Sep. 30, 2024
Why should I choose a vertical loading dock leveler for my warehouse or logistics center over a conventional one? That&#;s the question we aim to answer by providing you with the 10 advantages that vertical levelers offer.
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Currently, the vast majority of logistics and distribution centers use conventional levelers on their loading docks. That said, if your warehouse needs to maintain specific temperature and humidity levels, or needs to meet specific hygiene standards, a conventional leveler is not the best option.
Loading docks are a key site for the entry of warm air from the outside and the exit of and cold air from the inside, a phenomenon known as the cold air stack effect. But they&#;re also a great opportunity for saving money spent on energy bills.
Using the advantages that the vertical loading dock leveller posses versus a conventional leveller, we aim to explain why it&#;s the perfect solution for facilities and uses that require strict climate control and high hygiene standards.
1. Allows truck doors to be opened from the inside
One of the main advantages of a vertical leveller lies in how it operates while the loading and unloading of goods takes place. In this case, thanks to the leveller&#;s vertical position, truck doors can be opened from inside the warehouse, preventing the cold chain from being broken and reducing the total time it takes for each operation to be carried out.
1.The truck is positioned with its rear to the door, approaching it until touching.
2.The truck doors can remain closed and the driver does not need to leave the cabin.
3.The dock assistant opens the truck doors from inside the building and lowers the leveller to the required position.
4.The loading and unloading process is carried out in the same way as with a conventional dock.
1. The truck is positioned with its rear to the door, leaving a certain amount of space.
2. The driver exits the vehicle and fully opens the truck&#;s rear doors. At this point, warm air enters the truck, filling the volume not taken up by the load.
3. The driver re-enters the truck and moves it towards the dock until touching.
4. The driver (who exits the truck again) or the dock assistant opens the dock door and puts the conventional leveller into position so that loading/unloading of goods can begin.
5. Once completed, the dock door is closed and the driver moves the truck forward enough to be able to close its doors.
6. Finally, the driver exits the truck to close its doors and then re-enters the vehicle before continuing on to their next destination.
2. Smaller pit than with conventional levellers
The vertical leveller&#;s need for a smaller pit than conventional levellers has a very positive effect on air loss from the inside, as there is a smaller exit point.
3. More efficient seal
Thanks to the advantages previously mentioned and, combined with an inflatable shelter, this type of loading dock leveller allows for a seal superior to that provides by other levellers on the market.
As can be seen in the images below, the conventional leveller sees a number of gaps appear due to misalignment between the protector and the truck trailer, as well as openings created by the hinges on the truck doors themselves.
Images of a conventional loading dock leveller:
Images of a vertical loading dock leveller:
According to a study by the Polytechnic University of Madrid on the Alapont vertical leveller and its inflatable dock shelter, the areas with air leaks cannot be detected with the naked eye nor using infrared thermography.
There is no such thing as 100% protection and literature on the subject suggests that docks of this type provide a level of protection of between 96-98%.
However, infrared images show that the vertical leveller (photos-D) provides a contrast between the warm area (light in colour) and the cold area (dark in colour, in the trailer), while the conventional leveller (photos-E) generates a blurry area over the gap between the protector and the trailer. This indicates that an influx of warm air.
4. Allows the complete closure of sectional doors to ground level
When not in use, the leveller is stored in a vertical position, allowing the sectional door to be closed down to ground level. This way, both the entry and exit of air that would destabilize the inside temperature are prevented, improving efficiency and minimising energy loss.
Alapont&#;s vertical solution (vertical leveller+inflatable shelter) can help you obtain official certification, such as IFS LOGISTICS certification. Find out more.
5. Easy operation
The system features a simple and efficient control panel. It operates sequentially and saves time when loading and unloading.
6. Improved hygiene
Its vertical position allows quick and comfortable access to the pit for cleaning, vital for upholding the high hygiene standards required in sectors such as the food industry.
This easy of access also means better leveller maintenance without having to go to great lengths.
7. Maximum safety
The vertical loading dock leveler includes multiple safety features:
8. Energy saving
There&#;s no doubt that loading docks are a key area for energy loss in warehouses and distribution centers.
Thanks to a more efficient seal and its vertical position, this type of leveler can significantly reduce energy loss, particularly noticeable in refrigerated warehouses and centers, equating to a large saving for businesses.
This effect is amplified considerably when used on a large industrial scale.
9. Reduced CO2 emissions
Just as energy demands decrease when using a vertical leveler, the emission of greenhouse gasses, such as CO2, is also diminished, promoting a more sustainable ecosystem.
10. Fast return on investment
Thanks to the energy saving properties of vertical levelers, these devices allow business to recover their investment costs even faster than with traditional levelers.
Now you know the advantages of having a vertical loading dock leveler at your center. If you&#;re interested, you can request a quote and get detailed information here.
