Dock Levellers: Bridging the gap
Published on : Monday 30-11--0001
A Dock Leveller is a height-adjustable platform used as a bridge between dock and truck, which can be operated via mechanical (spring), electro-hydraulic or air powered systems. Dock levellers offered by Gandhi Automations in all these three types of operation are not only “a bridge for connecting a vehicle”, but also facilitate fast, smooth and safe transition by compensating the difference in heights between the loading bay and the vehicle. This contributes to minimising energy used and savings on heating and chilling costs resulting in maintaining the quality of the transported goods. Gandhi dock levellers are designed as per EN 1398 standard for the most demanding loading and unloading operations.
Efficient loading & unloading the goods
The importance of efficient loading the goods has always been evident, and it has increased over the years, essentially for two reasons: the lesser availability and the higher cost of manpower. Consequently lesser qualified manpower is being utilised which leads to damage in the goods.
The cost of loading and unloading the goods can be calculated precisely and is exactly definable, which allows for a scientific approach to find out the investment that goes into the process. Gandhi Automations has always designed solutions based on such scientific approach and feedback from clients. Dock levellers offered by the company ensure loading and unloading with lesser effort and minimal cost.
It is possible to load and unload products in a safe way and in the process obtain remarkable energy savings. The loading bay remains with the dock leveller in rest position and the sectional overhead door closed, until the vehicle is positioned. The driver drives back centring to the dock shelter and stops the vehicle the moment it gets in contact with the bumpers.
The sectional overhead door is then opened only when the vehicle is positioned, brakes applied and engines shut off .This eliminates the exit of hot air, intake of cold air (or the opposite in hot and inside conditioned places) and intake of exhausting gases in the warehouse. After the sectional overhead door opens, the lip of the dock leveller connects to the truck bed for loading/unloading to take place.
At the end of the loading/unloading the dock leveller is put in rest position and the sectional overhead door is closed, without moving the vehicle. The vehicle then departs at the end of the process.
Following are the two types of dock levellers:
Radius lip dock levellers: These allow the dock to connect with the truck bed, thus making it possible to drive directly on and off with forklift trucks, etc. The self-cleaning lip hinging system does not retain rubbish with automatic end-of-run, so as to keep the 25 mm security distance between the folded lip and structure as per EN 1398 & EN 349.
Telescopic lip dock levellers: These are ideal for connecting vehicles unable to drive near dock i.e. sea containers, side loading railway wagons, etc. These types can be supplied with a lip extending up to 1 m. Gandhi dock levellers are equipped with the most secure safety devices and accessories.
Gandhi Automations Pvt Ltd – India’s No.1 entrance automation and loading bay equipment company, has been achieved this widely recognised position over years of hard work, innovation, commitment to quality and reliable customer service. The ISO 9001: 2008 certified company, since inception in 1996, has been manufacturing, importing, distributing and installing products that are problem free and easy to operate. The company offers complete logistics solutions by providing dock levellers, dock shelters, sectional overhead doors and dock houses.
Gandhi Automations Pvt Ltd, Mumbai. Tel: 022-66720200, 66720300. Fax: 91-22-66720201. Email: [email protected]