Your loading dock area is likely one of the busiest in your facility. With constant foot traffic, and forklifts moving heavy loads to and from trucks and trailers, and constant stress from weather elements, these areas can quickly face problems.
As issues surface on the loading dock they need to be address promptly to avoid the space becoming hazardous for employees. Additionally, if dock equipment malfunctions, shipping and receiving operations may be severely impacted or cease altogether until the problems is resolved, and this can lead to unintentional and costly downtime. Read on to learn more about the most common problems with loading dock equipment and how you can prevent or address them.
Issues Surrounding Loading Dock Doors
Start by examining and correcting even minor loading dock door issues before they cause problems and threaten the safety or your workers or interrupt your workflow. Regular inspection of components, preventive maintenance, and repairs, are essential for avoiding common door problems such as:
- Weak or worn cables: Cables support the loading dock door’s weight and allow you to maneuver it. Over time, these cables experience wear and tear and may become less reliable. In severe cases, they can snap. Cable-related issues can pose a significant threat to workers, as the door may suddenly snap close, injuring or damaging anyone or thing underneath. Often, squeaking noises or visible shaking can indicate a problem, and you should promptly avoid using the door and contact a professional for a repair.
- Sensor problems: Sensor problems are often easy to fix, but identifying the issue can be more time-consuming. In many cases, dirt and debris will collect near sensors, breaking their connection and preventing the door from operating correctly. Other problems could stem from issues with remote batteries or involve fixing the connection with your opener. You can address most of these concerns on your own, but if you decide to replace your opener, you may want to enlist the services of a professional technician to ensure your safety.
- Spring malfunctions: If you notice uneven opening patterns or your door struggles to open or close seamlessly, you may have a spring problem. Although most springs can last for many years, they will eventually deteriorate. If you use your door frequently, your springs may experience wear sooner than anticipated, impacting the door’s ease of operation. Springs can be challenging to replace, and some systems can be dangerous, as the springs may snap off and act as projectiles, causing damage or injuries. Contacting a professional is the best way to address this issue.
- Misaligned tracks: These metal tracks face a lot of wear. As your door moves up and down, it’s common for the tracks to twist, break and otherwise misalign. If your tracks have an alignment issue, your system won’t work effectively. In some cases, you may be able to realign or straighten the tracks. However, severe misalignments or damage often require replacing the entire track.
- Friction from trucks: Sectional doors can face significant wear near the floor due to trucks rubbing along the sides during the loading and unloading processes. With this continuous friction, the door may malfunction. A simple solution for this problem is implementing protection, such as bollards, that prevent trucks and forklifts from impacting your door.
Problems With Dock Levelers
Dock levers must be able to handle high capacities and ensure a reliable connection between visiting vehicles or equipment and your loading dock. As these components age, they can acquire more problems that impact your ability to safely transition inside and outside. Common problems with dock levers include:
- Corrosion or rust: Excessive rust and corrosion indicate you need to replace your leveler. Levers often face harmful chemicals and weather elements that cause rust to develop quickly, which can impact the loading process. Along with impacting your safety, rust and corrosion can also lead to a misaligned door, unresponsive sensors and several other issues that can make team members less productive and efficient. A professional inspection and repair or replacement is the best way to address this concern.
- Unextending lip: The lip bridges the gap between your loading dock equipment and parked trailers, trucks or forklifts. Extreme damage on the leveler can prevent the lip from extending, presenting a unique challenge during the loading and unloading processes. This issue could result from several mechanical problems, so you should request a professional service to determine the cause and how to best address it.
- Worn plating and aged levers: The lip and deck utilize a plating to provide traction and prevent slipping or falling. Over time, the extreme use of your levers can cause wear to this plating, making it unsafe for your team to operate. Sometimes, you can save the plating and address issues causing friction. Other times, you will need to replace the leveler deck.
- Renovations for unknown dimensions: It’s common to need to make renovations in warehouses, but not knowing a leveler’s brand or proper dimensions can quickly impact your ability to deliver these changes. Don’t take chances by assuming a levelr’s capabilites. Call in a professional to assist in determining the proper application.
Weather-Related Issues
Weather is one of the most significant contributors to loading dock equipment problems. Along with aiding in loading and unloading efficiency, dock seals and shelters help protect materials and workers from outdoor elements. A lack of weather protection can quickly damage equipment, cause premature wear and disrupt operations. Common environmental problems include:
- Trash, leaves, and pine needles
- Wind
- Water and condesation
- Dirt, debris and other trash
- Natural debris like leaves and pine needles
- Snow and ice
- Pests such as insects, mice, or rats
Investing in weather seals and administering preventive maintenance is essential to ensure the integrity of your equipment and the safety of your employees. Along with improving the life span of your loading dock equipment, quality weather seals can also enhance your energy efficiency by keeping out cold air in the winter and trapping cool air inside during the summer.
Request Loading Dock Repairs and Maintenance From Eastern Lift Truck Co.
Eastern Lift Truck Co. understands the importance of loading dock equipment. Our experienced team offers best-in-class products and quality installation services to ensure safety and optimal function. Our professionals can also perform inspections, routinely service your equipment and run diagnostics to empower your team to remain productive, efficient and safe.
With convenient locations across Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and northern Virginia, you will always find the support you need. Contact our team to learn more about our parts and services or request a service for a routine inspection or emergency repair.
