Edge of Dock Levelers

Both the hydraulic and mechanical versions of the edge of dock leveler are designed to operate in a low capacity, low-frequency setting where a dock plate could not offer the ergonomics or performance. The edge of dock leveler is also a more affordable option to pit levelers. Poweramp offers mechanical and hydraulic powered Edge of Dock Levelers which mount directly to the face of the dock.

What Are Edge of Dock Levelers?

Edge of dock levelers are used to bridge gaps between warehouse loading docs and truck trailers to create a seamless and smooth transition between truck trailers and the dock. These fixtures are mounted onto the dock’s face for easy installation, typically giving users between three and five inches of operating range above and below the dock.

To effectively unload products from a truck, most industries need material handling equipment like forklifts or pallet jacks. By installing an edge of dock leveler, these pieces of machinery can maneuver onto the truck and back to the warehouse dock safely and efficiently. With edge of dock levelers, you can keep your employees safe from mishaps and injuries, prevent damage to nearby equipment and avoid inventory mishandling.

Best Uses for Edge of Dock Levelers

When you have tight shipping and staging areas, narrow drive approach center lines, limited working spaces or light load capacities, then invest in edge of dock levelers to help streamline and simplify your daily docking operations. Edge of dock levelers are specially designed for use with forklifts or managing fleets with minimal height differences.

By investing in dock leveling equipment, you can experience several advantages:

• Quick and safe product lifting and positioning.
• Simple push-button operations on hydraulic models.
• Retrofitting capabilities, easily fitting onto the face of almost any type of dock.
• Low-maintenance installation; units only require routine hinge lubrication for smooth operations.
• Time and money savings by reducing the need to locate, store and move portable plates.
• Reduce trip hazards for a safer work environment.
• Ergonomically friendly operations.

How Edge of Dock Levelers Improve Dock Safety

Loading docks are often one of the most hectic service areas of a facility and often result in injuries, property damage and inventory loss. Edge of dock levelers — with their intuitive design that's mountable onto the face of nearly any type of dock — are designed to minimize risks and prevent mishaps by bridging the gaps. By closing the gap with a secure, stable fixture, you can help reduce the risk of trips and falls as workers pass inventory from truck trailers into your facility. Edge of dock levelers are also manufactured and designed to work with forklifts, providing a secure and safe path to prevent falls and other accidents.

Edge of Dock Levelers vs. Pit Levelers

Both dock levelers — also referred to as "pit levelers" — and edge of dock levelers are built onto the edge of a dock to bridge the gap between a truck trailer and a dock.

Although their main purpose is the same, dock levelers and edge of dock levelers have several key differences. By understanding the differences between both types of dock leveling equipment, you can make better and more educated decisions about which option works best for your facility's long-term needs:

• Dock Levelers: Dock levelers are mounted within a loading dock pit. When a truck approaches the dock, the leveler is raised up and a lip unfolds to connect the warehouse dock with the truck trailer bed. A dock leveler creates a wider bridge between the truck and the dock to accommodate a variety of different docks, trailer sizes and truck heights. The operating flexibility of the dock leveler is what largely separates a dock leveler from the edge of dock leveler. Dock levelers are available in a variety of different operating styles to meet the specific needs of your facility, including hydraulic, air-powered and mechanical dock levelers.
• Edge of Dock Levelers: An edge of dock leveler setup is ideal for areas with tight space considerations and are a more cost-effective leveling solution compared to dock levelers, since facilities don't have to incur the cost of building a dock pit. Edge of dock levelers are mounted directly to the edge of the dock face versus within the dock pit. Edge of dock levelers operate similarly to dock levelers by using a bar lift to raise up, extend, then lower a lip from the dock to the truck. It's important to note that edge of dock levelers don't have the same operating flexibility as dock levelers and are best suited for industrial locations with service trucks that have similar heights.

Different Types of Dock Levelers

An edge of dock leveler is the ideal loading and unloading solution when your facility has limited docking space, budget considerations and limited truck heights. Edge of dock levelers are available in several types:

• Mechanical: Mechanical edge of dock levelers use a dual-extension, spring-lift assist to properly position the dock leveler. Simply pull back the handle 50 degrees towards the operator to lift the leveler over the dock height, then push the lever forward to its original vertical position to lower the lip onto the truck bed. The dock leveler systems at Continental Door feature a short, easy push and pull motion to operate the level, allowing the user to remain upright for ergonomic, safe use without having to lift or lean over the dock’s edge.
• Hydraulic: A hydraulic edge of dock leveler uses hydraulics controlled by a remote, wall-mounted control panel to quickly and easily lift and lower the leveler. Push the button to raise the platform; then, when the lip is extended, the user releases the button, allowing the lip to safely and steadily lower onto the trailer. Once you no longer need the leveler, push the lift button until the lip clears the truck bed, then release the button to store it securely.

The Continental Door, Co. Difference

When you need the most helpful and responsive commercial garage door experts in the Spokane, WA, area, rely on the experienced professionals at Continental Door. As a local company, we understand the importance of having reliable and durable tools at your disposal to streamline business operations, improve safety measures and keep operating costs low. That's why we stock only the finest commercial products from top-rated manufacturers. For all of our customers, we’ll work closely with you to understand your specific needs and recommend quality products that accommodate your industry specifications.

Learn more about our edge of dock levelers today by filling out our online contact form or calling 509.921.2260 to speak to a specialist.