Since the frame of the leveler is made up of only 3 sides (Right side, left side and backside of leveler), this can give more flexibility to the deck, but also reduce the strength of the leveler when compared with 4-sided rectangular frame construction. Lambda beams are created in a closed triangular shape that can help with twist resistance and are often used in dock levelers that do not have a front header. The top of an I-beam has contact with the leveler deck to the right and left of middle of the beam, where the C-channel only has contact to the right side of the beam. The biggest difference between the two is that a C-channel will have less surface area because of its shape. While this gives strength, it does not allow for as much flexibility.Ĭ-Channel structural steel members are similar to I-beams in the fact that there is more surface area in contact with the underside of the leveler deck. These are beams that are designed to enhance the resilience of the dock leveler and are seen most often in high capacity levelers that need the extra support and strength. The I-beams are structural steel members with more surface area in contact with the underside of the dock leveler deck. There are a couple types to choose from with most dock levelers. One thing that should be taken into consideration, when evaluating a dock leveler’s flexibility, is the type of beam that is being used throughout the leveler deck. This kind of issue is most present in traditional levelers and is why it is so important to purchase a dock leveler with a self-flexing deck.
LOADING DOCK DESIGNER DRIVER
A driver twisted to face backwards when reversing out of a trailer is already at risk, but then you add in the unexpected impact of a partially raised dock leveler lip jarring to the neck and back in particular. Other dangerous situations include damaging tires, destruction to cargo, and more importantly, injury to the driver. With the leveler no longer contacting the full-width of the trailer bed, the forklift driver will back into a raised leveler lip, potentially causing damage to the suspension of the forklift. In this situation the leveler is that seesaw and the deck can bounce back in a dangerous way if it’s overly rigid.
Imagine a seesaw that has suddenly had a large weight lifted off of one side. Forklift operators are one of the most susceptible parties to experiencing this danger.Ī leveler, without a self-flexing deck (AKA dock leveler deck flex), will pop up when the weight of the forklift is no longer present. When the weight of the forklift is required, it can cause potential dangers for everyone and everything involved in the loading and unloading process. Flexing Under Weightĭock leveler deck flex is extremely important not just for the forklift operator, but also the material handling equipment and the products that are being transferred. One of the ways of accomplishing this is by utilizing L-beams (more on this later).
Instead of forcing a leveler deck down with weight to meet the trailer, the deck flexes in a way that allows the deck to meet the trailer under its own weight. What is a self-flex deck? Levelers that feature a self-flexing deck have a distinct advantage over those that do not. This can injure staff or cause damage to products and equipment. When the weight of the forklift and cargo are removed, the leveler deck loses contact with the trailer bed. This design choice does not allow for the leveler to flex under its own weight and can result in leveler deck pop-up. Traditional levelers feature rigid deck designs that can provide added strength, but lack flexibility. There are two possible kinds of deck flex that are present in dock levelers. An area that should not be overlooked is the overall deck flex of your dock leveler.Ĭonsider three key points when choosing a leveler: Types of dock leveler flex, beam structure and the importance of safety. From the pedestrian traffic around the staging area to a vehicle's approach, there are many places to prioritize for safety. The importance of safety at the loading dock cannot be understated.
Why Having A Self-Flexing Deck Is Important For Dock Levelers
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