Shenzhen Cadro Hydraulic Equipment Co.,Ltd
Views: 220 Author: cadrotaillift Publish Time: 2025-06-06 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Understanding Kelley Dock Levelers
>> Types of Kelley Dock Levelers
● Safety Precautions Before Operating a Kelley Dock Leveler
● How to Use a Hydraulic Kelley Dock Leveler
>> Operating the Hydraulic Dock Leveler
● How to Use a Mechanical Kelley Dock Leveler
>> Operating the Mechanical Dock Leveler
● How to Use an Air-Powered (aFX-C) Kelley Dock Leveler
>> Operating the Air-Powered Dock Leveler
● How to Use a Vertical Storing (VSL) Kelley Dock Leveler
>> Operating the Vertical Storing Dock Leveler
● Routine Maintenance Tips for Kelley Dock Levelers
● Troubleshooting Common Issues
A Kelley dock leveler is an essential piece of equipment used in loading docks to bridge the gap between a dock and a truck or trailer, allowing safe and efficient transfer of goods. Proper use and maintenance of a dock leveler ensure safety and extend its lifespan. This comprehensive guide explains how to use a Kelley dock leveler effectively, covering different types, safety precautions, operational steps, and maintenance tips.
Kelley offers various types of dock levelers, including hydraulic, mechanical, air-powered, and vertical storing models. Each type has its own operating mechanism but shares the common goal of facilitating smooth loading and unloading operations.
- Hydraulic Dock Levelers: Use hydraulic power to raise and lower the ramp and lip.
- Mechanical Dock Levelers: Operate with springs and manual controls.
- Air-Powered Dock Levelers (aFX-C): Use an airbag system controlled by push buttons.
- Vertical Storing Dock Levelers (VSL): Store vertically to save pit space and use hydraulic power for operation.
Before using any dock leveler, safety is paramount. Follow these guidelines:
- Only trained operators should use the dock leveler.
- Never use hands to manually position the ramp or lip.
- Always ensure the dock leveler is in good condition and not damaged.
- Use wheel chocks or truck restraints to secure vehicles before loading/unloading.
- Keep the dock area clear of people and equipment during operation.
- Use maintenance struts and lip locks when servicing the leveler to prevent accidental lowering.
- Follow all posted safety placards and manufacturer instructions.
1. Prepare the Dock Area
Clear the dock leveler of any equipment, materials, or personnel before operation.
2. Power On the Control
Turn on the electrical power to the leveler control box.
3. Raise the Ramp and Lip
Using the push-button control, press and hold the RAISE button until the ramp reaches its highest position and the lip fully extends.
4. Position the Leveler
Slowly lower the ramp and lip onto the truck bed to form a bridge between the dock and vehicle.
5. Secure the Vehicle
Ensure the vehicle is properly restrained with brakes set and wheel chocks in place.
6. Loading/Unloading
Proceed with loading or unloading safely.
7. Storing the Leveler
After completion, raise the ramp and lip again using the RAISE button, then release the button to lower the leveler to its stored position flush with the dock floor.
8. Power Off and Clear Area
Turn off the control power and remove any safety cones or barricades.
When servicing or performing maintenance under the ramp or lip, always insert and pin the maintenance strut and engage the lip lock to prevent accidental lowering.
1. Prepare the Dock
Clear the dock area and ensure the leveler is not damaged.
2. Release the Leveler
Use the manual release mechanism to raise the ramp and lip.
3. Positioning the Lip
The lip should drop onto the truck bed within 20 seconds after the ramp is lowered.
4. Adjustments
If the lip falls too quickly or slowly, adjust the Hydra-Shock mechanism by repositioning the spring clip and clevis pin as needed.
5. Loading/Unloading
Proceed with operations once the leveler is securely positioned.
6. Return to Stored Position
Manually raise the ramp and lip back to the stored position after use.
1. Power On
Ensure electrical power is connected.
2. Raise the Ramp
Press and hold the push-button control to inflate the airbag, raising the ramp.
3. Lower the Ramp and Extend Lip
Release the push-button; the ramp lowers, and the lip extends automatically to rest on the vehicle floor.
