Selecting the Right Dock Leveler (Dock Plate)

Hydraulic Dock Levelers (Dock Plates) by McGuire Edge of Dock Leveler in NYC Rite Hite Air Powered  Dock Levelers (Dock Plates) in NJ

 


In very simple terms, a dock leveler (also known as dock plate) is a bridge that covers the gap
between a building/facility and the transport vehicle, protecting both, your products during the loading/unloading.  

✓ Step 1. - Pick Your Dock Leveler: You will need to pick the type of dock leveler/dock plate that works best for you. It is determined by the volume of traffic, total gross weight of the load, the difference in height between trailer & dock, productivity & efficiency concerns, and most of all - SAFETY.

1.1 Mechanical dock levelers/dock plates
1.2 Hydraulic dock levelers/dock plates
1.3 Air-powered dock levelers/dock plates
1.4 Power-assisted dock levelers/dock plates
1.5 Edge-of-dock levelers/dock plates
1.6 Vertical dock levelers/dock plates
1.7 Free-standing frame dock levelers/dock plates

Learn the main differences between a mechanical & hydraulic dock leveler.

✓ Step #2 - Pick the Size 

✓ Step #3 - Pick the Dock Leveler's Capacity

Don't know where to start? We are here for you. Contact us.

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Suggested Article:
Do I Need To Replace or Repair My Dock Leveler (Dock Plate)? 


Types of Dock Levelers (Dock Plates):

Mechanical Dock Levelers (Dock Plates) by McGuire in NJ

Mechanical Dock Levelers, 
Mechanical Dock Plate

1.1 Mechanical Dock Levelers
These are an economical solution to basic applications, while still providing strength and durability. These levelers use a pull chain activation to raise the deck. The operator then simply walks the deck back down to the bed of a trailer or to a stored position. Our mechanical dock levelers are equipped with a cam and roller counterbalance system, and a complete range auto-releasing hold-down mechanism for full float conditions.


1.2 Hydraulic Dock Levelers

It's the safest loading dock leveler. These levelers prevent free fall in a truck pull-out situation.

These dock levelers are push-button activated and have the highest capacity available. They utilize fully powered raise and lip extension functions with hydraulic cylinders and individual or multi-unit hydraulic pumps and motor stations.

Hydraulic Dock Levelers (Dock Plates) by McGuire in NYC

Hydraulic Dock Levelers,
Hydraulic Dock Plate

Air Powered Dock Levelers (Dock Plates) by McGuire in NJ

Air-Powered Dock Levelers,
Air-Powered Dock Plate

1.3 Air-Powered Dock Levelers
These levelers are an economical alternative to hydraulic levelers but are still operated with a push-button activation for ease of use. They have a mid-range capacity with an airbag or bellows system used to raise and lower the deck. These usually don't require any electricity in the dock pit.

1.4 Powered-Assisted Dock Levelers
These dock levelers are both reliable and flexible enough to keep up with the fast environment.  These rugged loading dock levelers combine the durability of a mechanical dock leveler and the high performance of the hydraulic operation while remaining functional even in the event of a power loss through a manual override device. It’s the perfect blend of power, performance, and peace of mind.

Powered-Assisted Dock Leveler (Dock Plate) by Serco in NYC

Powered-Assisted Dock Levelers,
Powered-Assisted Dock Plate

Edge of Dock Levelers by McGuire in NJ

 

Edge of Dock Levelers
EOD Levelers

1.5 Edge of Dock Levelers
EOD levelers are a great solution for lower budgets. They mount directly to the dock face and provide a recommended working range of +/-3" and a maximum operating range of +/-5" above or below the dock. The units are offered with either mechanical or hydraulic operation.

1.6 Vertical Dock Levelers
These vertical dock levelers are hydraulically operated and offer unmatched environmental control for customers with food storage or temperature-sensitive applications. By storing in the vertical position, the VSH Series allows the overhead door to form a perfect seal to the pit floor. 

VSH Vertical Storing Dock Leveler

Vertical Dock Levelers, 
Vertical Dock Plates

Free-Standing Frame in NYC

Free-Standing Frame Dock Leveler

1.7 Free-Standing Frame Dock Leveler

There are times when cutting out a pit in a floor to install a recess or pit-mounted dock leveler is just not possible.

- Conforms to all pit-style dock leveler (dock plate) proportions. 
- With dock bumpers and guard rails for added safety. 
- Limitless can be used with any type of hydraulic, air-powered, and mechanical dock leveler.

 

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Suggested Articles:

Which Dock Bumper Is for Me?
Do I Need To Replace or Repair My Dock Leveler (Dock Plate)?

 

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Our 24hr service crew at Loading Dock, Inc. is ready to repair your loading dock leveler in your New Jersey and New York facilities.

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Don't see what you're looking for? Give us a call. Our staff is ready to answer any question that you may have.
 

We also install, repair and service loading dock equipment, industrial overhead doors and commercial overhead doors in New Jersey and New York City area. 

We service Northern New Jersey (Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Union, Essex, Morris, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Mercer and Somerset county/counties), Manhattan, New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, Westchester, and Rockland.

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Goya Foods Project - Loading Dock Equipment and Commercial Doors

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Phone: 973-471-4060
Fax: 973-471-6707
Email: info@loadingdock.com 
24-Hour Emergency Service Available for Existing Customers

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Locations:

* NEW JERSEY HQ Office 
Call: 973-471-4060
20 Meta Lane

Lodi, NJ 07644

* NEW YORK Field Office
Call: 212-868-3667
512 West 168th Street

Suite 101
New York, NY 10032


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Monday - Sunday: 24 Hours 

 

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