types of loading dock lifts

Types of Loading Dock Lifts | Loading Dock Lift Benefits - Which is Right for Your Business?

There are many different models and types of loading dock lifts on the market today, making it confusing when choosing the right one for your facility. Let’s go over some dock lift basics to help with your decision process.

Benefits of Level Loading with a Dock Lift for Unloading Trucks

The two main advantages of using a dock lift to unload trucks are:

  • By using a dock lift, you are being safer than the alternative. It will protect both you and your goods.
  • Dock lifts can reach from the group level to all sizes of trucks ranging from low-step vans to large reefers. There is no vehicle size that dock lifts cannot service.

Which Loading Dock Lift Is Right For You?

1. Choose Between a Top-of-Ground Dock Lift vs a Pit Mounted / Recessed Lift

Top-of-Ground Dock Lift Advantages

These units can be mounted on any flat concrete slab (be aware that these units will sink into the blacktop during the summer) and require no pit work, which avoids the extra cost of the pit. Although the cost of a top-of-ground unit may seem more money than a recessed unit, it’s important to remember, that when the cost of pit construction is added to the equipment price, top-of-ground units can be competitive in pricing over the recessed unit.

Top-of-Ground dock lifts avoid drainage issues and potential interference with underground utilities.

You have the flexibility to move the unit later if you wish. You will just have to unbolt the unit and move it with no pit left behind to fill.

Capacities range from 4,000 lbs. up to 15,000 lbs.

Platform sizes range from 6’ X 6’ up to 8’ X 12’.

There are some reports of units servicing as many as 35 years.

types of loading dock lifts

Recessed or Pit Mounted Dock Lift Advantages

These units are also called disappearing dock lifts.

Equipment costs for these units are less expensive than for top-of-ground units.

These units are mounted flush with surrounding surfaces so there is no obstacle to driving over traffic. This is important if you decide to mount your unit in a doorway.

Top of ground units have ramps that will transition loads from the platform to the ground level which can get tiring if heavy loads must be pushed up the ramps to put on the loading truck.

Standard capacities of recessed units rang up to 20,000 lbs.

Recessed units offer level loading for both ground level and truck height.

If these units are mounted within the face of docks, they will provide you with easy dock-to-ground access.

2. Determine the Platform Size

The platform size will be determined by the type of transport equipment that will be used to load and unload your trucks. The minimum suggested platform width is 6’. You should always have at least 4” of clearance on each side of the widest load.

3. Understand Your Capacities

Lifting Capacity- once you have decided on a platform size, you’ll want to add the maximum weight of your goods being transferred + the weight of the transport equipment + the weight of an operator = your lifting capacity.

Axle Rating Capacity– most manufacturers have appropriate end load axle ratings for corresponding maximum lifting capacities, but there is always the danger that you have unusual equipment and/or if your application requires traveling over the side of the lift in anything other than the fully lowered position, there is a possibility that the axle rating is marginal. We suggest comparing the axle loads produced by your equipment vs the rating of the dock lift just to be safe.

Roll Over Capacity- This will only apply to recessed units and entails the maximum axle load allowed for vehicles driving over a fully lowered lift.

4. Power Units and Controls

The up-down controls must be controlled by the operator who is riding on the lift. Standard controls for most companies are NEMA 4 pushbuttons. They are typically mounted on straight cords or coil cords.

Security options include making the cords longer so they can be connected to boxes inside of secure buildings or mounted with twist lock plugs so they can be stored in secure areas until they are needed. In other instances, the handheld controls can be replaced with key lock pushbuttons that are mounted on the platforms.

Limit switches can be added to cause the lift to stop at a specific dock height. Power units on the top-of-ground units are typically mounted on the lifts and then covered with weather protection.

Recessed lifts usually have remote power units that are mounted inside buildings, but you can order weather covers for outdoor mounting.

 Oil emersion heathers are important options for power units that will be exposed to cold winter outdoor temperatures.

5. Bridges

Bridge size is dictated by the gap from the lift to the back of the truck bed which is determined by the location of the bumpers or bollards that are used to stock the truck’s progression toward the lift. You should have a 4” to 6” extension onto the truck bed.

