How To Use An Edge Of Dock Leveler

Posted by rotaryproducts on January 27th, 2021

A loading dock remains the humdrum of activity, with numerous vehicles arriving to load and unload varied products throughout the day. The facility or warehouse owner needs to be fastidious about maintaining its security and functionality to ensure steady profitability. A keen observer is sure to notice a tiny gap between the trailer and loading platform. Although minuscule, the small gap can cause the owner to cost an enormous amount of money as the facility's interior cannot maintain proper temperature with the heat and cool air escaping through the gap during loading and unloading of the vehicle.

No worries! Most loading dock owners make sure to install quality door dock seals to plug the gap effectively. A closer look at the conventional dock seal reveals them to be sturdy pads made out of foam. The vehicle presses against it as it backs to be at level with the loading platform. The dock seal creates a barrier, locking off three sides of the car completely. There is no gap left behind as a result. This kind of equipment finds favor with docks that experience low to modest traffic. The seals are quite affordable as compared to dock shelters. However, experts do not recommend using dock seals for docking areas with heavy traffic as the seals can be worn out easily. Besides, it would also be wise to use it on loading docks that have vehicles with minor variations in size parking to be loaded here.

Unfortunately, some of the seals restrict the usage of a forklift. This occurs due to the entry of the foam-filled pads into the trailer. There is an advantage in this, though. The dock seals hardly take up any space outside the dock, making them highly popular with loading docks containing less space.

Benefits of using a dock seal

· Dock seals act in the same way as a dock shelter, but it happens to be a more affordable alternative for loading dock owners.

· The ones made with premium materials and displaying special features may be a trifle pricey, however.

· Quality is usually top-notch regardless of the seal being low end or high end. Moreover, dock seals with a head pad or curtain at the top enhance perfect sealing on all sides. The expensive models have multiple additional sealing features as well.

· Smaller loading docks that experience low traffic with vehicles of similar sizes stopping by find the dock seals to be appropriate for eliminating the existing gaps. Furthermore, dock seals are useful for use in docks that offer a severely restricted space between the platform and trailer.

There are a few negatives associated with the seals too. The head pad must be adjusted manually to provide perfect sealing while the pads are likely to wear & tear with extensive use. No issues, though! This can be minimized by using reinforcement boots and more durable fabric.

The side of the loading dock is kept secured by fitting it with an edge of dock leveler. It is easy to find a quality appliance most affordably.