Dockboards By Camille Howe At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Dockboards are devices that bridge the gap between the truck and the dock, allowing for the safe loading of trucks. Some dockboards are used in rail stations to load and unload rail cars. Dockboards of all kinds are not to be confused with dock plates. This is a common error, but one that must be avoided when determining the best purchase for a loading dock. Dock plates are rectangles of steel or aluminum that that have a locking leg to hold them in place and handles to carry them with. They are intended only for hand trucks and pallet jacks- NOT for vehicles. Dockboards are designed for roadway vehicles to drive over. They are shaped like plates but are made with additional structural components that enable them to support more weight. They have curbs on the side to prevent vehicle roll offs, and models built for rail cars are sometimes built with curbs on the underside of the plate surface.

Dockboards can support weight capacities ranging from 6,000 to 40,000 lbs. They are made from either aluminum or heavy duty steel. Steel models are generally preferred in industrial environments for a number of reasons. Steel can carry more weight and is much more durable and resilient. Aluminum dockboards are softer and have to be reinforced with steel curbs to handle mid-range weights of 10,000 to 15,000 pounds.

Aluminum can be effective in certain environments where only one person is available to setup the dockboard, and where there is only a minimal or mid-range weight stress involved. Otherwise, Easy Rack recommends investing in a steel model for maximum durability and safety.

Aluminum Dock Boards – Model BC/AC

This dockboard is made from high grade "diamond deck" aluminum and is reinforced with side curbs made from structural steel. It makes a light weight alternative to steel boards. Steel curbs that are bolted in place add extra stability, and locking legs provide secure positioning & runoff protection. An 11" lip offers smooth transition from the dock to the truck. ANSI Certified.

Steel Dockboards – SWE Model

This economical steel dockboard with all welded steel curbs is design with a standard 11" lip and fixed lock legs. Its primary use is in standard warehouse environments where occasional use does not call for high cycle, high capacity use. Weight capacities range from 10,000 pounds for use with trucks up to 3,000 pounds and 13,000 pounds for use with trucks up to 4,000 pounds.

Steel Dockboards - RP Model

Red Pin Dockboards are designed for the rapid pace and stress of warehousing and distribution. Their design is for the unusual parking application. Sometimes a truck cannot park flush against a dock and must stop short. This is called a "park out". The RP model features a four pin locking solution assures that the board is locked in place for safe use. These boards are only for warehousing operations, not railcar applications. Standard capacities of 15,000 pounds and 20,000 pound carry the ANSI certification. Higher capacities can be ordered through your Easy Rack material handling specialist.

Rail Dockboards

Railcar dockboards support weight capacities starting at 22,000 lbs and rising to 40k, 60k and 90k. Special lift equipment and attachments as well as shift usage and transit cycles are considered in the building of your rail board. This is the only ANSI certificated railboard on the market. Easy Rack also ships railcar to rail car boards per client request.

Steel Dockboards

All steel construction and our heavy-duty design makes these boards ideal for the busy dock where high traffic cycles, high capacities and multiple shifts demand the maximum from equipment. Lock pins in lieu of legs allow for exact placement of the board between the dock and truck, and an all welded construction makes the unit extra tough under stress. Weight capacities are available in 15,000 lbs and 20,000 lbs and are ANSI certified.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=292943&ca=Opinions

Important Notice DISCLAIMER: All information, content, and data in this article are sole opinions and/or findings of the individual user or organization that registered and submitted this article at Isnare.com without any fee. The article is strictly for educational or entertainment purposes only and should not be used in any way, implemented or applied without consultation from a professional. We at Isnare.com do not, in anyway, contribute or include our own findings, facts and opinions in any articles presented in this site. Publishing this article does not constitute Isnare.com's support or sponsorship for this article. Isnare.com is an article publishing service. Please read our Terms of Service for more information.