When you have a lift inside a building with a wall between the lift and the truck, the bridge can rest against a wear strip on the wall and then will automatically reach into the truck as the lift is elevated and retract as the lift is lowered. These bridges typically are very long, but because no one needs to handle them, the extra weight is not a concern.

Bridge weight is dependent on both length and capacity. Usually, manually operated bridge weight is a concern when the bridge reaches 24” or longer. There are options to mitigate bridge weight by splitting the bridges into two sections, aluminum bridges or hydraulically operated bridges with push-button controls.

6. Other Options

Other options include special paint finishes, special platform surfaces, wheel chocks, hydraulic fluids, dates, and more!

If you are looking for a great solution for your dock lift or other dock equipment, Speed-Tech Equipment has some great products for you! We carry both the DOCK-LIFT series and the MAST-GUIDE series for dock lifts. Both are manufactured by Nordock Inc. and are both reliable & dependable! If you are confused about the different Types of Loading Dock Lifts and which would best suit your business please reach out to our team today! We’re happy to discuss options with you. 

stuck loading dock door

What to Do When Your Loading Dock Door Gets Stuck

A loading dock door that is not working correctly will affect the security and functionality of any warehouse operations. An inoperable loading dock door compromises loading dock safety and leaves the warehouse at risk for theft or damage.

Before trying to find a solution to fix your loading dock door, you need to figure out the cause of the door being stuck in the open or closed position. Let’s go over some common problems that can cause a warehouse loading dock door to stop operating efficiently and how to fix the issue.

Power Disconnection

If your loading dock is powered by electricity, then a lack of energy may be causing your door to not open or close. Your warehouse’s main power unit may be the issue or the electrical wiring to the dock door is damaged or disconnected.

Damaged Dock Door Panel Section

Break-ins or vandalism, or core and edge damage can also be factors that play a part in your loading dock door not operating correctly. Since most loading dock doors have sections, it’s sometimes possible to only need to fix the damaged section rather than the whole entire dock door.

However, you should have a professional inspect the door for any damage to ensure the warehouse dock door is safe and secure. It may seem cost-effective to only replace the damaged section, but it might not prolong the life of your dock door for very long. Yes, replacing the missing or damaged dock door is cost-effective, but in the case of break-ins, purchasing a new loading dock door may be the safest option.

Obstructions or Damaged Door Dock Parts

Leaves, dust, dirt, and other debris caught inside the tracks or wheels can jam your loading dock door. Any type of excessive buildup of grime or lack of wheel lubrication will cause the rollers to pop out of the tracks.

Another common issue is the wearing out of the loading dock equipment. The components of industrial door can start to rust or become inflexible. The spring systems in your door will also go through heavy wear and tear and can give out or completely break. Best practices include having your dock doors visually inspected regularly for any obstructions and to evaluate the condition of the worn or damaged parts which need to be replaced.

Misalignment on Tracks

There are many ways that your loading dock door can become misaligned on the tracks. The metal tracks could become corroded or loose and come off the wall, or they could be dented or warped from experienced damage after being hit.

The worst way to try and fix the problem is by forcing the dock door back onto the tracks. It will lead to more costly damage and cause serious injuries to workers. Even if the issue seems minor and could be an easy fix, getting the loading dock door back on the tracks once it’s been removed is a difficult task.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional loading dock door repair service to make sure the problem is resolved safely.

Loading dock safety is very important when performing daily warehouse operations. When your loading docks experience frequent abuse, they’ll wear out faster and lead to major repairs and replacement costs.

Improving the longevity of your loading dock door through routine inspections and following the suggested preventative maintenance plan can help ensure your door is functioning properly- saving you some money and avoiding the risk of serious injuries. If you’re in need of loading dock door repairs or loading dock equipment contact the Speed-Tech service department today!

Difference Between Mechanical and Hydraulic Dock Levelers

Simply put, a dock leveler (also known as a dock plate) is a bridge that covers the gap between and building/facility and the transport vehicle, protecting both, your products and building during the loading/unloading process.

