5 tips on selecting the right dock leveller for your warehouse

1. Type of Dock Leveller

Deciding on which type to invest in largely depends on the needs of the business.

The most common types of dock levellers are mechanical, air-powered and hydraulic models.

For example, in high volume and heavy traffic conditions, hydraulic dock levellers are a good option as they are built for durability and are easy to operate.

2. Dock Leveller Application

Obtain the correct specifications for the loading bay to determine dock leveller length, width, lip projection, load capacity and activation system.

Also identify the different variables within the environment to select the best option. These include type of goods, weight of goods, pallet dimensions, frequency of use, MHE, weather conditions and more.

For operations that have non-standard requirements, bespoke solutions may be the option.

3. Safety Features

The loading dock is a busy area with a high level of activity. Any misstep or inattentive moment could cause grave injury to workers or costly damages to goods and equipment.

Look for options designed with worker safety in mind such as ‘safety toe guards’ that open and close automatically and ‘safety deck tread plates’ that protect workers from slipping accidents.

4. Accessories 

Accessories like dock shelters provide an optimum seal between the external and internal environments, protecting the warehouse from weather conditions and reduce energy consumption. This is particularly important for cold food storage.

They also protect goods from extreme heat, dust and contribute to better workplace atmosphere.

5. Maintenance

Due to its automated system, hydraulic dock levellers are a low maintenance option compared to manual dock levellers. In the long term, they save time and cost for the organisation.