How To Select The Right Dock Leveller For Your Loading Bay

Investing in dock levellers can be a big commitment.

But for busy loading bays, dock levellers play a vital role in bridging the gap between the dock and vehicle during loading operations, allowing forklifts and other handling equipment to move smoothly between them.

This, in turn, reduces handling time, improves safety, and enables a higher throughput of goods with quicker vehicle turnover and faster distribution.

So before you decide which dock leveller to invest in, it’s important to consider the facts so you can make an informed decision that can boost productivity and reduce risks.

Here’s what you need to know before selecting the right dock leveller for your business:

HOW DO DOCK LEVELLERS WORK?

In simple terms, a dock leveller consists of a metal platform that can be adjusted up or down and extended outwards, either manually, hydraulically, or pneumatically.

Our hydraulic cylinder-operated dock levellers offer stability with a single cylinder positioned at the front of the platform to provide optimum stability – so during an emergency, for example, it is better positioned to counter the forces that primarily occur at the front of the leveller.

Each dock leveller is operated from a control panel – with adjustments to height, and in the case of telescopic levellers, the length of the platform, easily made at the touch of a button.

Importantly, the leveller should overlap the vehicle bed by a minimum of 100 mm and lie in the same plan as the vehicle.

To further boost safety and efficiency, advanced control options allow dock levellers and other loading bay equipment, such as dock doors and shelters, to be operated in a seamless and sequential manner.

So if you’re running a busy loading bay, dock levellers can help to streamline your operations.

WHAT VEHICLES WILL USE THE DOCK?

Choosing a dock leveller means considering the types of vehicles that will be serviced:

When there’s a significant height difference between the truck bed and platform, a longer dock leveller is required to provide a safe platform gradient, allowing forklifts and other handling equipment to operate safely.

The internal width of the loading space of the vehicle (as well as the accuracy of the driver as he aligns his truck with the dock) will inform the width of dock leveller.

If versatility is important (with a variety of vehicles being serviced), a dock leveller with a telescopic lip should be considered.

These telescopic levellers not only have lips that extend up to 1000 mm (longer than most swing-lip levellers), but are fully adjustable, so can be used for a greater variety of vehicle heights.

On top of that, telescopic dock levellers can adjust to the needs of end loads at the back of each vehicle.

WHAT LOAD CAPABILITY IS REQUIRED?

Heavy equipment like forklifts and their cargo travel across dock levellers, exerting significant force.

If the leveller's dynamic load capability is insufficient, it could lead to structural failure, resulting in accidents to employees.

Selecting a dock leveller that can handle the combined weight of the forklift and the cargo during movements can prevent this.

But its not just about safety:

A dock leveller with sufficient dynamic load capacity can prevent excessive war and tear due to the continuous impact of moving loads, avoiding frequent breakdowns and costly repairs.

In addition to withstanding the demands of daily operations, this will also extend the equipment’s lifespan and reduce the need for premature replacement.

Our S-Series dock leveller is available with 6-, 8-, 10.5- and 12-ton dynamic load capabilities, making it suitable for heavy equipment such as 3-wheel forklift trucks.

WHAT SAFETY FEATURES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED?

Loading bays can be hazardous area for operators, with a high risk of accidents.

That’s why it’s important for dock levellers to contribute to a safer environment.

Stertil dock levellers are constructed from a single piece of high-tensile steel, making them stronger and more durable than conventional platforms on the market that are welded.

The platform can twist smoothly 125 mm to both sides for maximum stability and safety for unevenly loaded trucks.

When the platform is in rest position, it is automatically supported by two safety supports, allowing cross traffic over the platform without any safety risks.  

Additionally, the Stertil S-Series features an open construction hinged lip that is stronger than a traditional piano hinge and prevents the accumulation of debris.

What about interlocks?

As we’ve already discussed, advanced control options allow loading bay equipment to be operated in a sequence.

This includes interlocks that prevent dock levellers being operated if the dock door is not fully open, and conversely, prevents doors from being lowered until the leveller is fully parked.

The construction of the sub-frames is also important – Stertil’s galvanised anti-corrosion sub-frames are highly durable.

They also feature yellow-black marking on the sides, reducing the likelihood of accidental slips, trips, or falls, or forklift contact or collisions.

DO YOU NEED DESIGN AND INSTALLATION SUPPORT?

For most companies, the answer will be yes:

Installing a dock leveller requires knowledge of the equipment and how it relates to the wider loading bay environment.

It also requires a range of skills from mechanical to electrical.

Stertil have been installing dock levellers in the UK for over 40 years, as well as being a leading manufacturer of levellers.

With our professional installations you'll ensure optimal performance and longevity of your equipment.

But its not just about installation:

Our experienced design teams can advise you on which type and size of dock leveller would best suit your business.

We also offer 3D models for all our loading bay equipment and full BIM design co-ordination to streamline the design and construction process.

WHY USE STERTIL FOR YOUR DOCK LEVELLERS?

Whether you need a dock leveller for an existing loading bay or are considering a complete overhaul to your loading dock infrastructure, choosing the right leveller is crucial.

With decades of expertise in design, manufacturing, and installation, we’re here to ensure your loading bay is safe, efficient, and perfectly suited to your needs. Check out our dock leveller range online – or talk to one of our dock leveller experts to get all the details you need. 

Contact Stertil on 08707 700471, or email info@stertil.co.uk.