Loading Dock Bridge

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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

Dock Bridge Pricing