It’s important to understand the differences between these two dock plates, if chosen properly, it will be a long-term investment that will help improve the productivity of your business while also taking care of your goods.

Hydraulic Dock Leveler

Powered Dock Leveler

The hydraulic dock levelers are the easiest and most convenient to operate since they don’t require the operator to do any of the manual work, he/she will simply use the control panel to engage to the correct height and align with the trailer bed properly.

hydraulic dock leveler

Hydraulic Dock Leveler Features

Is started by a push of a button

The push-button controls the height of the leveler and extends the lip

As the buttons are released, the platform then floats down to the trailer floor

Tends to operate in a range between 12 inches below and 12 inches above the level of the dock

Normal operations don’t require pulling a chain

When loading is complete, the operator will push a button to return the leveler to its stored position

Ergonomically efficient and easier for workers since there is no bending and chain pulling, resulting in a lower chance of injury

Hydraulic leveler consists of one motor, two cylinders, and hoses

Mechanical Dock Leveler

Manual Dock Plates

Mechanical dock levelers demand manual effort from the operator due to the mechanical parts. The operator will pull a chain to position the leveler onto the trailer and must use body weight and force to move the leveler down onto the trailer bed once it’s in the correct position and the lip is extended.

The mechanical dock leveler is your best option if you’re not planning to use it frequently during the day and if there’s low dock traffic and the loading dock supports operations but is not integral for daily tasks.

hydraulic dock leveler

Mechanical Dock Leveler Features

Is spring-powered, requiring manual activation

Must be positioned onto a trailer first by pulling a chain which sets the “hold down” system free, letting the platform rise and the lip extend.

The operator will then walk onto the platform and use bodyweight to lower the leveler onto the trailer bed.

If the trailer is below the dock height, the operator will then pull a second chain in order to retract the support legs- this allows the platform to be positioned below the deck.

The ergonomics of a mechanical dock leveler are less efficient than a hydraulic one.

The mechanical dock leveler has springs, hold downs, lip latches, and other moving parts. These parts are consistently under pressure which causes them to have a more frequent replacement, particularly of the leveler’s springs.

Mechanical springs have heat/cold sensitivy, they expand in the heat and contract in the cold- requiring consistent adjustments.

Hydraulic vs Mechanical Dock Leveler Investment Cost

The initial investment of a hydraulic dock leveler will be more expensive. However, mechanical dock levelers usually have a higher cost of operation because of the various parts that are under tension constantly. Therefore, this will generate more repairs and higher maintenance fees, parts replacements, and downtime in the long run.

Breaking down the cost of life will help you make the best decision for your business. Consider the capital cost of the dock leveler, the approximate cost of maintenance, and the service fees. In the long run, a hydraulic dock leveler will typically have the lowest cost of living, but if you are only planning for the short-term, then a mechanical dock leveler may be a better option for you.

Still unsure which dock leveler is best suited for your business? Talk with one of our experts to help you decide which is the best option for you!

Check out our Mechanical Dock Levelers & Hydraulic Dock Levelers for more information!

ultimate guide to loading dock equipment

The Ultimate Guide to Loading Dock Equipment

What Your Business Needs for A Fully Functioning Loading Dock

Loading docks are a big part of many businesses today. They allow for the quick loading and unloading of products from one place to another. Loading docks generally have many moving parts that allow them to function seamlessly along with the team that is running them – but what are the actual moving parts within each loading dock? What equipment allows for each loading dock to be run smoothly. What equipment pieces are must-haves for your loading dock? Stay tuned! We want to talk about each crucial piece of equipment that is a part of a loading dock and what they do to ensure the smooth loading and unloading process.

Loading Dock Leveler

A loading dock leveler is a crucial piece of equipment for your loading dock. What is a loading dock leveler? A loading dock leveler is a piece of equipment that is put on the edge of your loading dock to, as the name states, level your loading dock. This equipment connects a truck that would back up to be loaded or unloaded to the stationary dock, and just serves as a sort of ramp that can be raised or lowered to connect the space between.

