DOCK LEVELERS
What is Stump-out?
“Stump-out” is an industry term associated with some models of dock levelers. Stump-out occurs when the mechanical safety legs or stops on the dock leveler engage and restrict the leveler’s movement during loading/unloading. The leveler lip assumes a steep angle to reach the trailer bed which results in a potentially unsafe condition. With over 60% of all new vehicles on the road today equipped with air-ride suspensions, dock leveler Stump-out has become an ever-increasing issue on the dock. Both Kelley and Serco offer dock levelers equipped with anti Stump-out systems, which use a patented roller design that rides along a reinforced cam surface, providing unrestricted movement while also providing a measure of free-fall protection in the event of premature vehicle separation.
Selecting between hydraulic, air or mechanical dock levelers?
All pit style dock levelers are designed to bridge the gap between the warehouse and trailer and are available in a variety of size and capacities. When selecting any dock leveler you should consider some important points:
1. Your application needs
2. Safety and ease of operation
3. Life-time cost of ownership
4. Capabilities of the manufacturer and local representative
Hydraulic dock levelers provide the most operational convenience with extremely low cost of ownership. Your local 4Front distributor can survey your specific application and determine the best alternative for your company.
Are all dock levelers structurally alike?
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 by the top surface and by the type of reinforcement underneath. The deck supports in general use today range from formed shapes to structural I beams. Depending on application, capacity and activation type, Kelley and Serco dock levelers are designed with a range of structural supports for maximum strength and dependability.
How much lip length or purchase is recommended in the truck or vehicle at all times?
Standards state that the bed of the vehicle support a minimum of 4". Extended lip lengths are available for vehicles with lift gates, steps or refrigerated flooring.
VEHICLE RESTRAINTS
What is a Vehicle Restraint?
Vehicle/Trailer Restraints are devices that secure trailers to keep them from departing or separating from the dock during loading/unloading. Restraints can also include an internal and external light communication package to enhance safety for the dock attendant and truck drivers.
DOCK SEALS & SHELTERS
Selecting a Dock Seal or Dock Shelter?
Selecting the proper dock seal or shelter can improve the safety and efficiency of your operation. Dock seals consist of fabric covered foam pads that provide the tightest seal once compressed by backing trailers. Dock Shelters consist of fabric attached to side/head frames and provide a perimeter seal for the side and top of a trailer. Shelters also provide superior trailer access.
When selecting a dock seal or dock shelter you should consider the following key points:
1. Your specific application. Including:
• Size of door opening
• Approach slope
• Building wall construction
• Exterior obstructions or space constraints
2. Determine proper trailer access required for your situation
3. Determine the degree of environmental control necessary
4. Product durability and cost of ownership
5. Capabilities of the manufacturer and local representative
TKO® Dock Doors
What is a Knockout Door and why would I need one?
A knockout door is a unique, sectional door that has the capability of releasing upon impact without sustaining substantial damage, thus reducing downtime at the loading dock.
Are the doors secured?
TKO Doors offers 6 locking mechanisms for many different plant, warehouse, and retail applications. Slide bolt locks (with padlock provision), pilfer proof cable locks for retail, the automatic Posi- Lock which engages by simply closing the doors, and the Anti -Drift Up & Down locks suited for cold dock locations.
What is a good application for a Knockout Door?
Most loading dock locations are perfect! 8x8 up to 10x10 opening sizes. Shipping, receiving, compactor, and reefer docks that operate 2-3 shifts per day, and see consistent panel, track, roller and/or sealing damage to the doors.
What kinds of facilities use Knockout Doors?
Hi- traffic loading docks, food facilities, and large warehouses and manufacturing plants; perishable/refrigerated docks are all frequent current TKO users. Larger, interior openings are not the best applications for TKO Doors.
How does your door withstand damage?
All TKO Door models utilize a ¾” spring-loaded plunger in lieu of a conventional roller wheel. The plunger rides in the groove of a beveled tracking system, which upon panel impact, transfers the pressure to the plunger allowing the individual panel(s) to release into the opening. The door or section is simply pulled back into the tracking, resetting in a few seconds.
What are the doors made of?
Door panels are 2” thick unitized construction with exterior and interior panel skins firmly bonded to three pounds per cubic foot expanded polystyrene core insulation. Interior panel skin to be constructed of .090” high-impact polymer sheet for damage resistance. Exterior panel to be constructed of .030” aluminum with an enamel finish. Panels to be capped with co-extruded high-impact PVC edge capping containing UV inhibitors. Two tracking styles: UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight polyethylene), color black. Tracks are highly impact resistant. Tracks to be self-lubricated to offer low friction and low maintenance. 12 gauge-galvanized steel is used on two TKO models.
SUPPORT
Is there someone to call for customer service or technical support if needed?
Both Kelley and Serco have an extensive network of exclusive distributors that are all factory-trained sales and service professionals who can provide you with: Sales, Service, Installation, and Technical Support. |
