Manual Hook-Style Vehicle Restraint for Loading Docks

Note: Trailers with RIG cover plates — steel plates welded across the underside of the ICC bar — cannot be secured by the EZ-Lock. If a cover plate is present, secure the trailer by other means before proceeding.

1. Confirm the trailer has backed fully into the dock and is parked firmly against the dock bumpers
2. Using the supplied handle, push down on the restraint pad and twist right to release the hook from its stored position; the hook will rise and engage the RIG
3. Visually verify that the hook has fully captured the RIG bar before operating the dock leveler or allowing forklift entry
4. If equipped with signal lights: set the toggle to display flashing GREEN inside (dock clear for operations) and flashing RED outside (trailer secured — do not pull away)

1. Confirm loading or unloading is complete and the dock leveler is fully retracted
2. Using the supplied handle, push down on the restraint pad until the hook locks back into the stored (lowered) position
3. Visually verify that the hook is fully lowered and secured in the stored position
4. If equipped with signal lights: set the toggle to display flashing RED inside (dock inactive) and flashing GREEN outside (trailer cleared — safe to depart)

The rotating hook is machined from 1¼-inch thick A514 Grade B steel plate — a high-strength, abrasion-resistant alloy steel — and driven by a 1¼-inch diameter cold-rolled 1008 steel shaft. The upwardly biased hook rotates to increase RIG engagement when contacted by a shifting trailer, maintaining a secure hold under dynamic load conditions.

Carriage side plates are constructed from abrasion-resistant 200F steel, specifically selected to withstand the continuous friction and impact of RIG bar contact. Carriage axles are 1¼-inch diameter cold-rolled 1045 steel; rollers are 2 5/16-inch diameter cold-rolled 1045 steel. All moving parts are enclosed within the housing for smooth, debris-resistant operation.

The roller track is roll-formed from ASTM A572 Grade 50 structural steel into a 6⅛" × 3" channel with 7/8" flanges. The track and housing receive a zinc-plated finish for corrosion resistance, tested per ASTM B117 salt spray standards. The track attaches to the dock face with fifteen (15) heavy-duty 5/8" × 4" sleeve anchors.

• 1 — Hook
• 2 — Roller Track Assembly
• 3 — Carriage Assembly
• 4 — Slope Extension
• 5 — Spring Mounting Plate
• 6 — Manual Activation
• 7 — Handle

• A minimum 4" bumper projection is required. Bumpers deeper than 6" require a block-out accessory.
• Walls must be poured concrete, 8" thick minimum — concrete block or brick is not acceptable for wedge anchor installation.
• The roller track must be installed plumb with the dock face.
• The carriage assembly weighs approximately 110 lbs — use a crane, jack, or appropriate lifting device during installation. Do not attempt to lift by hand.
• Post safety warnings and barricade the work area at both dock level and ground level before beginning installation.

• ANSI MH30.3 — Vehicle Restraining Devices: Safety, Performance and Testing
• ANSI Z535.1 — Safety Color Code
• ANSI Z535.3 — Criteria for Safety Symbols
• ANSI Z535.4 — Product Safety Signs and Labels

• ASTM A6/A6M — General Requirements for Rolled Structural Steel Bars, Plates, Shapes and Sheet Piling
• ASTM A36/A36M — Carbon Structural Steel
• ASTM A370 — Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
• ASTM B117 — Salt Spray (Fog) Corrosion Testing
• ASTM D4950 — Automotive Service Greases (applicable to maintenance lubrication)

• AWS D1.1 — Structural Welding Code, Steel
• FMVSS 223 — Rear Impact Guards (Laboratory Test Procedure)
• FMVSS 224 — Rear Impact Protection

For two (2) years from date of shipment, the roller track assembly and carriage assembly are warranted against defects in materials, components, and workmanship.

For five (5) years from date of shipment, the roller track, carriage weldment, hook, and lower spring bar carry a prorated structural warranty.

Warranty coverage is subject to conditions including proper installation, operation, and maintenance per manufacturer recommendations. For complete terms, exclusions, and claim procedures, refer to the NOVA EZ-Lock Owner's Manual (PDF).

• Daily: Clear debris from around the restraint and track; verify the hook fully raises and lowers smoothly; inspect dock bumpers and replace if worn or missing.
• Every 90 Days: Grease track rollers with Mobilith™ SHC 220 No. 2 grease; apply a thin coat of grease to the release pin; inspect hook for free play and tighten set screw to 96 in-lbs (8 ft-lbs); verify all concrete anchors are torqued to 60 ft-lbs.

Cause: Carriage binding in track, damaged roller track, or broken carriage springs.
Solution: Inspect roller track for debris or damage; verify rollers are lubricated. Replace broken springs as required.

Cause: Broken or weakened hook spring.
Solution: Remove cover plate, inspect hook spring, adjust tension or replace spring as required.

Cause: Worn or broken release pin, binding pin, or broken latch spring.
Solution: Remove cover plate; grease or replace the release pin. Replace the latch spring located beneath the pad.