Mechanical Dock Leveler – M and FMC Group 08, Section 16, Page 1
Issue Date: 10/01/01, Rev. 0 (Part #038-550E)
INCREASING LIP LENGTH and / or THICKNESS
Not Recommended:
Field modifications that increase the weight of a lip
assembly are not recommended on Mechanical Dock
Levelers. Do not attempt to install a longer or thicker lip
and do not add material in an attempt to strengthen or
lengthen a lip.
Note of Explanation:
Each model and capacity of Mechanical Dock Leveler is a
balanced system that is designed to operate with a very
specific deck and lip weight. Any modification that changes
the weight of individual components will effect the overall
balance of the unit and will cause unsatisfactory operation.
Eg: Adding material to the lip thickness, to prevent bending
when overloaded, will create a need for increased spring
tension to enable the heavier lip to extend and lock. This
increased spring tension will cause the deck to be very
difficult to lower onto a vehicle, to the degree that one
person may not be able to operate the unit. Also, the
higher spring tension will increase the load applied to the
hold-down system, causing premature wear to all
components. When increased capacity is required, the
complete unit must be replaced with an appropriate model
to suit the application. An existing unit can not be
satisfactorily or economically upgraded to a higher capacity.
Installing a longer-than-original lip will have the same effect
on the overall balance of the unit, because the lip weight
will be increased.
See the following sections of this manual entitled 'Longer
Lip', for field modifications that are recommended for
upgrading a mechanical unit to suit specific changes that
have been made to a loading dock area or to suit specialty
vehicles.
To Next Page
Loading...
