Ensuring the efficient operation of loading bays is crucial in logistics and preventative maintenance is key to maintaining their effectiveness. Loading bay equipment and dock levellers serve as vital connections between buildings and transport vehicles and they must remain fully operational whilst withstanding heavy usage.
The aim of preventative maintenance is to ensure the seamless operation of loading systems and dock levellers in daily use: by treating high-quality loading bay equipment and dock levellers correctly it is often possible to avoid the need to replace major parts. The most common maintenance measures for hydraulic dock levellers involve replacing worn parts of the hydraulic system and seals at the edge of the dock leveller platform.
ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems' maintenance service for loading systems encompasses more than just the legally required tests on dock levellers. Preventative maintenance also includes the inspection of numerous other components of loading bridges and mobile ramps.
Also important for safety is the timely replacement of the hydraulic hoses, which must be renewed after six years, regardless of the duration of use. The date of manufacture is indicated on the hydraulic hose via a date stamp.
Natural material fatigue or weather-related ageing can lead to increased wear before the end of the six-year period, potentially resulting in surface cracks, leaks, or complete hose failure.
In the event of hydraulic hose damage, leaked oil not only affects the loading system but causes environmental pollution through groundwater contamination. Therefore, timely or even premature renewal of hydraulic hoses is essential as part of the preventive maintenance of the loading bay.
Regularly inspecting the moving components of hydraulic dock levellers is a central element of preventive maintenance. The hydraulic oil is pumped under high pressure from the hydraulic power unit through the special hydraulic hoses to the cylinders and to ensure both the safety of the technology and your employees, every part of the hydraulic system must function perfectly.
Fasteners such as valves can easily become clogged or eroded, especially if the hydraulic oil becomes contaminated after a certain period of operation. Air and water molecules can contaminate hydraulic oil, causing corrosion on the steel parts inside. The resulting rust causes increased wear on the moving parts due to siltation and can lead to complete failure of the dock leveller.
Therefore, hydraulic oil should be replaced at least every three years and earlier if necessary.
As part of loading bay maintenance, it is crucial to inspect and verify the presence and functionality of all individual and small parts. Since the platform of the dock leveller, including the swing and telescopic lip experience high loads, it is essential that weld seams at all joints are regularly examined to ensure they are intact.
Our professional service technicians check the condition and functionality of cable connections, wiring harnesses, and various valves on the hydraulic system as well as lubricate the hinges on the platform and swing lip.
ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems’ preventative maintenance for loading bay equipment not only covers legal requirements for loading bridges and mobile ramps but also includes important maintenance points according to the manufacturer's specifications.
This comprehensive approach ensures that your loading bays are always fully operational and meet important safety standards.
