5 Common Loading Dock Leveler Issues and How to Troubleshoot Them

Loading Dock Leveler Issues

Loading dock levelers are an essential accessory for any business with a busy loading dock.

A leveler’s purpose is to bridge the gap between the dock and the trailer, making it easier and safer to move heavy items. Loading dock levelers can experience problems that can cause downtime and safety issues.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common loading dock leveler issues and how to prevent them.

Loading Dock Leveler Repair near Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Top 5 Most Common Loading Dock Leveler Issues

Hydraulic Fluid Leaks

One of the most common issues that occurs with loading dock levelers is hydraulic fluid leaks.

The hydraulic system is responsible for lifting and lowering the dock leveler. When a leak ensues, it can cause the leveler to malfunction. Leaks can occur due to worn or damaged seals, cracked hoses, or damaged cylinders. Not only can a hydraulic fluid leak cause downtime, but it can also pose a safety risk if the fluid spills onto the loading dock, creating a slippery surface.

Prevention: Regular maintenance can help prevent hydraulic fluid leaks. Inspect the hydraulic system regularly, including hoses, seals, and cylinders, and replace any worn or damaged parts immediately.

Uneven Lip Extension

The lip extension is the part of the dock leveler that extends to the trailer to create a smooth transition. If the lip extension is not level or is uneven, it can create a tripping hazard or damage the trailer. The most common cause of uneven lip extension is worn or damaged hinges or pins.

Prevention: Regularly inspect the hinges and pins that connect the lip extension to the dock leveler. Replace any worn or damaged parts to ensure smooth and even operation.

Rust and Corrosion

Loading dock levelers are exposed to the elements, and over time, rust and corrosion can develop. Rust and corrosion can weaken the dock leveler’s structure, causing it to fail and create safety hazards. In addition, rust and corrosion can make the leveler difficult to operate, leading to downtime.

Prevention: Regularly clean and inspect the dock leveler for signs of rust and corrosion. Use a rust inhibitor or paint to prevent rust and corrosion from developing.

Loose or Damaged Dock Bumpers

Dock bumpers are essential for protecting the dock and the trailer from damage during loading and unloading. If the dock bumpers are loose or damaged, they may not provide adequate protection, and the dock or trailer could be damaged. Loose or damaged dock bumpers can also create a safety hazard.

Prevention: Inspect the dock bumpers regularly and promptly replace any that are loose or damaged. Consider upgrading to a more durable bumper material, such as NORDOCK® Steel Face Bumpers, to reduce the risk of damage.

Electrical Issues

Many loading dock levelers are powered by electricity, and electrical issues can cause downtime and safety issues. Electrical issues can include faulty wiring, blown fuses, or malfunctioning control panels.

Prevention: Regularly inspect the electrical components of the dock leveler, including wiring, fuses, and control panels. Replace any worn or damaged parts immediately. If your system is dated, you could consider upgrading to a newer, more reliable control system.

Conclusion

Loading dock levelers are essential for any business that involves loading and unloading goods from trucks or trailers. However, like any mechanical equipment, they can experience problems that can cause downtime and safety issues.

Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of the most common loading dock leveler issues, including hydraulic fluid leaks, uneven lip extensions, rust and corrosion, loose or damaged dock bumpers, and electrical issues.

By taking a proactive approach to loading dock leveler maintenance, you can reduce downtime, increase safety, and protect your investment.

Looking for Loading Dock Leveler Repair in the West Michigan Area?

Speed-Tech Equipment can fix that!

855-683-7063

Benefits of Loading Dock Vehicle Restraints

Loading docks can be a dangerous work environment. This is because the activities that go on around the loading dock area can be quite risky for workers, truck drivers, dock attendants, technicians, etc. Logistics have become very fast-paced these days with trucks coming and going all the time, there is no room for mistakes. That is why there are many safety regulations in place for the protection of workers and property. One of these best practices is the loading dock vehicle restraint, which helps keep the truck and other vehicles in place while cargo is being loaded or unloaded.

To learn more about loading dock safety rules and regulations check out OSHA Loading Dock Requirements.

If you run a commercial facility and have to deal with loading and unloading trucks daily, installing vehicle restraints is important to help minimize the chance of an accident due to early departure. A vehicle restraint allows you to keep your vehicle in place so that it doesn’t move away from the dock until it is safe to do so. Careless parking, vehicle creep, or unscheduled truck departures can happen even in the safest of environments. But by installing a vehicle restraint system you will reduce the risk of costly equipment damage and physical injury while increasing your productivity.

Benefits of Truck Restraints

– They are a more secure alternative to wheel chocks, which are a cheaper more common solution to prevent vehicle creep, but they are easy to misplace and do not have the force that a truck restraint has.

– Vehicle restraints are very versatile and can be used for a wide variety of trucks and trailers.