Loading Dock Seals

A loading dock seal is not a required piece of equipment for any loading dock but is an application that can be very beneficial for your operations. A dock seal is most simply a foam pad that is attached to your loading dock opening in order to seal any openings between a truck and the loading dock. A loading dock seal is great for places where weather is unpredictable and can easily affect the loading and unloading of products. We know that moisture can create dangerous conditions on a loading dock floor for anyone working in the area, a dock seal is a great way to minimize the elements coming in and affecting your operation. Not only does a dock seal help prevent

Loading Dock Shelters

Dock shelters provide a different kind of seal for loading docks. They also are not required and are generally fitted to the top and sides of a loading dock with a weighted curtain or piece of fabric hanging down or formed with a piece of fiberglass stays. This allows for trailers of any size to still have a strong seal while backed into the loading dock. Some dock shelters even are able to be adjusted by height with a rope or other form of adjustment. All in all loading dock shelters are a great way to control any outside elements from getting in while you are loading and unloading trucks that come in an out. They are similar to a dock seal but as they have progressed, they are better at not showing as much wear and tear with heavy daily use.

Vehicle Restraints & Loading Dock Communications

Vehicle restraints and loading dock communication often go hand in hand. Vehicle restraints are a safety measure that are highly recommended for loading docks. Simply speaking, they prevent a truck or vehicle from moving away from the dock while the loading or unloading process is happening. Vehicle restraints keep the vehicle secured safely to the loading dock so that work can commence safely. Many times dock communications in the form of lights will also accompany the vehicle restraints to let the drivers and workers both know the status of the truck as well as when it is safe to pull away or begin loading or unloading.

Loading Dock Lifts

Loading dock lifts can be used for a wide variety of applications to help your operations go more smoothly. In the resting position they are level with the ground, and then can be adjusted to the height of the truck or level that you need in order to move product from point A to point B. Not only can they be used for trucks but businesses will also use them to move product from one floor to another floor depending on the situation. Every loading dock lift has safety measures put into place for the use of t

dock lifts

Barrier Gates

Barrier gates are a great safety measure for any loading dock that is not being used. A gate is stretched across the opening to allow the loading door to be open while keeping anyone inside from falling out. Because the door is open, there also is good airflow that is allowed into the building keeping fresh air flowing for everyone’s enjoyment – especially when the weather is nice.

Loading Dock Bumpers

Loading dock bumpers are a must if you have docks that are regularly in use. As named, they are a padded bumper that is attached to your dock in case the trailer hits the dock on any side. These pads will absorb any shock from hitting the dock in a case where the trailer isn’t backed in properly. These bumpers can prevent serious damage from occurring – especially in high traffic loading docks.

If you have a business that utilized a loading dock, we hope that this information was helpful for you to know what options you have for your loading dock as well as what equipment you might want to keep your workers and drivers as safe as possible.

If you are looking for any of the above equipment, please contact us today! Our representatives are happy to help you in any way that we can.

dock communication system

Benefits to Dock Communications for Your Business

Dock communications are such an important part of your loading dock system. They are critical to keep your employees, and bystanders safe in one of the most dangerous areas of your business. An effective dock communication system will be clear and concise, allowing for simple and easy communication between the truck driver and loading dock personal. Most dock communication systems feature both a red and green bright light as well as a sign that easily reads from both straight on and through a mirror “Enter on green only”. What other benefits do dock communication systems have for businesses?

Provides clear, simple, efficient, and effective communication

This is crucial in the world of loading docks. Communication between the loading dock staff and truck drivers needs to be as clear as possible in order to avoid any accidents or damages. Because the red and green lights are fairly universal signs for stop and go, it easily allows the line of contact to be both efficient and effective to get the most amount of work done in the shortest amount of time. With clear contact both the loading dock employees and truck drivers can do their jobs quickly and smoothly.

Dock Communication increases safety and productivity

Just to reiterate the point above, dock communication systems allow teams to work more safely and be more productive. Universally understood signs help to make sure that there is no miscommunication between any truck driver wanting to unload and the staff ready to receive the product. With unclear and miscommunication come accidents and inefficient processes.

