The main aspects to consider when choosing dock equipment is capacity, width, and length.
Capacity is the most important factor to consider when deciding between a dock plate or a dock board. The first question to consider is whether you will be using lift equipment to transport product out of the truck. This will automatically require a dock board due to capacity requirements and the need for side guard rails. To decide which capacity of dock board is required, add together the weight of the lift equipment and the maximum load weight of that equipment. If your forklift weighs 7,000 lbs. and has a 4,000 lbs. capacity, you should consider a board that holds at least 11,000 lbs.
In manual applications, the width of the dock plate or dock board should be at least 8'' inches wider than the overall width of the equipment. For powered operations, the width should be at least 16'' wider than the overall width of the equipment.
The proper length is determined by the height difference between the loading dock and the floor of the truck. This equipment has a maximum height differential, so a longer board can accommodate a greater range of height differences. Exceeding this angle will potentially dislodge the safety leg holding it in place, allowing it to shift and become unstable.
Every used dock board that leaves our warehouse is inspected prior to shipment to ensure that only the highest quality used equipment reaches our customers. Contact a member of our sales team to learn more about our current inventory of used dock plates, as well as our full selection of used dock equipment.
Everything You Need To Know About Stack Racks
Dock boards and dock plates are a portable solution to bridging the gap from the edge of a dock to an open truck bed. This can be a problem because trucks vary in height, so there is a gap and a height difference to consider. Both styles come in varying capacities that allow for anything from foot travel to lift equipment.
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