The major difference between used dock plates and use dock boards is capacity. They are similar in design and look except that dock plates do not have guide rails and dock boards do, and both types have skid-resistant surfaces to ensure safety. Other permanent dock equipment includes dock levelers and lifts, which are generally secured permanently at each dock opening.
Dock plates also do not contain guide rails, which is typical because they are only supporting foot traffic, warehouse carts, or pallet jacks (manual and electric). Usually the sides of a dock plate have brightly colored tape or spray to increase visibility and prevent injury.
Dock plates are typically made from aluminum, but heavier duty models are made of steel, and they allow for lighter loads. Hand carts and pallet jacks are used with this style, but forklifts and other lift equipment is too heavy. The capacity ranges from around 1,500 to 5,500 lbs., and they contain a 10 degree bend to allow it to be flush with the dock and the truck during loading and unloading.
Dock boards are made of steel and have side rails to prevent pallet jacks and forklifts from falling off. Their decking is made of diamond pattern flooring to prevent lift equipment wheels from sliding when traveling on an incline. Capacities range from 5,000 lbs. to 30,000 lbs., which is significantly higher.
Every used dock plate 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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