Reduces potential damage to trucks and loading dock equipment

Keeping costs low as a company is important, and everyone knows that damaged equipment and items costs money. As a business move it’s smart to invest in safety features such as dock communication systems in order to save you money long term by reducing any potential damages that might occur to trucks, loading dock equipment, and more!

As a business, it is important to keep your employees and everyone that comes onto your property safe, especially in an area with such high traffic like a loading dock. Safety measures such as dock communication systems can help your business achieve this with the least amount of supervision necessary. Keeping employees safe not only keeps your business safe but it also will help your company save money in the long haul.
We here at Speed-Tech Equipment are proud to carry the Nordock DOK-COM communication system to help your business improve both safety and efficiency at your loading docks.

Features

Each system features red and green LED lights for optimum visuals, easy to see and understand visual signage, sun visors on the lights to prevent glare for users, and simple installation process.

Standard Operation

Before loading a truck, dock personnel check that the wheels are chocked then flip a switch on the inside light. The outside light will immediately turn from green to red and alternately the inside light will turn from red to green. After loading is complete the lights are switched back to red inside and green outside allowing the truck to leave the dock.

Additional Options

The DOK-COM also offers additional options such as photo eye or limit switch mounted on door or leveler for automatic light control, control panel with dock leveler and door interlocks with operator load function for leveler and inside green light control, and full logi-smart integrated panels to control communication lights.

If you are interested in getting more information about getting a DOK-COM dock communications system from Speed-Tech Equipment, contact us today! Our staff is happy to help you in any way that we can.

upgrade your baler

3 Ways To Know It’s Time To Upgrade Your Equipment

The continued development of equipment over the years has helped many businesses and people perform their jobs and services with increased efficiency, productivity, all the while saving money and manpower. If you are an individual or business that has benefited from the use of various equipment, you know how important it is to keep said equipment and machinery up and running to the best of its ability. But as you know, equipment always endures wear and tear, and there comes a time where maintenance is needed, parts are to be replaced, and upgrades are necessary to continue business as usual. When is the time right for you to upgrade your equipment? How can you know when the line has been crossed and a piece of equipment is no longer worth putting money into repairs, but you will be better off upgrading your old equipment?

When Your Company Outgrows It

One of the best ways to know that it’s time to upgrade your equipment is when your company outgrows it. This is a little bit of a grey area, but when the equipment no longer is serving its purpose it might be time to make the upgrade. This might mean that you have too much work that your equipment cannot keep up, or it could simply be that whatever equipment you have is just too small to keep up with the applications you are using it for. For example, if you have a trash compactor for your business, as you continue to grow your trash compactor will get to a point where you are just producing too much trash to use your compactor efficiently. If that is the case, you will want to consider investing in a larger compactor!

Wastequip 3yrd compactor

When Your Mechanic Recommends It

Another good way that you can know if the time is approaching to upgrade or replace your equipment is to check in continually with your trusted mechanic during their routine maintenance sessions. An experienced mechanic will many times be able to spot issues or problems before they become actual issues or problems for you. No business wants to experience down time with a machine or piece of equipment that is out of order. A mechanic should be able to help you understand when your equipment is in need of replacement or an upgrade in order to keep your business running properly.

When The Cost of Repairs Outweighs the Increase in Productivity

Our last tip when it comes to knowing when it’s time to upgrade your equipment is a pretty practical one…it’s time to upgrade your equipment when the cost of equipment repairs outweighs the benefits of the piece of equipment. For example, in a very basic sense, if you are a business that owns a cardboard baler in order to simplify your recycling process but your average yearly cost to continue making repairs to the cardboard baler are more than what you are saving in terms of manpower and recycling costs, it’s likely time to make the upgrade for your business.

Unfortunately, everything is not always black and white when it comes to the time to upgrade your equipment – but as a business, it’s important to always be thinking about the ways in which you can continue to grow as well as keep track of the things that might be holding you back.

