Why Would I Use a DockPlate In My Warehouse?

DOCKPLATE

A dockplate is another name for the platform which stretches from the loading dock to the receiving truck or trailer where the goods will be placed for transport. Although only a few inches typically separate the height of the truck bed and the height of the loading dock, these few inches would create a significant increase in the amount of work involved in loading a vehicle, were it not for the use of a dockplate.

A typical truck height is 55 inches from ground to the bed of the truck or trailer. Refrigerated trucks will more commonly be 59”. If the height of the loading dock is 48”, the height differential is 7”. By using these calculations, you can determine the appropriate length for the dockplate. For instance, if using a pallet jack on the dockplate to transport the load, a 7 inch height differential would require a dockplate of 60 inches. If a fork truck is used to move the load, in this same example, a propane forklift would require a dock plate of 36 inches and a electric forklift would require a 48 inch length. The length differential is a function of the incline level and the power required to move the load up the incline. Obviously the propane forklift would have the most power available and so could climb a steeper slope.

Most manufacturers recommend using a dockboard rather than a dock plate when motorized loading equipment is used. The dockboard has side rails, or bumper rails to prevent the wheels of the loading equipment from slipping off the side of the platform.

The standard width of a dockplate will vary according to the width of the load or of the equipment. For instance, a standard pallet size is 48 inches. If moving the pallet with a pallet jack is the normal method, you would need a dockplate six inches wider than the pallet size or 54 inches. If using a motorized forklift, you would need a platform 6 inches wider than the width of the forklift wheelbase.

Added traction for the equipment and for the foot traffic using the dockplate is provided by etching, grooving or ridging of the platform surface. This makes the equipment more efficient and prevents costly and painful falls or slips.

A dockplate is commonly constructed of aluminum or steel, but sometimes a combination of the two is used. Steel is less expensive to manufacture but the finished product is heavier and more expensive to ship. A steel dock plate may require a forklift to move it into position. Aluminum costs more for the manufacturing process but costs less to ship and is much easier to move about on the loading dock. A common practice is to construction the frame of the dock plate from steel and use a platform made of aluminum plate.

A key feature of any dockplate is the ability to use the safety legs and the security fastenings to make sure the equipment doesn’t slip out of place while in use.

When Should You Buy an Electric Drive Pallet Stacker Forklift or a Manual Drive

I get asked all of the time whether someone should buy and electrically drives or self propelled pallet stacker forklift or a manual drive (push) model.

My first reaction is - how should I know?

Manual drive models are of course less expensive, usually ~40% cheaper than a fully powered model, require less maintenance, and are more reliable - these are all good things for working in a warehouse. A manual drive model is a good choice for:

• small warehouse (under 5000 square feet)
• warehouses with smooth concrete floors
• used for lifting pallets onto racks or off of trucks as opposed to moving pallets
• operators who are average to above size

Keep in mind - an average manual pallet stacker weighs in at 1200-1400 pounds vs 200 pounds for a pallet jack. So it is obviously going to be harder to move a pallet stacker than a pallet jack. Add on a 1500 pound pallet and you are now moving 3000 pounds (the weight of a small car).

An electrically driven pallet stacker forklift is a good choice for:

• larger warehouses
• anytime you are planning to take the stacker out into a parking lot which might have dirt, pebbles, cracks to obstruct the wheels
• going up or down ANY incline

An electrically driven pallet stacker is EASY to move. Many models will have a speed control operated by a thumb switch that allows you to precisely set the forward or reverse speed.

Advantages of Using a Pallet Stacker Lift Truck as Opposed to a Forklift

There are many advantages to using a pallet stacker lift truck as opposed to a forklift in smaller warehouses.

• A pallet stacker is smaller which means your warehouse can have smaller and narrower aisles.
• Pallet stackers are almost always electrically powered instead of propane or gas. This means they are friendlier to the environment and quieter.
• A forklift typically requires on-going training and licensing per OSHA and state authorities whereas a pallet stacker rarely does.
• The cost of buying a pallet stacker is usually lower, including lower shipping costs.

The most important questions you have to ask yourself is who much weight will you be lifting, how high and how often?

Pallet stackers will probably be the preferred solution for smaller warehouses where you will be lifting up to 3000 pounds to a height of no more than 15 feet. If your pallets are heavier and your racking higher, than you should probably buy a forklift.

What is the difference between a Forklift and a Pallet Stacker

I get asked this question all of the time...my business has "forklift" in the name, but I don't sell any forklifts.....

Ok, here is the story. Several years ago, I needed a way to lift heavy pallets onto pallet racking so I went out and looked for a forklift. What did I know, I never worked in a warehouse or on a dock before. I called the local Crown and Hyster dealers and asked questions about buying a forklift. All I wanted was to lift a 2000 pound pallet to a height of 10 feet. The dealers were quoting me prices of $10,000, $20,000 and even $30,000 for a forklift.....I passed out. That was more money than I started my first business with.

Well it turned out, I was asking for the wrong piece of material handling equipment, I really wanted a pallet stacker. I wouldn't know the difference if I tripped over these.

I looked at several material handling association websites, OSHA, and manufacturers, but I couldn't find any real definitions. So I made my own up.

• A forklift (sometimes incorrectly spelled as fork lift) is a lift truck used in warehouses, factories and loading docks which the operator sits down and drives. They are typically powered by either gasoline, diesel, propane or electricity.

• A pallet stacker is also a lift truck with many of the same uses as a forklift, but the operator walks behind or rides on a platform while standing up.

In a few days, I'll write about the advantages and disadvantages of each of these pieces of equipment.

More Material Handling Equipment Inbound

I'm getting excited, our first shipment of pallet lift trucks, stackers, forklifts and dock plates are on their way to our Chicago warehouse.

Also in this shipment is our new model of a digital floor scale. On my last trip to Asia, I found what is probably the most sophisticated manufacturer of load cells and have contracted with them to design and develop a new heavy duty digital floor scale for weighing pallets up to 5,000 pounds.

Sales were very strong at the end of last year, so our inventories are low. These two containers will help a lot.

Ok, so this isn't the most interesting topic in the world.......unless if this is how you make a living and feed your family.

Yes, I own a growing manufacturer of electric pallet stacker forklifts and other material handling equipment. I started the business several years ago after I had a need for a walkie pallet stacker. I looked at both new and used forklifts, pallet lift trucks and stackers, but I was shocked at the prices of the equipment. So I started LiftScience Brand Material Handling Equipment and an now the fastest growing brand of material handling equipment in the US.

So I sold a model P10030 Electric Walkie Pallet Stacker and our new JPL Hi-Lo Pallet Lift Truck today to a company in Florida. It was the same old story, they looked at some other brands and practically passed out at the prices. They found LiftScience after searching on Google and now their newly purchased equipment is on its way.