4. Loading/Unloading
Secure the vehicle with restraints and proceed.
5. Return to Stored Position
After loading, press and hold the push-button to raise the ramp and retract the lip. Release the button to lower the leveler to the stored position.
6. Safety Check
Ensure the leveler is fully stored before the vehicle departs.
1. Power On and Prepare
Confirm power supply and clear the dock area.
2. Raise the Leveler
Press and hold the RAISE button until the dock leveler is fully extended above the dock floor.
3. Lower to Working Position
Press the LOWER button to bring the leveler down to dock level, allowing the lip to extend onto the vehicle bed.
4. Loading/Unloading
Secure the vehicle and proceed.
5. Return to Stored Position
After use, press and hold the RAISE button to raise the leveler back to the vertical stored position.
6. Lockout Pin Use
Insert the lockout pin through the maintenance strut and bracket when servicing.
- Regularly inspect dock bumpers, lip rods, pins, and springs for wear.
- Lubricate moving parts according to manufacturer instructions.
- Check hydraulic and air systems for leaks or damage.
- Ensure the control panel and safety devices are functioning properly.
- Clean the dock leveler to prevent debris buildup.
- Replace worn or damaged parts promptly to avoid operational hazards.
- Ramp or Lip Does Not Move: Check power supply and control buttons; inspect hydraulic or air systems.
- Lip Falls Too Quickly or Slowly: Adjust the Hydra-Shock or spring tension.
- Leveler Does Not Store Properly: Verify that the ramp stops are resting on curb steel and adjust hydraulic cylinders if needed.
- Uncontrolled Drop: Immediately stop use and contact service; ensure vehicle restraints are applied.
- Safety Strut or Lock Pin Issues: Ensure proper insertion and no obstruction.
Q1: Can I manually operate a hydraulic Kelley dock leveler if power fails?
A1: Yes, you can raise the ramp using a chain or suitable lifting device, but hydraulic pressure or mechanical support must be maintained to hold the ramp and lip in place safely.
Q2: How do I know if my dock leveler lip is properly adjusted?
A2: The lip should fall completely onto the truck bed within 20 seconds after lowering the ramp; adjustments can be made to the Hydra-Shock mechanism if it falls too fast or slow.
Q3: What safety measures should be taken before loading/unloading?
A3: Secure the vehicle with wheel chocks or restraints, ensure the dock leveler is properly positioned and stored, and keep the dock area clear of personnel.
Q4: How often should maintenance be performed on a Kelley dock leveler?
A4: Regular inspections and maintenance should be performed according to the manufacturer's schedule, typically monthly or quarterly, depending on usage.
Q5: What should I do if the dock leveler does not operate correctly?
A5: Stop using the leveler immediately, consult the troubleshooting guide, and contact an authorized service representative if the problem persists.
[1] https://kelleydocksolutions.com/assets/Kelley-Entrematic-Hydraulic-Dock-Leveler-Model-HK-and-HK-S-w-1-BTN-CNTRL-User-Manual.pdf
[2] https://kelleydocksolutions.com/assets/Kelley-Entrematic-Mechanical-Dock-Levelers-CM-WL-WS-With-HYDRACAM-Lip-Extension-User-Manual.pdf
[3] https://kelleydocksolutions.com/assets/Kelley-Entrematic-Air-Powered-Dock-Levelers-AFX-C-User-Manual.pdf
[4] https://kelleydocksolutions.com/assets/Kelley-Entrematic-HK-Series-Hydraulic-Dock-Leveler-User-Manual-Three-Button-Control-User-Manual.pdf
[5] https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65e885ac3e5917bfcd8c36ce/674b035f604eb57ebec850c3_89404084259.pdf
[6] https://kelleydocksolutions.com/assets/Kelley-Entrematic-VSL-Vertical-Storing-Dock-Leveler-User-Manual.pdf
[7] https://www.scribd.com/document/736162735/Kelley-Entrematic-VSL-Vertical-Storing-Dock-Leveler-User-Manual
[8] https://kelleydocksolutions.com/assets/Kelley-Entrematic-Manual-And-Automatic-Light-Communication-Systems-MLS-ALS-User-Manual.pdf
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