If you are interested and looking for more information on updating your businesses compactors, balers, loading dock equipment and more, feel free to contact us today. Our experienced staff and team is more than happy to walk you through how an upgrade can help you.

loading dock rules

Everything You Need To Know About Loading Dock Rules

OSHA Loading Dock Requirements for Better Loading Dock Fall Protection

Loading docks are the hub for shipping and receiving for many businesses meaning that they are also a big source of profit for businesses. Because of all the hustle and bustle that happens on a loading dock there can be many dangers of working on and around them – there are various rules that both employers should implement, and employees should follow while near to loading docks to make sure that everyone is as safe as they can be. Of course there are some very general loading dock rules that everyone is expected to follow such as keeping floors clean, dry, and in good condition meaning that it’s important to clean up any trash or miscellaneous items that might find their way onto the floor where everyone is moving about as well as being alert to your surroundings including other vehicles, workers, and materials. But what about the less known loading dock rules, the ones that you might not know exist? The United States Department of Labor: Occupational Safety & Health Administration or OSHA doesn’t have very many CLEAR guidelines when it comes to loading dock requirements, but here is what we have found. OSHA states the biggest potential hazards when it comes to loading docks are “falling off the edge of the dock” and “skidding or slipping due to wet or icy conditions”

Be sure to check through your individual state loading dock rules and regulations as well to ensure that you are making your workspace the safest that it can be. To help you get started thinking about some of the less thought of various concerns when it comes to your loading dock, we decided to put together a short list of rules to think about based on OSHA’s stated potential hazards so that you can make your loading dock a safe one.

Keep a Lookout for Wet, or Slippery Floor Surfaces.

Keeping a close eye out for any potentially slippery surfaces is important in the world of loading docks, just a little bit of water, or a small spill can drastically affect the people that are working on the floor. Spills or wetness can affect loading dock equipment such as forklifts making it challenging for them to drive or move.

Clean Up All Spills Immediately

If you do see any sort of spill, no matter if its water or something else, be sure to clean them up immediately so as not to cause any accidents.

used loading dock equipment

Report And Take Caution With Any Rain or Water Leaks

Reporting anything that is out of the ordinary is important when it comes to safety. Simple maintenance fixes should be reported as soon as they are recognized and dealt with accordingly! Be sure to talk to all employees about the importance of reporting any maintenance fixes, including and especially any leaks that might make your floor slippery or.

Use Caution When Moving Dock Plates

All employees should always use caution when it comes to working around machinery, loading docks, equipment, and other higher risk situations.

Don't Run On or Around Loading Docks or Loading Dock Machinery (Fork Lifts, etc.)

Remember to slow down when moving around your loading dock area – walking while you are on or around loading docks and loading dock equipment can prevent many accidents from happening, all you have to do is just use extra caution.

Keep a Safe Distance from Loading Dock Edges

Be sure to keep a safe distance from all loading dock edges in order to prevent any potential falls and keep yourself and other workers safe.

Train All Employees to Use All Loading Dock Equipment Properly

Training is a large part in keeping your business and loading dock area safe. Be sure to hold training sessions for all employees that covers how to properly use all loading dock equipment. Let all employees know the various risks and dangers as well as what rules and regulations you have put into place to keep them all safe.

Use Hand, Head, Eye, and Ear Protection as Needed. (gloves, hats, glasses, etc.)

Using proper protection can be a big help when it comes to working on the loading docks. Employers should always implement hand, head, eye, and ear protection regulations in order to keep all employees as safe as possible on and around the loading docks.

Be sure to check your state regulations as you make rules for your company and loading dock personal. If you are looking for various loading dock accessories and parts, take a look at our different options and available parts here! Not seeing what you are looking for? Please contact us today! Our representatives would be happy to talk to you about what needs you might have!

How To Choose A Dock Leveler

How To Choose A Dock Leveler

Mechanical vs Hydraulic Dock Levelers

Choosing the right loading dock levelers for your business and operations can seem like a daunting task for many. There are many factors to consider when it comes to finding a dock leveler that maximizes your company’s productivity as well as provides ease of operation for your business. Our company alone offers four various types of levelers to meet any person or business needs, and we recognize that it can be difficult to know which is the right fit for your company, so we wanted to provide you with a few points to consider when you are searching to choose the right dock leveler to add into your operations.
The difference between mechanical and hydraulic is fairly simple, although depending on your business the differences can make or break your operation.

