Here’s What To Look For When Buying A Portable Loading Dock
A portable loading dock is a piece of equipment used in tandem with a dock-to-ground ramp or a loading dock yard ramp. These loading dock platforms are used for parallel loading either onto carriers or docks in locations with limited space.
Why purchase a portable loading dock? This equipment allows lift trucks to make right-angle turns with ease and can be designed to your specifications depending on the manufacturer.
If you’re looking for an affordable portable dock, you might consider buying used. Just make sure the dock doesn’t need any massive repairs and will last several years without replacement.
So what should you look for when purchasing a portable loading dock? Let’s take a look.
#1 Safety Features
If you’re going to have your team utilize a portable dock often, you need to ensure you find a dock that’s engineered for safety. Examine the type of grating on the dock. Is the grating wide? If so, it might be a tripping hazard.
Steel tread decking is a great choice for a portable loading dock because it’s strong and sturdy. If you’re moving items on and off of the loading dock, you want a surface that can withstand the pressure and is easy to walk on.
Another safety feature to look out for in a portable loading dock is platform curbs, which serve multiple purposes. If you lose your balance or drop something, it’s less likely to fall off due to protection from the curb., and you prevent accidental runoff when you have steady curbs. If the curbs are engineered well, they can also improve overall balance. This ensures the cargo is more evenly distributed, lessening the strain on the lift trucks and dock platform.
In general, it’s a good sign if the loading dock manufacturer provides you with a safety manual. You never know what type of accidents can occur or what tips might be helpful when you’re using the portable loading dock. A reliable manufacturer of dock ramps and platforms will be transparent about these details and will give you the safety information you need for successful usage.
#2 Material Choice
Think about the material choice you are looking for in a portable loading dock. Steel is a popular choice for this type of equipment because it’s strong and durable. Steel may be on the more expensive end, but it’s likely to pay off due to its resistance to wear and tear. Steel does rust over time, so keep that in mind if you purchase a steel portable loading dock.
Another potential choice is aluminum. Aluminum is generally the cheaper option for loading dock equipment. It also doesn’t rust or corrode in the way that steel does.
However, aluminum is not as strong of a material as steel, which means you might have some scratches and dents develop over time. This means you may need to replace your aluminum portable loading dock sooner than you would a steel version. Keep in mind your budget and needs when choosing the best type of material.
#3 Usability For Your Portable Loading Dock
Finally, look for a portable loading dock that’s easy to use and adjust. After all, this equipment is meant to make your operations run faster and smoother. You don’t want to spend hours on adjustment and tampering for a loading dock that doesn’t perform at its best.
Some manufacturers may offer you customized options for your portable loading dock, which is a great way to ensure you are getting the most efficient product possible. In addition, make sure that you know your weight requirements before you purchase. The last thing you want is to deal with a broken portable loading dock that couldn’t handle your capacities.
If you have a clear idea of what you need, you’ll find the best portable loading dock for your facility.