Specialty Dock Levelers and Their Applications

As loading dock and warehouse safety issues grow in importance, along with productivity and environmental mandates, there comes an increasing need for more innovative equipment. One of the areas of ongoing innovation pertains to  loading dock levelers in Dallas Texas. There are four types of specialty  dock levelers in Dallas Texas offered by Southern Dock Products, a Division of DuraServ Corp., namely:

 
The type you will want to use will depend on the application. Here is a closer look at the different specialty dock levelers in Dallas Texas:
 

Serco Versadock Dock Leveler

Design Highlights
· Full 9′ Wide Below-dock Access
· Patented HYDRA MAX® Powered-in/Powered-out Lip Extension
· Regenerative Hydraulics
· Yieldable Hydraulic Lip
· Auto Return-to-Dock
· Push-button Quick Cycle Lip Extension
· Steel NEMA 12 Push-button Control Panel (Non-Interlock Capable)
· Hydraulic Velocity Fuse Safety Stop
· CLEAN FRAME® Design
· Full Operating Range Toe Guards
· Below-dock Endloading Capability
· Grease Fittings
· Integral Maintenance Strut & Lip Support Latch (Dual Struts on 80K Capacity Only)
· Weatherseal
· Full Pit Steel Kit Including Pit Floor Embeds
· Heavy-duty B410-14F Dock Bumpers


Serco Power-Assisted Dock Leveler Model PAL

Serco’s Power-Assisted Leveler is designed to maintain an efficient operation 24/7. In the event of a power failure during loading/unloading, the PAL can be restored, and the building secured, with an easy-to-use manual override device. If busy schedules demand that operations continue, the tool can be used to position the leveler manually.

Design Highlights
· New! Exclusive SafeTFrame® Design
· Manual Override/Power Outage Capability (Activation Tool Included)
· Structural Steel Safety Legs with Reflex™ Anti-Stump-out System
· Exclusive HYDRA CAM™ Plus Automatic Lip Extension
· High Tensile Steel Lip, Deck & Beams
· Non-Metallic Push-button Control Panel (Non-Interlock Capable)
· 120V Single Phase Operation
· CLEAN FRAME® Design
· Full Operating Range Toe Guards
· Below-dock Endloading Capability
· 16″ Lip Standard
· Grease Fittings
· Integral Maintenance Strut & Lip Support Latch
· Heavy-duty B410-14F Dock Bumpers


Serco Vertical Dock Leveler

Design Highlights
· Leveler Powered Down to Working Range via Constant Pressure – Push-button
· Dual Acting Lip Powered Both Directions
· Steel NEMA 12 Control Panel (Interlock Capable) with Raise, Lower, Lip In, Lip Out, Mushroom-style Stop, Amber & Green Illuminated Operation
· Indicator Lights
· PLC Programmable Controller
· Remote-mounted Power Unit, Valves & Solenoids with Mounting Bracket & 20″ Hydraulic Hose
· Patented Hinged Bottom Draft Pad
· Terminals for Interlocking Door or Restraint
· Rear Embed Mounting Channel with 5 Factory-Welded Hinges
· 4″ High Runoff Guards
· Structural Channel Beam Deck
· Integral Maintenance Locking Bar with Lock-out/Tag-out Capability
· Two VB420-11FF Bumpers with Riser Brackets


Serco Vertical Hydraulic Rail Leveler

The Hydraulic Rail Leveler is designed specifically for rail car operations. With the same vertical storing and safety features as its dock leveler counterpart, the Rail Leveler is an ideal solution to increase efficiency during rail car loading operations.

Design Highlights
· Leveler Powered Down to Working Range via Constant Pressure Push-button
· Steel NEMA 12 Control Panel (Interlock Capable) with Raise, Lower, Lip In, Lip Out, Mushroom-style Stop, Amber & Green Illuminated Operation
· Indicator Lights
· PLC Programmable Controller
· “Quick-Cycle” Powered-In/Powered-Out Hydraulic Lip Activation
· 20″ Lip Standard
· Includes End Loading Capability
· On Manual Side Shift Units, Lateral Rail Brake Prevents Side Shifting When Leveler Is Lowered
· 6″ High Runoff Guards


Loadhog

Design Highlights
· Easy installation – No Concrete Pit Required
· Superior Environmental Control
· Superior Sanitary and Rodent Control
· Improves Loss Prevention
· Superior Cost of Ownership
· 6′, 6′ 6″ & 7′ Widths Available
· Working Range 6” Above & 4″ Below Dock
· Extended Lip Purchase (18″ Equivalent)
· Rugged Capacity – Permits Use With 3-wheel & 4-wheel Lift Traffic
· 4″ Side-to-side Tilt To Accommodate Uneven Trailers


Here are a few criteria that you will want to take into account:

1. Your specific needs
Each operation will place different demands on a loading dock leveler. It is essential to make sure you pick the right loading dock leveler for your individual requirements. You’ll need to take into account the type of vehicles that will use your dock or the type of loading bay. Things to consider are frequency of use, load capacities, and trailer dimensions.

2. Safety first
Health and safety is for most organizations a top priority, and you’ll need to be aware of safety when selecting dock levelers. The leveler covers the gap between the dock and trailer that is crossed by forklifts many times each year. Ensure the leveler you choose covers safety in four key areas: vacant dock drop-off protection, free-fall protection, protecting cross traffic against gaps in the floor, and protection of personnel during routine leveler maintenance.

Maintenance costs
There is more to consider than just the initial cost of the leveler you choose. Maintenance costs should also be considered. Try to ascertain the availability of spares and look for an uncomplicated design. Above all, check the quality of construction. Not all levelers are equal and quality varies widely.

Reliability and durability
It is important to get maximum reliability from your dock leveler. Therefore you should consider your individual application to ensure the equipment you finally choose meets the challenge. At first glance, structural differences between models may not be obvious. Therefore, when evaluating equipment, you should look closely for stability, strength, design and quality of construction.

Support and after sales
 
Manufacturer support and after-sales service is an important consideration when choosing a loading dock leveler. This is a long term investment and a loading  dock leveler is an important part of your operation. You’ll need a manufacturer who stands behind the equipment they sell. They should offer after sales service.

Following these simple steps will go a long way in helping you choose the right leveler for your business application. Southern Dock Products, a Division of DuraServ., servicing Dallas Texas, can help you decide which type of  specialty dock leveler is best for your operation, or create a custom solution that meets your unique needsContact us today to learn more about our specialty dock levelers.

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