Raise and lower the ramp with less than 50 lbs. of force! The dock levelers high torsion spring assembly takes the work out of raising and lowering the dock leveler making it easy for almost any of your personnel.
Operating Range
The standard mechanical Edge of Dock Leveler is designed for operation ±5" above and below dock level for gas forklifts or ±3” for all other equipment types.
Our Low Dock Solution
For loading docks too low for this working range we also offer low dock ramps designed to be mounted to the floor of your loading dock opening. By effectively raising the level of your dock an edge of dock leveler may be mounted at a height suitable to your freight needs.
Our low dock ramps are also available for those with existing dock levelers mounted below their ideal operating range.
ANSI Rated Steel
Standard MH30.2 -- In addition to the test for overall strength, as has been a longstanding practice for dockboard manufacturers, this standard incorporates a test which sets limits for deflection of product while under load. This test insures the integrity of the slope of the ramp. Loss of shape will result in grades which may not be usable for certain equipment.
Edge of Dock Leveler Design
The Dock Leveler is designed to accommodate a maximum of five inches above and below the dock, providing 18.5% grade down and 20% grade up. This is acceptable for most gas or propane forklifts but is not suitable for most pallet trucks or many electric forklifts.
Freight trailers range in height from 46 to 56 inches; for optimum performance the Dock Leveler should be mounted at 51" above the driveway.
Refrigerated trailers range in height from 50 to 60 inches; for optimum performance the Dock Leveler should be mounted at 55 inches above the driveway. In addition this application requires a 17" reefer lip to accommodate the offset floor of the trailer.
Flat bed trailers have a wide range of trailer heights. Dock boards or other equipment may be needed for extreme height variations.
Containers have variations in both floor heights and door configurations.
Captive fleets require mounting midway between lowest and highest trailer, provided ±5" range is maintained.
Pallet trucks and electric forklifts can be used with trailers 3 inches above and three inches below dock level. Dock boards or other equipment may be needed to accommodate a greater service range for pallet jacks and electric forklifts (This is due to limited clearance and grade this type of equipment operates at)
NOTE: Dock Levelers WILL NOT accommodate refrigerated and freight trailers at a single dock location due to above specified conditions.
Pit Levelers vs Edge of Dock Levelers
There are two primary differences between an edge of dock leveler and pit leveler, the degree of prep work required for installation and overall service height.
Service Range
Pit Levelers offer a far greater service height than edge of dock levelers with some models reaching up to 16". However, for most loading applications, with a typical 48"-50" dock height, an edge of dock leveler is capable of handling 53' trailers with its service range of 5" above and below dock level.
Installation
Edge of dock levelers are, by design, simply mounted to the face of the loading dock without the need for extensive site modifications. In comparison a pit leveler requires extensive renovations to an existing dock or proper pre planning as the loading dock is built.
Type
Best For
Capacity
Operating Range
Key Advantage
Mechanical Edge-of-Dock
Most standard applications
20,000-30,000 lb.
±5" (gas forklifts)
±3" (All equipment)
Lowest cost + maintenance
Hydraulic Edge-of-Dock
High-traffic docks
20,000-30,000 lb.
±5" (Gas Forklifts)
±3" (All equipment)
Push-button ease
Lo-Dock Leveler
Low docks (36"-46")
20,000-30,000 lb.
±5" at raised height
Raises dock 3"-20"
Pit Levelers
Extreme height variations
25,000-50,000 lb.
Up to 18"
Maximum service range
Edge of Dock Levelers
Capacities from 20,000 to 30,000 lbs.
Widths of 66", 72" and 78"
Services ±5" Above or Below Dock Level
Mechanical or Hydraulic Models
Mounted to Dock Face
Low Maintenance
Unit Prices Start Around $900
Pit Levelers
Max Gross Load 12,500 to 25,000 lbs.
Widths of 72", 78" and 84"
Certain Models Service Up to 16"
Mechanical or Hydraulic Models
Built into Dock Floor
High Maintenance
Labor Intensive Installation
Unit prices start around $2,000
Edge of Dock Levelers
(Permanent Dock Ramp)
Capacities from 20,000 to 25,000 lbs.
Widths of 66", 72" and 78"
Automatically returns to stored position when truck leaves.
When a dock is built too low for use with a standard edge of dock leveler the Lo dock leveler becomes an ideal alternative. designed to permanently raise the level of your loading dock up to 11”, the Lo-dock leveler off ers the needed height to get your leveler to the proper position. We also offer retrofit kits for existing levelers that need to be mounted at a higher position.
Typically used on docks ranging from 36" - 46" high
Raises edge of dock levelers (ramp) to proper working height
What is the service range of a Dock Leveler? All edge of dock levelers offer a service range of 5" above and below for gas forklifts or 3" above and below for all other types of equipment. For greater heights above dock level we offer an alternate edge of dock leveler model with a ramp called the low dock leveler, to learn more about this option give us a call at 1800-741-1258.
Are bumpers included? All dock leveler models come with standard with molded bumpers and steel block outs.
Does installation require welding? Yes, the installation of an edge of dock leveler requires welding to either an embedded C channel or an approach plate mounted to the dock floor. The exception to this rule are low dock levelers which come fully welded, ready to be placed on the dock.
How do I get it into the truck? Dock levelers are positioned into the trailer by pulling the handle back towards the floor with approximately 45 lbs. of force. Once the handle is near the floor the handle will be lifted back towards the truck, where the lip will now glide forward on the the cantilevered lip catch that was set in place when the lip was raised. To cycle the leveler closed simply pull the handle back part way and release towards the truck.
Have Questions?
Call one of our EOD Dock Experts at 1800-741-1258