Mechanical Dock Levelers

A mechanical dock leveler does not require electricity. The mechanism functions by means of a pully and chain contraption. It’s a simple and has a more affordable upfront cost. Mechanical dock levelers do seem to be harder on your employees because they require them to bend and strain more in order to have the dock leveler function. To lower this type of dock leveler, you simply need to walk out on it, and the weight of yourself will lower it down to function.
To See Our Mechanical Dock Leveler Options – Click Here!

Hydraulic Dock Levelers

A Hydraulic dock leveler is a longer lasting dock leveler that does not require as much effort on the side of the operator. These dock levelers feature controls that allow you to raise and lower the dock without any physical effort. The hydraulic dock leveler is going to be more costly up front, but will likely last longer.
To See Our Hydraulic Dock Leveler Options – Click Here!

Nordock Mechanical Loading Dock Leveler
hydraulic conversion kit

What is best for you and your company?

When you are beginning the process of finding a dock leveler for your operation it’s important to recognize your needs. What are you searching for in a leveler? What functionality do you need your dock leveler to have? It’s crucial to know what you want out of your leveler and what needs you are trying to meet with it in order to make a good decision for which leveler will be the best addition for your ventures. Some things that might help you discover your needs are things like signaling, various control features, safety elements, and capacity ability. Certain industries have various environments as well as requirements for their work flow to function, recognizing your industries needs will be the first step in narrowing down what you are looking for in a dock leveler.

Once you have narrowed down each of the things that you need from your dock leveler, you’ll be able to think about other things such as maintenance costs. This is another important thing to consider when trying to find the right dock leveler for your business. Maintenance costs as well as lifespan vary between mechanical and hydraulic docks. A hydraulic dock leveler likely will cost more up front, but it’s been found that hydraulic dock levelers generally last longer than mechanical levelers which means that you more than likely will spend more maintaining and keeping up with your mechanical leveler.

The last thing we encourage people to consider is going to be what environment is your leveler going to be a part of? Think about your loading dock environment that you are trying to put a dock leveler in. Is your business heavily refrigerated? How much space do you have? Do your products vary – do you need something that is widely versatile? Think about the environment that you are in, not only with your facility, but also with your product. This might help you make a more pointed decision of which dock leveler is going to best serve you as well as provide you with the best functionality and maximize your productivity.

If you have questions about which dock levelers are right for you, contact us today! Our team has years of service with dock levelers and can help you decide which leveler is right for your company.

The NORDOCK® Specialty Dock Levelers Difference

Loading Dock Levelers: What's the Difference

Speed-Tech Equipment is your certified dealer for all of Michigan. We have been selling Nordock’s various types of loading dock levelers for the past several years.  

Nordock Dock Leveler

Mechanical Levelers

The mechanical loading dock levelers are easy-to-install, very affordable, have proven performance, and feature soft release action. They have been designed and built for the toughest loading dock environments. We offer the following NORDOCK® Series:

All of these series carry the NORDOCK® guarantee to outperform.

AirDock Levelers

The NORDOCK® Airdock™ Levelers are designed with the patented ‘Next Generation Air’™ technology. This technology makes these levelers revolutionary in improving loading dock productivity and efficiency.

We provide these NORDOCK® series of their AirDock™ levelers:

All of these series carry the NORDOCK® guarantee to outperform.

Nordock Airdock Levelers Industrial Series

Hydraulic Levelers

The next series of NORDOCK® levelers that we carry are the Hydraulic Series. These levelers are able to raise the deck to the needed height with the simple push of a button. This is made possible by utilizing a patented system of only one hydraulic cylinder. We sell five different NORDOCK® series of these levelers:

All of these series carry the NORDOCK® guarantee to outperform.

hydraulic-levelers repair
SHF Hydraulic Dock Leveler

NORDOCK® Specialty Dock Levelers

The mechanical loading dock levelers are easy-to-install, very affordable, have proven performance, and feature soft release action. They have been designed and built for the toughest loading dock environments. We offer the following NORDOCK® Series:

All of these series carry the NORDOCK® guarantee to outperform.

