gap between the trailer and the dock. This is considered the danger zone or the red zone. When trucks are being loaded and unloaded, use chocks or trailer restraints to prevent an accident from occurring. Use barricades when the dock is vacant. Have and follow safety procedures when the dock is under maintenance.

F. Leveler for busy warehouses and docks:
In the event you are operating a warehouse or distribution center that produces high volumes of inbound and/or outbound freight on a daily basis, it is important to make the right selection from the various types of dock levelers The mechanical leveler (Pit or EOD) are most commonly used in high-volume facilities, while hydraulically powered levelers are used most often in refrigerated warehouses. The vital decisions that need to be made are the appropriate leveler capacity, as well as length and width. Other variables to be considered are the percentage of the grade of the dock to the truck incline or decline of the fork lifts and pallet jacks.

Always remember that cost isn't the only consideration or factor when selecting the right loading dock equipment. Let Maxim Services assist you in understanding the different designs and their performance and safety features so you can make an informed decision based on your needs.