Factors for Judging the Selection of Dock Levelers

There are two most common types of dock levelers, Mechanical Dock Levelers and Hydraulic Dock Levelers. However, whether a Mechanical Dock Leveler or a Hydraulic Dock Leveler, the best solution is determined by needs of the facility.

Therefore, different factors determine whether to choose a Mechanical Dock Leveler or a Hydraulic Dock Leveler.

Here is the content list:

• Loading docks

• The frequency of dock leveler use

• Sizes of trucks

• Maintenance

• Budget

Loading docks

The first factor is quantity of active loading docks the facility has. Higher volume loads require more force and bulkier equipment, so heavier products (such as steel, liquids, or paper rolls) are better suited for hydraulic docks. Conversely, lighter products such as packaging, food, or apparel are better suited for mechanical docks. For a facility with fewer active loading docks requirements, a Mechanical Dock Leveler may be the best solution, while for a facility with many active loading docks requirements, a Hydraulic Dock Leveler is a best solution.

The frequency of dock leveler use

The second factor to consider is the frequency of dock leveler use. The frequency of dock leveler use greatly influences the facility manager's decision. If dock levelers are used frequently throughout the day and the facility manager values the speed of cycle completion, then a Hydraulic Dock Leveler is a good choice. If the dock leveler is just an assistive technology to support operations but is not an integral part of the daily work, then the facility can save money by using a Mechanical Dock Leveler.

Sizes of trucks

The third factor to consider is the size of the truck being loaded and unloaded. The Mechanical Dock Leveler needs additional work and time to adapt to the trucks above and below the dock, while the Hydraulic Dock Leveler can quickly and flexibly adjust the card lathe under and above the dock.

Maintenance

The fourth factor is the maintenance of the dock leveler. A Hydraulic Dock Leveler requires less maintenance than a Mechanical Dock Leveler because it consists of only three major components: the power pack, deck cylinders, and lip cylinders. These components have very low requirements and can withstand high cycle usage compare with Mechanical Dock Levelers. Mechanical Dock Levelers use small moving parts that must withstand thousands of pounds of weight and pressure regularly, these parts require year-round maintenance or replacement.

Budget

However, the most important factor is, of course, budgetary considerations. You can buy a Mechanical Dock Leveler, which initial cost is lower than that of a Hydraulic Dock Leveler. When you consider the long-term maintenance costs of the Mechanical Dock Leveler and the Hydraulic Dock Leveler, the total cost of ownership of the two types of levelers is ultimately the same.

It is the responsibility of each manufacturer to produce a Hydraulic Dock Leveler that ensures product quality, to meet the customer’s requirements of the dock leveler market. EVERBRIGHT Co., Ltd. has acquired many quality certifications like ISO9001 Series and CE. If you are in the dock leveler business, you can consider our cost-effective products.