Not sure what type of leveler you need?

Contact Us!

We are here to help you find the best leveler suited for your loading dock based on your specific needs. What we have listed here are just brief introductions to each type of the NORDOCCK® levelers we sell. By answering any questions you may have, we’ll be able to help you determine which of the various series is the best solution for your particular loading dock.

Safety and Commercial Vehicle Restraints

Safety and Commercial Vehicle Restraints When it comes to safety, we are committed to investing in the protection of our own lives and the lives of others when purchasing safety equipment from Speed Tech Equipment.  When it comes to safety, we are committed to investing in the protection of our own lives and the lives of others when purchasing safety equipment from Speed Tech Equipment.

While dealing with automobiles, it is important to note the potential dangers, especially while dealing with large trucks and trailers. It only makes sense for us to be concerned about safety when enormous vehicles traveling in excess of 60mph are involved in moving heavy equipment.

These vehicle restraints offered by Speed Tech Equipment will assist in avoiding injury while projects are being completed. You can see a full line of what we offer below.  If you are looking for something not on the list, contact us, we might just have it available.

“Vehicle restraints are a critical factor when it comes to protecting us from injury to ourselves and others"

Loading Dock Vehicle Restraints

The NORDOCK® AR-9500 Impact Restraint is a rotating vehicle restraint that automatically adjusts to the height of your trailer to provide you with the safest loading experience possible.

This unit connects the rear guard rail of your vehicle to a large rotating hook which fastens your trailer to the loading dock. Attaching your trailer to the loading dock with this automatic hook keeps the trailer from rolling away and keeps your hands away from moving machinery. Without this device your trailer has the potential to roll away, causing possible injury or damage. Restraining your vehicle with this device keeps you and others around you safe.

Nordock AR-9500
nordock pit hook

The NORDOCK®Pit-Hook is a non-impact invisible alternative. This unit is mounted underneath the loading dock, away from any debris, and is designed to keep the area clear of possible hazards. Trailers are held tightly in place via the rear impact guard, stopping the trailer from slowly separating from the dock. Trailer creep may cause the trailer to inch forward until it is no longer being held in place.  Without this unit, when the trailer is released it may roll forward or topple over. With no control of the trailer, the user is putting themselves and those around them at risk of harm.This Pit-Hook will prevent trailer creep and keep the trailer in place.

The NORDOCK® TRUCK-LOCK® Series | Automatic Vehicle Restraints is an automatic system that secures a truck at the loading dock by connecting the rear impact guard with a large barrier. While loading, a positive contact is maintained by the HYDRA-FLOAT™ barrier that automatically adjusts to various truck heights.Once the rear impact guard is connected, a barrier-mounted sensor provides positive communication to the operator regarding the location of the trailer. This automation will keep the truck in a secure position while also allowing for less human error and fewer safety hazards.

NORDOCK® TRUCK-LOCK®
Nordock truck lock manual

The NORDOCK® TRUCK-LOCK® Series | Manual Vehicle Restraint locks trucks into place with 32,000 lb. of restraining force thus improving safety. It locks the truck by connecting the rear impact guard with a large barrier.

Positive communication verifying that the rear impact guard is connected is transmitted to the operator by the barrier-mounted sensor on the Model MTL-300. The spring-loaded barrier adjusts automatically to the different truck heights and sustains positive contact throughout loading operations. The positive connection alert allows the user to be sure of the connection before beginning operations, creating fewer safety issues.

Accidents happen every single day, but shouldn’t we be doing everything in our power to prevent them from happening? Safety should always be a major concern when working with heavy machinery and Speed Tech Equipment is here to provide products that help keep you on your feet and working safely. Browse through our website to view our Loading Dock Vehicle Restraints or call us to assist in finding the product that’s right for you.