A pit leveler is a device used at loading docks to bridge the gap between a dock and a truck or trailer bed. Its main purpose is to create a smooth, level surface that allows forklifts, pallet jacks, and workers to move safely and efficiently between the dock and the truck.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what a pit leveler is used for:
Bridging Height Differences: Truck beds can vary in height depending on the type of vehicle, the load, and how it’s packed. Pit levelers adjust to these height differences to ensure safe loading and unloading.
Enhancing Safety: Without a level bridge, there's a risk of accidents like equipment tipping over or workers tripping. Pit levelers help minimize these risks.
Improving Efficiency: They allow forklifts and pallet jacks to move quickly between the dock and the truck, speeding up the loading/unloading process.
Protecting Equipment: A smooth transition reduces wear and tear on handling equipment and lowers maintenance costs.
Accommodating Heavy Loads: Industrial pit levelers are designed to support very heavy loads, often tens of thousands of pounds, making them essential in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities.
Common Types of Pit Levelers include:
Mechanical Pit Levelers (operated manually with springs)
Hydraulic Pit Levelers (powered by hydraulic systems, easier to use and safer)
Air-Powered Pit Levelers (use an airbag or air bladder system to raise and lower the leveler)