How to identify your dock leveler

When ordering dock leveler parts, it’s critical to ensure that you’re getting the right thing. This sounds obvious but can be easily overlooked. Getting it right the first time helps to avoid unnecessary delays, which adds to the frustration of a broken dock.

Step 1 – Identify the brand

Most people would be shocked to find out that there are over 20 different dock leveler brands/manufacturers. Each of these manufacturers utilize different components and have engineered vastly different methods for their leveler’s operation. The easiest way to identify your dock leveler brand is to look for a manufacturing tag, or the control box.

Step 2 – Identify the size

Larger dock levelers weigh more, a lot more. This means that bigger springs are needed for counterbalance, or larger hydraulic systems are needed for lifting force. Each mechanical leveler (spring operated) has a particular set of springs that optimize the performance operation and ensure its longevity. You can identify the size of your dock leveler by measuring the pit dimensions and the length of the leveler lip (end flap).

Step 3 – Identify the capacity rating

Capacity ratings identify the general strength of a leveler. As a general rule, more steel is required as the capacity rating increases. More steel = heavier dock leveler. If you are unable to find a tag that identifies the rating, you can measure the thickness of the lip (flap the goes into the truck) – be sure to take your measurement between the raised diamond tread.

If all else fails – send us a wide-view picture of the underside of your raised leveler (Parts@LoadingDockPro.com). Our experts can help point you in the right direction.