Hinge Lip Dock Leveler vs. Loading Dock Lift

Hinge Lip Hydraulic Dock Leveler

It  is important to specify the correct loading dock equipment to service your loading dock loading and unloading procedures. Today we’ll look at the Hinge Lip Dock Leveler versus the Scissor Dock Lift. Keep in mind that the maximum capacity of one semi truck axle is 20,000 lbs. according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Hinge Lip Dock Leveler

The average dock leveler in the United States has a static capacity of 20,000-lb., which is 12,000 lbs. true dynamic lateral load. However, many of Beacons dock levelers are also heavy capacity, handling up to 80,000 lbs.

A hinge lip dock leveler is supported by the rear structure welded to the back pit curb steel with the front bridge lying on the truck. This type of leveler is identified as an adjustable bridge to compensate the height difference of the dock and truck.

Hinge Lip Manual Dock Leveler

Different types of hinge lip dock leveler exist. Both hydraulic dock levelers and manual dock levelers are available and the type you choose depends on three main pieces of information:

• The capacity needed for daily loading dock operation. Manual levelers generally have a lower duty cycle as well as lower capacities ranging from 25,000 lbs. to 45,000 lbs., while hydraulic models have a higher duty cycle and capacities ranging from 25,000 lbs. to 80,000 lbs.
• Whether you want to manually operate your leveler via a pull-chain or if you’d rather have a push-button control, electric-hydraulic model which has many automatic control features, making it safer for a high-traffic area.
• Your budget. Manual loading dock levelers are an economical option, while hydraulic loading dock levelers provide easy hydraulic operation procedures and higher capacities.

Scissor Dock Lift Hydraulic Dock Leveler

Loading Dock Lifts

A scissor dock lift deck edge is not welded to the building on one end like a hinge lip pit dock leveler (mentioned above) and is classified as a “free-standing lift.”

All scissor docks are rated for true dynamic lift force. The average unit has a capacity of 5,000 lbs. to 12,000 lbs. Beacon has a BSLD scissor dock lift heavy duty series that ranges from 15,000 to 30,000 lbs of lift force. These units are used in heavy capacity applications.

The type of scissor dock lift you choose depends on the capacity, the deck size, and the raised height needed. Scissor dock lifts models range in height from 60” to 84” with deck widths ranging from 48” to 96” and lengths from 72” to 120”.

When determining the proper capacity of a dock leveler, verify the total gross weight, which is payload and forklift.  All scissor docks are rated with a center load and should never be cantilevered. Scissor dock side and axle loads can range from 50% to 86% of the center load, depending on the model and application.

Beacon can help you determine the correct product and model for your specific application needs.

Co-Author: Jenn G. 5/4/13