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Dock Levellers

Not all wagons are the same height and the height of the floor within a wagon can vary according to how heavily it is laden. This can cause problems of a gap between the wagon and the loading dock bay. A dock leveller comprises of a metal plate complete with a lip that is raised from a stowed position and then lowered onto the back of the wagon thus bridging the gap. The Dock Leveller Lip can be hinged or telescopic. They are operated hydraulically with an electric pump driving a piston to lift the plate and another one to move the lip. All dock levellers are capable of servicing vehicles both above and below dock level. They automatically accommodate the full range of vehicle suspension movement during unloading and loading. The dock leveller platform is formed of a single piece of high-tensile steel plate, not made up of welded sections, and is of a thicker material than most competing products. Unique patented twin safety support legs of heavy-duty galvanised steel section provide the full load rating when the dock leveller is in the parked position. The legs automatically retract when the lip is extending and return to the support position when the platform is parked. Competing products generally rely on lip saddles for cross traffic support, placing maximum stress on the lip and hinge assembly. Lip saddles are also vulnerable to impact damage from reversing vehicles.

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Dock Leveller With Swing Lip:

The conventional dock leveller, suitable for most standard applications. With this type of dock leveller the vehicle must be accurately docked in the correct position close to the loading bay front. The special open hinge lip construction has been designed to remain dirt free ensuring effective operation without the need for additional lubrication. The long chamfer on the lip ensures a smooth transit between the dock and vehicle. The unique rear hinge is of a closed type construction, leaving no gaps between the deck and the rear hinge. Available with suspended or free standing frames. The many features and options make this suitable for the most demanding customer.
 
Control, operation
Control is by a single push button. When the button is pressed the platform rises to its highest position and the lip is extended into place automatically. When the button is released the platform then lowers until the lip rests on the vehicle floor. When loading/unloading is completed, pushing the button again returns the platform and lip automatically to the parked position.


Characteristics:

  • Swing lip available in several lengths

  • Dynamic capacity of 6.000 kg (according EN1398)

  • Available in both hanging as standing execution

  • Shock absorbers in the safety supports guarantee low noise levels.

  • Available in 8 deck lengths and 5 deck widths

  • Many options available.

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Ergonomic Dock Leveller With Swing Lip:

This ergonomic dock leveller is the latest and most advanced dock leveller available to create the smoothest transition between the warehouse and the vehicle floor. The patented lip mechanism with a parallellogram hinge construction, creates a horizontal lip in every position of the platform movement. The rear hinge of this ergonomic dock leveller is sited as near to the back as possible, reducing the hinge opening to the smallest possible dimension. It meets all safety requirements of European directive EN 1398 and has a dynamic capacity of 6 tons. The solid construction and optimum welding quality secure a short pay back period and trouble free use for many years.

Control, operation
Control is by a single push button. When the button is pressed the platform rises to its highest position and the lip extends into place automatically. When the button is released the platform lowers until the lip rests on the vehicle floor, the lip remaining horizontal at all times. When loading/unloading is completed, pushing the button again returns the platform and lip automatically to the parked position.

Characteristics

  • Provides a smoother transition across the platform and lip when loading/unloading, even for small-wheeled trucks

  • Less risk of grounding

  • Faster loading and unloading

  • Less impact on loading trucks meaning reduced maintenance

  • Less risk of accidents and damage to goods

  • Less impact and physical strain on personnel

  • Can accommodate many different sizes of vehicle

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Dock Leveller With Variable Telescopic Lip:

Provides greater operational flexibility and can accommodate many different sizes of vehicle as well as stepped vehicle floors. Telescopic lip extension can be accurately controlled so that positioning of the vehicle is less critical. The lip can be partially withdrawn to allow use of the full loading area right to the back of the vehicle. Permits an external door to be fully lowered in front of the dock and increase thermal efficiency. Can be used for side loading. The unique rear hinge is of a closed type construction, leaving no gaps between the deck and the rear hinge. Both the deck and the lip have a long chamfer. The ends of each chamfer are 2mm thick to ensure a smooth transit between dock and vehicle. The numerous features and options make this suitable for many customers.
 
Control, operation 
Control is by four independent illuminated push buttons. On pressing the 'Up' button the platform rises; the telescopic lip is extended by means of the 'Out' button. The platform will not descend while either is in use. When both are released the platform will descend under controlled gravity until the lip rests on the vehicle deck. Lip extension is controlled using the 'Out' and 'Retract' buttons. When loading/unloading is completed, pushing the 'Auto park' button returns the platform and lip automatically to the parked position.

Characteristics:

  • Infinitely variable telescopic lip

  • Standard lip length 600 mm

  • Dynamic capacity 6.000 kg (according to EN1398)

  • Available in both hanging as standing execution

  • Standard with Auto-Return

  • Lip with nylon bearings and shock absorbers in the safety supports guarantee low noise levels.

  • Available in 8 deck lengths and 5 deck widths

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Mini Dock Leveller:

Although we call this a ‘mini-dock leveller’, it’s operation and safety are on the same high levels as other dock levellers.  It has a dynamic capacity of 6.000 kg according to the EN 1398 standard. It is operated hydraulically by a simple single button control box which is used to both deploy and park the dock leveller. There are two types of installation: Flush with the face of the dock, fixed to a cast-in frame. Or face-fixed to a steel angle cast into the dock edge. Suitable where the height difference between warehouse floors and vehicle floors is minimal. An ideal replacement for unsafe and out of date dock plates.

Safety features:

Auto park: the dock leveller is returned to its parked position by single push-button control, to eliminate uncontrolled movement.
Panic hold: the platform is automatically held and fully supported in position in the event of unauthorised vehicle departure during use (Dependent on the weight of the load on the leveller).
Emergency stop button is incorporated into the isolator switch.
Toe guards: provided on each side of the platform, complete with yellow and black safety chevrons.

Control/Operation:

Power supply 415V three phase 50Hz. (supplied by others)
 
Control voltage 24V. 
 
Control box: polycarbonate enclosure to IP 54 standard, push button controls.
The main switch also serves as the emergency stop and is lockable in the 'off' position.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance should be carried out at quarterly intervals by competent personnel.
MLC Door Services Ltd can offer an exclusive maintenance agreement.


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