Types of Loading Dock Levelers

In a busy warehouse the loading dock is part of the heartbeat of operations. Often overlooked, the loading dock is an essential part of highly productive, safe, secure, and efficient logistics operation. Different types of loading dock levelers  stand up better in different applications. Knowing and implementing what is best for your facility can save you significantly and quality Rite-Hite equipment will deliver the lowest lifetime ownership costs. 

Loading dock levelers play an essential role in the logistics and warehousing industry by facilitating the safe and efficient transfer of goods between trucks and building floors. With a diverse fleet of delivery vehicles on the road, mismatched dock levelers could lead to delays and negatively impact client satisfaction. 

Learn about the different types of loading dock levelers that will drive your search for the right solutions in loading dock equipment.

What Is a Loading Dock Leveler?

A loading dock leveler is a mechanical device created to connect the space between a loading dock and a truck, essentially a bridge between trail and the building floor. These levelers are typically mounted within a loading dock pit and come in various forms. When a truck backs up to the dock, the leveler is raised and a lip extends outward to connect securely with the truck bed. This creates a smooth transition that accommodates variations in height between the dock and the trailer, making it easier for forklifts, pallet jacks and personnel to move goods safely.

Loading dock levelers include the following key components:

• Deck: The deck is the main surface vehicles drive over and is often designed with a tread pattern for safety.
• Lip: This hinged extension rests on the truck bed, ensuring a stable connection.
• Cylinder: Activating this mechanism raises the deck into position (on hydraulic levelers).
• Structure: The steel members that give the leveler its strength and flexibility. 

Other benefits of Rite-Hite loading dock levelers include:

• A stable, smooth transition reducing chronic back injuries. 
• Safe-T-Lip levelers that can prevent forklifts falling off the dock face.
• Adjustability to different truck heights, allowing flexibility in operations.
• Ability to integrate controls to compete an interlocked safe sequence of operations.
• Warranties up to 20 years when properly configured with DLIG. 

Different Types of Dock Levelers for Loading Docks

Here’s a detailed overview of the different types of dock levelers commonly used in loading dock operations. We’ll compare the differences between an edge of a dock leveler versus a pit leveler, which are the two main categories of loading dock levelers. Plus, we’ll discuss how specialty options are customized to meet individual warehouse needs.

1. Pit Levelers

Also known as recessed dock levelers, pit levelers are specifically designed to connect a loading dock and a trailer. They are installed in a recessed concrete opening at the dock door to provide a seamless transition for loading and unloading operations. This type of leveler is particularly versatile and is engineered to accommodate a wide range of load capacities and trailer heights.

Pit levelers have various activation systems. The most common types include:

• Mechanical dock levelers: Mechanical dock levelers traditionally have been the most common type within the pit leveler category. Over the last 20 years they have been increasingly replaced with hydraulic versions. Operated manually through a pull chain mechanism, these are cost-effective and require no electrical power.
• Air-powered dock levelers: These levelers use a pneumatic bag system for elevation that requires an electrical power source. Compared to mechanical systems, air-powered dock levelers offer easy operation and lower maintenance needs.
• Hydraulic dock levelers: Known for their smooth operation and durability, hydraulic models are powered by hydraulic cylinders. They provide precise control and are ideal for high-volume loading docks. 

2. Vertical Dock Levelers

A specialized type of dock leveler, vertical dock levelers are stored upright when not in use. This design helps maintain temperature control and cleanliness in environments requiring stringent hygiene standards, such as food service applications. It minimizes energy loss and prevents debris from entering the pit.

Vertical levelers are used as part of drive-through dock design which allows the trailer to back into the dock with doors closed before the dock attendee opens from the inside of the building. This is ideal from a safety (less boots on the ground in the drive approach) and security (reducing theft) perspective. Vertical levelers are growing is usage beyond food and pharma manufacturing for this very reason. 

3. Edge-of-Dock Levelers

Edge-of-dock (EOD) levelers are compact devices typically mounted directly to the dock face or to the exterior wall of a building. They are cost-effective options for facilities without existing dock pits. Unlike pit levelers, EOD levelers offer a limited vertical operating range, meaning they’re best suited for applications where the transport vehicles are consistently the same and bed height is close to the dock level.

The compact design of EOD levelers allows for easy installation and operation in smaller loading areas. They also provide a smoother transition for foot traffic, pallet jacks, and forklifts, mostly used in low-volume loading bays.

EOD levelers can be mechanically or hydraulically operated. Mechanical EOD levelers require operators to manually pull the lip and ramp into position. Hydraulic EOD levelers are activated by pressing a button, providing ease of use and reducing manual effort.

4. Specialty Dock Levelers

Specialty dock levelers are designed to meet specific operational needs that standard dock levelers may lack. They have unique features and configurations tailored for distinct uses, such as handling oversized cargo or functioning in specialized environments.

Here are some examples of specialty dock levelers:

• Dual Dock levelers: These levelers allow you the ability to service trailers just like a typically pit style leveler but with the push of a button then can lower to exterior ground level to facilitate deliveries from sprinter vans or parcel trucks. Robust scissor lift legs and hydraulic lock out pins allow the dual dock to transform a dock position for less then a building expansion. 
• Portable dock levelers: As mobile units, these dock levelers can be easily moved to different locations as needed. They provide a flexible solution for changing loading needs. Portable dock levelers are particularly useful in seasonal operations or rental facilities where loading needs fluctuate throughout the year.
• Rail dock levelers: Rail dock levelers are a special modification of vertical levelers designed specifically for servicing rail cars. They are typically installed on a sliding rail system that allows them to move horizontally along the track. They enhance workflow efficiency in facilities that frequently handle cargo with rail cars.
• Telescoping lip dock levelers: Typically found in Europe, they feature an adjustable lip that can extend or retract, telescoping lip dock levelers allow for flexibility in accommodating different truck sizes and bed heights.

Loading Dock Alternatives

If you have space constraints, budget limitations or different operational needs, you have several loading dock alternatives for loading and unloading freight. Each option has its own advantages and considerations to ensure safety and efficiency in operations:

• Dock plates: Dock plates are lightweight, portable metal sheets made from aluminum. They’re designed to span between a loading dock and a truck for lighter loads. They’re easy to move and set up, but they must be manually repositioned for each use. They’re ideal for operations where you anticipate only manual handling.
• Dock boards: Similar to dock plates, dock boards are sturdier and capable of handling small forklifts. They can also be moved easily but must be set up each time. Dock boards are best suited for facilities with some forklift operations without needing permanent structures.
• Ramps: Portable lifts connect vehicles of different heights to facilitate loading and unloading. Although they can be used with any type of vehicle, ramps require time for setup and takedown and may have angles that create loading challenges.

Find Your Ideal Loading Dock Leveler From Arbon Canada

Although many alternatives exist, loading dock levelers can significantly enhance operational efficiency in a warehouse. They’re essential pieces of equipment in loading dock operations. Each type of leveler comes with varying safety features that suit your specific dock loading and warehousing needs.

Arbon Canada has dock levelers that offer you many advantages. Our Rite-Hite^® levelers are easy to use and include several advanced safety features and the most robust design in the industry. 

Get in touch with our team to learn which dock loading leveler is suitable for your application.