Loading dock levelers help to ensure a smooth and safe loading and unloading process at your facility. The leveler acts as the bridge between your facility and the truck or trailer parked at the dock. The loading dock is a high-traffic area that is especially susceptible to injury or damaged products when equipment isn&#;t functioning properly. Many people don&#;t recognize that their dock leveler needs to be repaired&#;until it&#;s too late. These are several signs you can use to determine whether or not your loading dock leveler needs repairing or replacing.
1. The Beam Welds Are Cracked.
Check the beams of your dock leveler for visible cracks. The welding that affixes the beam should be solid and appear intact. Even small rifts in an otherwise sturdy beam could cause problems down the line and be an indication of outdated equipment.
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2. Dished Deck Platform.
If the deck platform has visible waves or grooves in the surface, this is a clear sign that the steel is either dangerously stretched or fatigued. Age, lack of maintenance, and overloading can cause the main support beams to break away from the deck. If you notice any signs of dishing, you should halt all activity on the dock and book a thorough inspection by a qualified technician.
3. You Observe Excessive Rust or Corrosion.
Rust or corrosion is an easy indication of an aged dock leveler. Many dock levelers are exposed to the outside elements, and for this reason, a moderate amount of oxidation is normal. If the material becomes so rusted that it begins to interfere with the leveler&#;s effectiveness&#;it&#;s probably time to replace the equipment.
4. The Lip or Lip Spools Are Cracked.
The dock leveler deck assembly, lip assembly, hinge pins and spools, must all be structurally sound to ensure operational capabilities. The lips, hinges, and spools are smaller pieces that contribute to the larger function of the leveler. Check all of these pieces for visible damage or decay like cracks and excessive rust.
5. The Dock Isn&#;t Raising.
If the dock of your mechanical or automatic leveler is not raising&#; it isn&#;t working properly. This is cause for a repair rather than a full replacement. If you&#;re unsure why the dock isn&#;t raising, you should call a professional to conduct an inspection.
6. There&#;s A Build-Up of Oil.
It&#;s important to check the dock pit after a dock leveler is in use for an extended period of time or after a high frequency of cycles. A damaged and leaking powerpack or hose can cause excess oil to build up in the pit&#;this can cause problems and interfere with normal functioning.
7. The Lip Isn&#;t Fully Extending.
The lip extends to create a bridge between your facility and the trailer parked at your loading dock. If the lip is failing to extend, the leveler is damaged to the point of being unusable. A variety of mechanical issues could be the source of this problem. You should have the leveler assessed to determine what type of repair is necessary.
8. The Dock Is Sitting Above or Below Floor Level.
You can tell that your dock is misaligned if it&#;s sitting below or above floor level. The dock deck should be perfectly aligned to prevent tripping, falling, and other potential accidents.
9. The Rear Curb Angle Has Pulled Away From The Concrete.
The rear curb angle should be securely affixed to the concrete. If wear and tear have caused the curb angle to be pulled away from its place, a repair can be done to enhance the security of the leveler overall.
10. The Diamond Plating Has Worn Out On The Deck or Lip.
The deck and lip feature diamond plating to create traction that prevents slipping or falling when transporting products from a truck or trailer, into the facility. If friction has worn down the diamond plating you may want to replace the deck on the leveler.
11. The Dock is Raising Slowly.
Speed is essential to guarantee deliveries happen efficiently. A slow dock leveler can mean lost time and lost money. A hydraulic leveler and mechanical dock leveler experience changes in speed for different reasons. Hydraulic levelers use a single push button for quick and easy operation, whereas the mechanical leveler requires 3 lbs of force to deploy the deck. Call an experienced professional to assess your type of leveler.
12. The Dock is Stuck Below Floor Level.
It&#;s not uncommon for a dock to become wedged below floor level and fail to readjust. This is often due to misalignment of the leveler to the floor level. The deck may need a repair and basic adjustment to resume regular functioning after this occurs.
13. The Dock is Sitting on an Angle in The Pit Instead of Level.
Yet another factor that can interfere with proper functioning is the angle of the dock in relation to the floor. Substantial use and abuse, like dropping heavy deliveries or backing up into a dock can bend even the strongest of materials. A dock sitting at an angle that interferes with its safety may need to be replaced.
14. The Dock Lip is Not Closing Properly.
A dock lip must fully close to ensure safety while joining a trailer or truck to the deck. This can be remedied with a simple mechanical repair but should be done as soon as it&#;s identified.
The Importance of Maintaining a Safe Loading Dock.
Apart from efficiency, safety is the primary concern of a loading dock zone. It&#;s important to regularly survey equipment in the loading dock area so you know your employees are working in a secure environment. At Lenworth, our dock levelers come with a 12-year structural warranty, so you can buy with confidence and know that we&#;ve got your back when you need repairs or replacing.
Book a Consultation
If you think your dock leveler needs a repair, but aren&#;t certain, book a free consultation with a Lenworth representative. They talk to you about your facility needs and suggest remedies to enhance productivity and safety in your building.
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