Skip to main content
#
Loading Dock Supply

credit cards
Stocking Locations
10 Stocking
Locations

BBB Logo

Loading Dock Bridge


BrochureSpecificationsFAQ

Dock Bridges for Edge of Dock

Standard Mechanical Ramp depicted

Mounted directly to the face of your dock, a loading Dock Bridge provides dependable access to trailers ±5” above and below the loading dock. Select from a range of spring assemblies and hydraulic options to suit your application or budget.

Note: Edge of dock levelers require a welded installation

Dock Bridge Features

  • Capacities from 20,000 to 30,000 lbs.
  • Widths of 66", 72" and 78"
  • Self storing lip
  • Self storing handle
  • Refrigerated lip optional
  • Bumper and bumper blocks are included.
  • ±5" above and below dock level operating range
  • 16.75” Bumper projection
  • Simple to Install
  • Fast, Easy Operation
  • American Manufactured

Have Questions?
Give our Dock Experts a Call 1800-741-1258


Bar Lift Dock Bridge
Torsion Spring Design Mechanical Leveler
Hydraulic Dock Bridge
Hydraulic Lift Mechanism
Dock Bridge
Extension Spring Design Mechanical Leveler

Dock Bridge Specification

Torsion Spring Assisted Action

Raise and lower the ramp with less than 50 lbs. of force! The dock bridges torsion spring assembly takes the work out of raising and lowering the lip making it easy for most your personnel.

Operating Range

The standard Dock Bridge 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 the standard working range we also offer ramps designed to be mounted to the floor of your loading dock opening. In function they'll effectively raise the level of your dock to where a dock bridge may be mounted at a height suitable to your freight needs.

Dock Bridge Design

The Dock Bridge 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 Bridge should be mounted at 51" above the driveway.
  • Refrigerated trailers range in height from 50 to 60 inches; for optimum performance the Dock Bridge 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 Bridges WILL NOT accommodate refrigerated and freight trailers at a single dock location due to above specified conditions.


Torsion Spring vs Extension Spring Dock Bridge


Extension Springs
Attached at both ends via a counterbalance assembly, the dual extension springs balance the weight of the Dock Bridge in the stored position. When operated via the pull bar the springs retract at a constant rate raising the plate to a vertical or ‘hanging’ position above the hinge and bumpers ready for placement in the trailer.

Torsion Spring
Helical in shape, the torsion spring uses torque or rotary forces applied to counterbalances attached at either end. When mounted and set to the predetermined tension, the dock bridge will wind the spring when placed in the closed position preparing the ramp for the next phase of activation. Once the Dock Bridges pull bar is activated the torsion spring will naturally return to it's natural unwound position effectively raising the ramp lip allowing it to float in the raised position ready for placement in the trailer.

Comparison
While both styles of springs effectively produce the same result of raising the dock bridges lip with minimal force, the torsion spring design provides a smoother action and considerably longer life expectancy over the extension spring design providing more value over it's lifetime use.


FAQ

What is the service range of a Dock Leveler?
All edge of dock Bridges 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?
Yes Bumpers are included with the assembly.


Does installation require welding?
Yes, Loading dock bridge installation 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?
Position the bridge onto 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.


  • Home
  • Loading Dock Bridge
  Name Product Id Price Quantity
  Loading Dock Bridge BL6620

20,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
66" Usable Width


BL6620   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL7220

20,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
72" Usable Width


BL7220   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL7820

20,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
78" Usable Width


BL7820   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL8420

20,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
84" Usable Width


BL8420   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL6625

25,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
66" Usable Width


BL6625   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL7225

25,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
72" Usable Width


BL7225   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL7825

25,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
78" Usable Width


BL7825   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL8425

25,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
84" Usable Width


BL8425   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL6630

30,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
66" Usable Width


BL6630   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL7230

30,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
72" Usable Width


BL7230   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL7830

30,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
78" Usable Width


BL7830   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL8430

30,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
84" Usable Width


BL8430   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL6635

35,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
66" Usable Width


BL6635   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL7235

35,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
72" Usable Width


BL7235   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL7835

35,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
78" Usable Width


BL7835   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL8435

35,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
84" Usable Width


BL8435   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL6640

40,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
66" Usable Width


BL6640   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL7240

40,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
72" Usable Width


BL7240   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL7840

40,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
78" Usable Width


BL7840   $   add to cart
  Loading Dock Bridge BL8440

35,000 lb capacity
15" Lip Length
84" Usable Width


BL8435   $   add to cart
  Dock Leveler Bump Block

Part # 139   $   add to cart

add to cart 

sales@loadingdocksupply.com
Contact Us
1-800-741-1258
Loading Dock Equipment, Loading Dock Ramps, Dock Bumpers, Dock Boards, Yard Ramps, Dock Lights, and Industrial Equipment

Serving OH, AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, ID, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Loading Dock Equipment
October 31, 2019

Get a Quote