– They improve driver and worker safety by preventing:

- Early truck departure
- Trailer creep
- Forklift fall-off can happen if the truck creeps away from the dock and causes a gap between the dock and the loading truck.

Many truck restraints can integrate a stop-and-go communication light system to add another level of safety for workers.

Providing sufficient safety options around your loading dock area will help reduce the risk of a costly accident. They add an extra layer of safety for anyone who is around the loading dock area, and they will be thankful the truck restraints are there.

Types of Vehicle Restraints

With every loading dock being different, there is an important benefit of vehicle restraints, with that being they are entirely customizable. The most common type is the face-mount restraint, which sits right on the outside of the loading dock. Recessed pit vehicle restraints are kept in a pit underneath the dock leveler and are put into place when necessary.

Hydraulic Vehicle Restraints– this type uses hydraulic cylinders to power the unit. An internal automatic pressure switch keeps the arm of the restraint locked in position while in operation. Dock attendants use a control panel to operate the arm.

Electric Vehicle Restraints– these use an electro-mechanical hook. This restraint also uses a touch control system to engage and disengage the arm. Hooks are great for vehicles that may have a damaged or bent rearguard.

Mechanical Vehicle Restraints– these are manually operated by dock attendants. For efficiency and ease of operation, they don’t require power. Mechanical vehicle restraints are the most economical type.

Loading Dock Vehicle Restraints: In Conclusion

As we have outlined today, there are many Benefits of loading dock vehicle restraints. Vehicle restraints are critical to prevent many dangers such as trailer tip-overs, landing gear collapses, trailer creep or separation, or unprepared departures. Here at Speed Tech Equipment, we offer several types of these restraints including mechanical, hydraulic low-profile, and leveler restraints.

If you’re in the market for upgrading your current loading dock vehicle restraints check out our selection of Nordock Vehicle Restraints or Contact Us with any questions you might have!

Needed Full-Time Administrative Assistant - Hudsonville, Michigan

We are in the search of full time administrative assistant working in Hudsonville, Michigan. We are looking for an administrative assistant that will have strong communication, typing, and computer aptitude skills. Candidates must be able to operate word processor and spreadsheets and answer phones. This is a Monday-Friday schedule with weekends and holidays off. Must be punctual and able to maintain reliable attendance.

Benefits:

This position pays will pay very well based on experience and aptitude with benefits upon 90 day evaluation. Health, dental, vision, life, paid time off, 401K match, and other bonuses are provided or offered.

Candidates must have a great work ethic, personal and professional demeanor, and desire to learn and be a leader in the fields of expertise listed.

This business involves the repairing and maintaining of Trash Compactors, Recycle Balers, Truck Docks, and other material handling equipment.

Only applicants who provide a completed and accurate resume in response to this posting will be considered.

Fill out the Form & upload your resume.

We look forward to hearing from you, if there are any questions feel free to contact us as well.

Apply Today for the Full-Time Position!

The Top 3 Recyclable Materials Companies Should Be Recycling

Recycling efforts by many have come leaps and bounds in recent years, but we still have some time to go to reverse the damage caused by decades of improper waste disposal. Most people are doing their part in taking care of recyclable materials by making time to sort and recycle their everyday goods, and more people are purchasing eco-friendly products that are easier to recycle.

You might be surprised- many companies are not recycling as much as they should, causing millions of tons of recyclable materials to go to landfills across the country.

Let’s learn about the top 3 recyclable materials that companies throw away but should be recycling.

Glass

Glass is one of the best recyclable materials, as it can be recycled infinitely, meaning no matter how many times it goes through the recycling process, it will retain its quality. Therefore, whenever you have glass, it should always be recycled since it has an unlimited lifespan and can be used to create new glass.

Unfortunately, many companies out there are not practicing recycling glass as well as they should be, with the United States being one of the worst offenders. Companies in the United States are only recycling around 1/3 of glass waste, which is a fraction compared to what European companies are doing,g with about 90% of their glass being recycled.

Plastic

You hear about plastic waste all over the headlines. Everybody knows and understands just how much of a problem it is for both companies and consumers, yet just about 9% of all plastic discarded since 1950 has been recycled in the USA alone. That is a problem. Much of this plastic waste comes from the difficulties of recycling the various types of plastics, such as plastic packaging, which accounts for roughly 40% of all plastic products produced.

Typically, there are higher costs associated with the plastic recycling process, with the transportation, processing, and recycling making it less cost-efficient than other materials.

Food Waste

You would be surprised how many tons of food waste head off to landfill sites in the United States, with companies accounting for a very large portion of this waste. Everything from unsold produce to half-eaten food, companies across the country are throwing out food waste that can be recycled.

If companies were to recycle more food waste, it would benefit them in the long run. If there were just a 20% reduction in food waste properly being thrown away, companies could save close to $2 billion per year!

