New generation of dock levllers
March 1st 2008

Loading bay specialist Stertil Stokvis has introduced an improved range of dock levellers. For some years, the company's HW series has been widely acknowledged as one of the most advanced range of dock levellers available, providing a smooth and easy transition between vehicle and warehouse.

However, Stertil Stokvis is about to go one better with the launch of its next generation of ergonomic dock levellers

Stertil Stokvis has a reputation for offering a robust and high-quality range of electro-hydraulic dock levellers that competitors struggle to match.

The new generation comprises three versions of leveller: the S series – featuring a swing lip; the X series - incorporating a telescopic lip; and the P series - the parallelogram model, with its new lip design.

All have the option to be either; pitmounted or frame-mounted / suspended, depending on the application. The hinged lip of the S series is hydraulically extended into position and is suitable for most standard applications. The telescopic lip of the X series gives this model a greater operating range, enabling it to accommodate many different vehicle sizes, as well as stepped vehicle floors, such as in refrigerated trucks.

The telescopic lip can bridge a vehicle tail-lift if required and can also be infinitely adjusted to allow unrestricted use of the full loading area right to the back of the vehicle.

Stertil Stokvis new P series leveller has a hinged parallelogram lip which remains horizontal at all times, giving the optimum lip-to-platform angle. This provides a very smooth transition when loading or unloading, improving speed and minimising impact on loading trucks, resulting in reduced maintenance. Impact on the human body is also lessened, reducing the risk of operator injury. The new design eliminates the normal problems associated with 'lip crown' angles, especially when operating below dock. Like all models, the P Series is available with an optional antislip coating, which gives even smoother running and can reduce noise levels by up to 16dB; particularly useful in built up or residential areas.

All models feature simple, push-button controls and a standard load capacity of 6000kg SAL. They are all capable of servicing vehicles both above and below dock level, automatically accommodating the full range of vehicle suspension movement during loading. The platform tops are manufactured from a single piece of high-tensile steel plate giving maximum strength while maintaining torsional flexibility. For greater stability, all models have, as standard, patented twin safety support legs that provide the full rated load when the leveller is in the parked position.

The full-width multi-point rear platform hinge provides a smooth transition point and minimises finger traps. The S and P series feature Stertil Stokvis's patented self-cleaning open lip hinge, which allows dirt and debris to fall through. The hinge has a very large weld area on each support, providing much greater strength than a traditional 'piano' type hinge.

"It was never going to be easy to improve on the highly-successful HW series, but I'm confident we have achieved that," says Andrew Georgiou, general manager of Stertil Stokvis's loading bay division, "We've fine-tuned the features of this new range to ensure that the quality of the operation remains superior in every respect to other dock levellers on the market."

Vehicle restraint systems

The value of reliable vehicle restraint systems has been recognised in this country for some time but it's not just the UK that has stringent regulations covering this area. The USA too now has strict legislation governing the restraint of vehicles in loading bays and this has resulted in Stertil Stokvis winning significant orders for its proven Combilok system from American companies operating in the UK.

Stertil Stokvis's Combilok was developed as a restraint system for vehicles parked at loading bays and is ideally placed to resolve the issue of safe restraint. Communication in loading bays can be difficult and is often poor: the Combilok offers a 'safety net' against poor communication by holding vehicles in one place until loading or unloading is completed.

In both the UK and America, trailer creep and trailer pull-away have long been recognised as a serious safety issue in dock operations. The American OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires all vehicles to be restrained when loading is taking place.

Safe working practices must be set and enforced for employees involved in trailer to dock operations and systems must be in place to ensure that drivers do not pull away while trucks are loading or unloading.

The Combilok is integrated into a wheelalignment guide, through which the truck is centred. The control system is installed in the warehouse and operates the hydraulic movement of a wheel block towards the rear wheel of the truck. An in-built sensor determines the position of the wheel and the wheel block is automatically extended, restraining the vehicle. The movement of the wheel block is accompanied by audible and visual alarms, while a clear LED traffic light shows green to indicate it is safe for the truck to leave the dock. Not only does this improve safety for drivers and loading bay staff, but also eliminates damage to expensive goods and equipment and helps guard against theft.

Significantly, the Combilok system uses a minimal number of moving parts to ensure that it is safe, simple and inexpensive both to install and maintain.

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