The trucking industry in the US is worth roughly $800 billion. However, one of the key things that trucks rely on is dock levelers to safely move loads, but how do you know if it’s time to replace your dock leveler?
If your dock leveler isn’t working properly then it can cause big issues. Particularly if it’s stopping you from working effectively at your warehouse.
The problem is that most people don’t know when it’s time to replace their dock leveler. However, there are a few key signs that you should look out for to know whether or not your dock leveler needs to be repaired.
So if you would like to know what the key signs are and a few dock leveler repair tips along the way then keep reading.
Signs Your Dock Leveler Needs Replacing
A dock leveler that isn’t working can slow down work and create even bigger issues. So if you find that you are having trouble with your dock leveler then the best thing you can do is check for any clear problems.
If you do find more problems then it may be time to look at what your options are.
Generally, minor issues can simply get repaired. However, if the problem is bigger then replacement may be your best option.
Below, we’ve listed some of the top reasons that your dock leveler needs replaced.
The Top Deck Is Warped
One of the reasons that your dock leveler may need replacing is if your top deck is warped. Unfortunately, this is a common issue that can come up.
This can happen for a few different reasons. One reason is if something heavy has hit the top deck and damaged it. Another reason is if the top deck has been damaged because it wasn’t loaded properly.
It can also become warped through general wear and tear however this isn’t as common. Typically if too much pressure has been put on the top deck it can cause it to become warped.
If this does happen it can cause further issues with the dock door and loading dock so it’s better to get it replaced sooner than later.
The Lip Won’t Fully Extend
This issue can cause a lot of problems, particularly if it is ongoing. If your dock leveler’s lip won’t fully extend then it may be time to look at getting it replaced.
This is because this is often an issue that is too damaged to repair.
In some cases, the lip won’t extend because there may not be enough tension on the springs. Another reason is if the lip assist assembly is faulty.
If the lip won’t properly extend then it can’t take the weight of the lorry or the load that is being moved.
Instead, it will struggle and may even collapse, plus the angle that the lip will be sitting at makes it difficult for anything to balance on it properly.
There is also the possibility that if the lip isn’t fully extended it can cause loads to fall over and it’s generally unsafe.
The Lip Is Bent or Warped
The lip can become bent or even warped whenever the lip gets hit at the wrong angle. With all the heavy equipment at warehouses, it’s easy for an incident like this to occur.
This is because the lip is sticking out slightly more than other parts of the dock leveler so it is easy for it to get caught.
A heavy load or even damage from a truck can cause the lip to become miss shapen. The only way to get around this is to take precautions not to damage the lip.
However, even if you do take precautions to stop this from happening, it isn’t always possible to prevent the damage from occurring.
The Leveler Isn’t Working Properly
Aside from the lip getting bent, another reason why your dock leveler may need fixing is if the leveler isn’t working properly. This can happen for a multitude of reasons.
One reason it may not be working is if it won’t move positions or gets stuck in one fixed position. There may also be functions that are stiff or simply not operating as well as they could be.
Typically this is because there isn’t enough tension in the springs and this causes them to struggle under pressure.
If the leveler isn’t working you may have tried to fix it multiple times but if it won’t work then you can call a trained professional to look at the problem for you.
However, they may tell you that it isn’t worth fixing and the easiest thing to do is simply get it replaced.
The Lip Is Not Closing Properly
One other reason why your dock leveler may need to be replaced is if the lip isn’t closing properly. This is a common problem as this can happen with other dock levelers.
The thing is, if the lip isn’t closing properly then there may be damage that is stopping any movement.
This can be because the paw springs are damaged or even missing, or it could be because the lip is out of shape. Whatever the reason is, the best solution for you may be to get it replaced.
Get Your Dock Leveler Replaced
A dock leveler is a very important part of warehouse equipment. Unfortunately, there are many different things that can go wrong with dock levelers.
The first step to getting it fixed may be to get a trained professional to look at your problem, then perhaps get it replaced.
If you are in the Greater Tampa Bay Area and need your dock leveler replaced, then contact us.
