Safety is the key to a successful operation, and this applies to your loading dock environment as well. If safety is compromised, it could mean lesser work efficiency and productivity and might even lead to more serious consequences such as equipment damage and injury on your personnel. This would cost you a lot of money and cut profits for your business, which is why it is important that you invest on equipment that would ensure a smooth operation.

A dock leveler in one such equipment. In the loading dock setting, a dock leveler is utilized to bridge the gap between the truck or trailer and the dock, thereby ensuring that a smooth transition is taking place. This is important because it means that your cargo and workers are safe during loading and unloading operations. While you may be excited to invest on a dock leveler, it is important to note that many types currently exist in the market and you need to consider which one you should use for your specific need and loading dock requirements.

Finding it hard to choose between a mechanical dock leveler or an edge-of-dock leveler for your business in Fort Worth, Texas? Here are their differences.


Mechanical Dock Levelers

A mechanical dock leveler is part of the traditional loading dock leveler family. With these types of levelers, the bridging operation is performed by mounting the leveler to the dock pit and raising it, with a lip folding out to connect the dock with the truck or trailer bed. Traditional dock levelers are ideal for applications involving varying dock heights and trailer sizes, and this flexibility in design is its main difference when compared to an edge-of-dock leveler. Mechanical dock levelers work by pulling a chain to lift the deck. This deck is then walked down to the floor of the trailer by an operator. Mechanical dock levelers provide strength and durability and are economically friendly at the same time, but are more time-consuming compared to air-powered or hydraulic dock levelers. You can decide if a mechanical dock leveler is ideal for your specific application; Southern Dock Products offers Serco Mechanical Dock Levelers in Fort Worth, Texas, with state-of-the-art design highlights, such as the Exclusive Safe TFrame Design, Patented POSI-TRAC Unlimited Float Hold-down, Exclusive HYDRA CAM Plus Automatic Lip Extension, and CLEAN FRAME Design, among others. For more details, you can check the specification sheets on our website.


Edge-of-Dock Levelers

Edge-of-dock levelers are ideal for working areas with limited space, those with minimal height differences between the dock and the trailer, and those that cater lighter loads. These dock levelers, unlike traditional dock levelers, are directly mounted to the dock face. A mechanical edge-of-dock leveler typically costs less than a hydraulic one; the downside is that it has limitations with regards to its range of operations. You need to consult a professional to choose which dock leveler will suit your business best.

Southern Dock Products offers the Serco Mechanical Edge-of-Dock Leveler in Fort Worth, Texas, complete with an Exclusive Lug Style Lip Hinge; High Strength Steel Tread Plate; Robotic Welding for improved strength, quality, and consistency; Reliable Dual Extension Spring Lifting Mechanism; and Ergonomic Design, among other desirable design features.

Choosing a high-quality dock leveler would mean improved safety, performance, and efficiency for your loading dock area. When it comes to loading dock levelers in Fort Worth, Texas, the company to contact is Southern Dock Products. Being a global distributor of all things loading dock, we have an established reputation among business owners and industrial firms. Our over 30 years of experience, plus the knowledge and expertise of our technicians, combine to create high-quality services aimed to guarantee the satisfaction of our customers. Our full range of dock levelers not only meets industry standards but also come from top brands, so you can be sure that you are using only the best equipment for your business. We are ready to serve Fort Worth, Texas, and its surrounding areas with our team of technicians equipped with professional knowledge and skill in the installation of loading dock products.

Southern Dock Products also offers aftermarket products for the upgrade and maintenance of your existing equipment. Whether it is for high-volume warehousing and distribution, food and beverage, manufacturing, or many other applications, we have a wide range of services and equipment to offer for the best benefit of your business. You may contact our toll-free number, 1-800-994-2361, or call our office at (817) 686-7300 to inquire about edge-of-dock levelers in Fort Worth, Texas or Fort Worth Texas mechanical dock levelers. You may also fill our service request form here. We have the loading dock products you need! Visit our website at https://www.southerndockproducts.com/ to learn more.