An edge-of-dock leveller is a compact leveller mounted on the front face or top edge of a loading dock, with no pit needed. A short hinged plate and lip bridge the gap between dock and trailer, but it can only cover a small height difference above and below dock level, so it suits sites where trailer bed heights are consistent.
Is this right for your site in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
Tenants of leased warehouses in Edinburgh and the Lothians who cannot cut into the slab may find an edge-of-dock leveller the most workable way to improve loading. Exposed external docks in Edinburgh and the Lothians call for a galvanised or well-painted edge-of-dock leveller that stands up to the weather all year round.
If trailer heights at a site in Edinburgh and the Lothians vary widely, our survey will tell you plainly whether an edge-of-dock leveller can cope or a pit leveller is needed.
The survey is free, the quote is written and the price is fixed: that is how every installation in Edinburgh and the Lothians begins. We then manage the work from start to finish. Fitting is carried out by specialist installers under our management, phased so the operation keeps moving, and nights or weekends can be booked by arrangement. On the final day we test the equipment with you and hand over the operating and maintenance information.
Should I choose a mechanical or hydraulic edge-of-dock leveller?
Choose a mechanical edge-of-dock leveller for occasional use and simple sites, and a hydraulic one where the bay is busy or operators need push-button control. Both bridge a similar small height range.
- Mechanical: the operator pulls a lever or handle and the lip lifts and drops onto the bed with spring assistance. No power is needed and there is little to go wrong, but it takes some physical effort.
- Hydraulic: a push button raises the plate and extends the lip, then lowers it onto the trailer. It is easier and quicker for frequent use and can be interlocked with the dock door and traffic lights.
Other choices include plate width, which should suit the wheel track of your pallet trucks and forklifts, and capacity, which must cover the truck and its heaviest load. On exposed external docks, a galvanised or well-painted finish helps the unit cope with rain, frost and road salt.
How is an edge-of-dock leveller fitted to an existing dock?
An edge-of-dock leveller is fixed to the front face or top edge of the dock from the yard side, and installation usually takes around half a day to a day per bay. No digging is involved.
- The dock face is inspected, and damaged concrete or worn edge steel is repaired or replaced first if needed.
- The leveller is positioned centrally on the door opening and bolted or welded in place.
- Bumpers are fitted or repositioned so trailers stop at the right distance from the plate.
- On hydraulic units, the power pack and controls are connected.
- The leveller is tested across its working range.
You will need to keep the yard approach to the bay clear, take the bay out of use and, for hydraulic units, provide a power supply near the door or ask us to include one. Because the work is outside, very wet or freezing weather can affect welding and fixing, so we keep the date flexible where we can.
Towns we cover in Edinburgh and the Lothians
Find your town in the list below for details of edge-of-dock levellers across Edinburgh and the Lothians, or contact us if your location is not shown.
Budget range for supply and fit. The written quote after a free survey is the fixed price. All guide prices.
Planning, building control and safety law in Scotland
Doors and dock equipment installed in Scotland may carry the UKCA or the CE mark, and we pass on the documentation for everything fitted in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Because building warrant and planning questions can affect the programme, we check what applies at survey and raise any approvals early rather than assuming none are needed.
Questions
Will you deal with building control and planning for a project in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
We check at survey whether the work is likely to need approval. Forming a new opening or dock pit may need Building Regulations approval, a building warrant or building control approval, depending on the nation, and external structures such as loading houses can need planning permission. Where approval is needed, we explain what is involved, work with your designer or agent, and build it into the programme.
Can you work outside our normal operating hours in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
Yes, by arrangement. Evening, night and weekend working can be planned so the installation causes as little disruption as possible to your loading schedule. Out-of-hours work can affect the price, so mention it at the survey and we will include it in the written quote. The agreed times are confirmed in the programme before the job starts.
Does the dock door still close with the leveller fitted?
Yes, in most layouts. Edge-of-dock levellers sit at the outer edge of the dock and store with the lip raised or folded, so the door closes behind them as normal. We check the clearance between the door, its bottom seal and the stored leveller at survey.
How long does an edge-of-dock leveller take to install?
Usually half a day to a day per bay, as there is no pit to form. Concrete or edge steel repairs add time, and hydraulic units also need connecting to power. We plan the work so the rest of the dock keeps operating while each bay is fitted.
Other services in Edinburgh and the Lothians
Full guide to edge-of-dock levellers · All loading bay services in Edinburgh and the Lothians