In recent years, there has been a change in mindset around recycling food waste, with companies noticing just how much of a difference they can make by changing their recycling practices.

The best way to recycle food waste is to compost it. Compost is a great resource that can help improve the growth of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and even house plants. Creating a compost rather than throwing food in the trash has a big impact on the environment, as we all know.

Other Recyclable Materials

Newspapers
Mixed Paper- old documents, junk mail, etc.
Glossy Magazines and Ads
Cardboard
Paperboard
Plastic Drink Bottles
Aluminum Cans
Steel Cans
Glass Containers

Benefits of Recycling

Reduces waste in landfills and incinerators
Conserves natural resources- timber, water, minerals
Prevents pollution
Saves Energy
Creates jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries in the United States

Speed Tech Equipment is a provider of recycling equipment based in Hudsonville, Michigan. We offer and service every piece of equipment necessary, from Balers to Compactors, to Overhead Doors & Loading Dock Equipment, and so much more!

Contact Us today for more information or Give us a call- 616-669-2142

Needed Full-Time Mobile Technician- Southern Michigan Area

Service company in need of full time mobile technician working in the Southern Michigan area. The technician will need to have strong skills in electrical controls, hydraulics, and at least some knowledge and experience in structural welding. Applicants must be able to lift heavy objects as needed and be willing to work outdoors all seasons of the year.

Benefits:

Candidates must have a great work ethic, mechanical aptitude, positive and entrepreneur attitude, personal and professional demeanor, and desire to learn and be a leader in the fields of expertise listed.

This position requires the repairing and maintaining of Trash Compactors, Recycle Balers, Truck Docks, and other material handling equipment.

Only applicants who provide a completed and accurate resume in response to this posting will be considered.

Fill out the form & upload your resume.

Needed Full-Time Mobile Technician- Eastern Michigan Area

Service company in need of full time mobile technician working in Eastern Michigan area. The technician will need to have strong skills in electrical controls, hydraulics, and at least some knowledge and experience in structural welding. Applicants must be able to lift heavy objects as needed and be willing to work outdoors all seasons of the year.

Benefits:

This position requires the repairing and maintaining of Trash Compactors, Recycle Balers, Truck Docks, and other material handling equipment.

Only applicants who provide a completed and accurate resume in response to this posting will be considered.

Fill out the form & upload your resume.

Advantages to Having Mobile Onsite Equipment Repair at Your Fingertips

Explore More Repair Options for Your Business

When you run a business that heavily relies on machines, you understand how beneficial they can be for operations. On the flip side, when machines go down, it can take a huge toll on your business. It’s important now more than ever before to have processes in place to keep your business running as smoothly as possible with the least amount of downtime – and we’re here to help. Speed-tech Equipment offers mobile onsite repair at your fingertips to keep your company moving as best as possible.

What is mobile onsite repair?

Mobile onsite repair is just exactly what it sounds like; our team is mobile, and we come to you and repair your machines onsite in your building. This helps your business immensely when it comes to unexpected downtime. We’ve all been in the position of inconvenience with a broken-down car, a popped tire, or keys locked in the house. It’s never a fun place to be, and not only is it stressful, but it can also be nerve-wracking and frustrating when we have places to be or things to do. It’s no different when it comes to your business and equipment.

Advantages to using Speed-Techs mobile onsite equipment repair

Less unexpected down time

As we have stated before, one of the best things about mobile onsite repair is the reduction of time that you spend waiting for your equipment to be fixed. You call the team in, and we can fix and adjust your machine right in the very place it stands. This is a huge advantage when it comes to the way your business runs. Less downtime means more efficiency and the maximization of your dollars.

In-house labor and repair savings

When you are working with someone else to fix your business’s machinery, there is a cost that goes into that – but for many people, this still becomes a savings. Hiring a professional that is out-of-house and has extensive experience working on equipment and machines will help cut down on the amount of time required to get you back up and running, which can ultimately result in in-house savings when it comes to both labor and repair.

Little to no effort required to get your machines back up and running

Not only can you end up saving money by hiring a professional to get the job done quickly and well, but there is also a convenience factor in having onsite mobile repair. When your business utilizes a mobile repair team like ours, you will have little to no effort that is required when it comes to getting your business running smoothly. Many times, businesses are too busy to waste time transporting, waiting, or spending time working on a machine that needs some help. Our mobile onsite repair service allows you to leave all of that behind and relax as we take care of everything for you.

Mobile onsite equipment repair service is not only convenient for your business, but it can also save you money in the long run. There are many advantages to not having to worry about your broken-down equipment, and we hope that you will decide to give our mobile repair services a try. Not only do we offer repair services, but we also have a wide range of other services that we offer, including full equipment rebuilds, equipment installations, custom fabrications, and more.

If you are interested in learning more about what we do and how we can help your business, please conta ct us today! Our team is happy to help you in any way that we can.