Dock Leveler Basic Operation

The first step in learning how to service dock levers is understanding how they work. Learn the function of components common to all dock levelers, whether Mechanical, Hydraulic, or Pneumatic.

Introduction to the Three Types of Dock Levelers

How Mechanical Dock Levelers Work

Dock Leveler Safety

The following safety instructions are intended to help provide proper safety guidelines for working on any dock leveler. Like any mechanical piece of equipment, if the proper precautions aren't taken, serious injuries or death may occur.

Kelley Push Bar Replacement

Most mechanical dock levelers use snubber mechanisms to lift the lips as they are raised, and they close slowly as shocks absorb the weight of the lip. In many of the Kelley dock levelers, however, a push bar and a yieldable rod are connected to a link assembly so that when the deck is raised the push bar drops down. Then, as someone walks across to the outside of the dock leveler, the plate on the push bar catches on the middle bolt allowing the push bar to raise the lip.

Rite-Hite Lip Assist Bar Replacement

In most Rite-Hite dock levelers, a ring rolls in the curve of a lip keeper as someone walks across the deck of the dock leveler. This allows the lip assist bar attached to the ring to push the lip up. Over time, the bar connecting the ring and the lip assist bar wears out, and the ring is unable to stay on the track of the lip keeper. This indirectly prevents the lip from raising when someone pulls the pull chain. This tutorial demonstrates how to properly replace a worn lip assist bar in a Rite-Hite dock leveler.

Kelley Hold Down Replacement

In most Kelley dock levelers, a hold-down housing stores a ratchet bar that locks to the bottom of the deck and keeps it closed. As someone pulls the release chain on the deck, the ratchet bar unlocks and extends, allowing the dock leveler to open.

How to Rebuild a Serco Hold Down Unit

When a Serco hold down unit ceases to function, it may not need to be entirely replaced. Instead, you can disassemble the unit and replace the damaged components. This can save time eliminating the need to remove the housing, grinding, welding, and installing a new unit.