What Would Happened if a Dock Leveler is not working properly in Orlando, FL?

Information may not be reliable

Some business owners with loading docks may be considered successful in their areas of expertise, while others are still struggling with their daily conundrums on how to save on cost and expenses, especially on its equipment and machinery like dock levelers in Orlando, Florida. 

Top of the line dock levelers are designed, engineered, and warrantied for long years of use, but every product is not meant to last forever and needs repair if it has reached its a breaking point. If the equipment breaks down, you will be losing your worker productivity, long delays will create low downtimes, and eventually more company profit losses.   

Unfortunately, that machinery and equipment need maintenance, and knowing to notice in advance issues and fix them early, will save more dollars for your company. 

Here American Roll-Up Door Company, a division of DuraServ, has been providing Central and Northern Florida with all their Commercial Door and Dock service needs since 1981, shares some frequently-asked questions with answers and suggestions on some most common dock leveler issues and what can be done to prevent loss of productivity, or on a worst-case of injuring a worker.   

Question Number 1: Our dock leveler sometimes springs out or pops up, but most of the time won’t stay down. Is there a way to solve this problem until the leveler can be repaired?

A mechanical dock leveler issue, and usually it is on hold-down. To explain briefly, all mechanical levelers are powered by coiled springs and the hold-down part is the one acting to keep the leveler stored at the proper height if not in use. Other parts like paw springs, ratchet, or paws also help, but if they fail the leveler will stay in the up position or sometimes pop-up. This needs a replacement for the malfunctioning parts by qualified professionals in the loading dock business.

For replacement of parts and accessories, Our Orlando Fl loading dock equipment, is your One-Stop-Shop for commercial and loading dock equipment includes 24/7 parts and service.

·         Full fleet of service and installation trucks

·         Fully stocked warehouse

OEM PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

·         Minimize Downtime

·         Maximize Productivity

·         Stocked Inventory

·         Parts Availability

Question Number 2: The trailer drops whenever I go into it with a fork truck, why is this so? It is a waste of time to get back out because the lip isn’t sitting flat.  

This happens with mechanical levelers, technically it is called a stump-out. The reason is they cannot float freely with the trailer, it needs to be pulled the below dock chain to move the cross-traffic legs. The suggestive option is replacement or upgrading of your mechanical leveler with either an air-powered leveler or hydraulic leveler, to save you precious time and hassles of getting back out.

Considering if the company is on tight on budget, check out below American Roll-Up Door Company’s Air-Powered Dock Levelers offering several advantages over other leveler options. The Serco Air Power levelers have tough airbags that are designed for long term wear and tear.

·         Serco Air Powered Edge-of-Dock Model

·         Serco Air Bag Dock Leveler Model AB

Question Number 3: Why does sometimes the lip won’t come out on our dock leveler? 

If this happens, there are several issues preceded based on the leveler’s style. It is highly advisable to let a trained and certified technician check it out and repair the problem.

Orlando Fl loading dock repair is the leading number one shop for commercial door and loading dock equipment in Orlando Fl. We have a team of factory-trained and fully qualified service technicians – some with over 25 years of experience, a team of knowledgeable coordinators to take your call.

·         Team of factory trained and fully qualified service technicians- some with 25+ years of experience

·         Team of knowledgeable coordinators to take your call

Question Number 4: My dock leveler is making a weird noise whenever I push the button, what is this? 

It is common for hydraulic levelers, with the hydraulic pump or the hydraulic oil, which is low. If you are having an aFX air-powered leveler model, it is a motor issue.

Serco’s line of hydraulic dock levelers offers a variety of economical and reliable options to keep your business running smoothly. Unlike a mechanical leveler, the hydraulic leveler is raised and lowered at the touch of a button. The hydraulic leveler also offers easy maintenance.

·         Serco Hydraulic Dock Leveler Model HLQ

·         Serco Hydraulic Dock Leveler Model HLR

·         Serco Hydraulic Edge-of-Dock Model

·         Serco Hydraulic Dock Leveler Model HD

·         Serco Hydraulic Dock Leveler Model HL

·         Serco Hydraulic Dock Leveler Model HFC

Question Number 5: Whenever I pull the chain, the dock leveler won’t come up?

Another mechanical leveler issue. Technically, mechanical levelers function with working springs having proper tension to operate. The problem lies in either the springs are damaged, or it has low tensile strength. Recommendable to have it checked by certified technicians, they have the know-how in lifting the leveler properly and safely, avoiding hazards and accidents from happening in the loading areas.   

At American Roll-Up Door Co., we have all the options. A mechanical dock leveler is the most economical option. Our Serco line of mechanical levelers offers both versatility and economy.

·         Serco Mechanical Dock Leveler Model WL

·         Serco Mechanical Dock Leveler Model WS

·         Serco Mechanical Edge-of-Dock Leveler

Most importantly and the best way to handle repairs and troubleshooting problems is to have a regular inspection visit - American Roll-Up’s planned maintenance program. 

PLANNED MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

·         Protect Your Investment

·         Reduce Lifetime Ownership Costs

Our Orlando Fl loading dock service team of factory-trained and fully qualified service technicians will perform operational tests, evaluate levels for hydraulic systems and re-assess your dock levelers performance conditions by repairing small problems before they become facility disasters. 

The planned maintenance program will safeguard and protect your loading dock equipment and machinery such as commercial doors, dock levelers & lifts, dock seals & shelters, safety equipment & truck restraints, and fans: 

Commercial Doors

·         Rolling Steel Doors / Roll Up Doors

·         Hormann-Flexon and Dynaco High-Performance Doors

Dock Levelers & Lifts

·         Mechanical Dock Levelers

·         Hydraulic Dock Levelers

·         Air Powered Dock Levelers

·         Specialty Dock Levelers

·         Loading Dock Options

·         Dock and In-Plant Lifts

Dock Seals & Shelters

·         Dock Seals

·         Dock Shelters

·         Dock Seal Options

·         Inflatables

Safety Equipment & Truck Restraints

·         Truck Restraints

·         Safety & Lighting

·         Impact Barriers

·         Protective Systems

·         Wheel Restraints

Fans

·         SERCO ATEC HVLS Fans

·         Serco ATEC Fan

·         KELLEY ATEC HVLS Fans

·         C-Class Commercial Fan

American Roll-Up Door Co., has designed and conceptualized ideas to meet the need and frequency of your loading dock business. Let our team of technicians do on-site visits to determine what plan is best for the needs of your company and your budget.

Our Service Areas: Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa FL would be happy to accept your service requests or contact us through our website.