Hot Dip Galvanized units have a zinc coating that bonds with the metal itself creating a barrier that is an extension or a part of the metal itself. This process provides a rugged, durable unit, significantly reduces rust and corrosion and extends the life of the product.

This application is ideal for coastal areas, food service industries and chemical/pharmaceutical-type environments. Loading docks in high weather or chemical exposure situations should make this investment. Whether it’s an edge-of-dock, portable board or pit leveler, Hot Dip Galvanizing can be an effective, long term solution.

There are three ways of determining the capacity of a dock leveler. The first is static load – the amount of standing (non-moving, non-impact) weight the dock leveler will support. The second factor is rollover capacity – the amount of moving weight the leveler will support in its closed and fully supported position. The third is dynamic load – this is a measure of the force the load applies to the leveler as it impacts the leveler in a raised position. The dynamic rating is a combination of the weight of the lift vehicle and its load, its speed and the angle of the leveler above dock. Dynamic force increases as the grade increases, therefore, a longer dock leveler will handle greater loads, because the dynamic impact is less.

• those with limited space
• end users or contractors
• light to medium loads
• average to heavy traffic
• those with a minimum variance between truck bed height and dock height

Dishing is the term used to describe the condition where a Dock Leveler deck plate, that has inadequate structural support, has distorted. The deck has waves in it that are a clear sign that the steel is dangerously stretched and fatigued. Preventing dishing is the reason why a Dock Leveler’s deck structure, particularly the type, number and placement of beams, is so important.

Absolutely not. Even Dock Levelers with the same capacity rating vary greatly in design. The structural integrity of a Dock Leveler, like that of a bridge, is determined not by the top surface, but by the type of reinforcement underneath. The deck supports in general use today range from light gauge formed shapes to structural I beams. A rational comparison is crucial. Remember that a modern Dock Leveler has to be able to withstand the dynamic force of a fully loaded lift truck, constantly hitting it at up to 6 m.p.h. (10 k.p.h.), without the deck dishing. PIONEER uses structural “C” channel as deck support on all of our pit levelers, except the C Series. The C or Contractor series incorporates the same type of deck beam configuration as our competitors.

Static and rollover refer to the amount of weight that a Dock Leveler can safely support, either stacked on the deck or crossing over it, while in the stored position. Dynamic capacity refers to the total force of a rolling load that a Dock Leveler can safely support while in the extended or service position. This dynamic rating should be used when selecting your Dock Leveler, since it is the only method that considers true, live working conditions.

Both types are available in a variety of sizes and capacity ranges. Hydraulic Dock Levelers, although higher in initial cost, have proven to provide lower lifetime cost due to lower maintenance requirements. Added benefits of fully hydraulic Dock Levelers include smooth, quiet operation at the touch of a button and automatic return to cross traffic position. For operator convenience and years of trouble-free service, fully hydraulic Dock Levelers are suggested for all applications.