Rite-Hite’s redesigned RHV-4100 Vertical-Storing Hydraulic Dock Leveler has been created to help protect workers from injury and to improve efficiency and security at the loading dock.

Installed as part of a “drive-thru” application, the RHV helps facilities improve productivity and safety by enhancing environmental control and security at the loading dock. With this interior dock configuration, trucks back up to the loading dock with their doors closed. When they are secured at the dock, the trailer’s security seal is broken and the doors are then opened into the building. This process ensures cold chain integrity, in addition to increased security. It is also quicker for loading/unloading because truck drivers don’t have to leave the cab.

Another benefit is increased control of humidity and temperature at the dock, as the leveler allows the overhead dock doors to close directly onto the pit floor. The tight seal also prevents dust, insects and rodents from entering the facility, while also minimizing entry points when the dock is not in use for added security.

RHV levelers are engineered to provide the smoothest transition from the warehouse floor to the trailer bed, minimizing the potential for chronic personnel injuries (dock shock) and product and equipment damage at the loading dock resulting from bumps and gaps that exist on most vertical-storing levelers. To minimize dock shock, the RHV features a constant-radius rear hinge to create a smooth transition between the leveler and the warehouse floor, while a two-point crown control on the front lip hinge distributes the load evenly, smoothes out the transition between the leveler and the trailer bed and extends the hinge life.

For added safety, the RHV is a power-up/power-down unit that requires constant pressure on the controls to keep the operator in control of leveler movement. Removing pressure from the “raise” or “lower” buttons immediately stops movement of the leveler. The lip can also be extended or retracted at any time during the leveler cycle.  Safe-T-Pit is a standard feature on the RHV and provides an additional layer of protection with an automatic safety stop that is activated when personnel movement is detected in the leveler pit area during operation.

And because the RHV stores vertically, it allows for easy, routine pit cleaning or full wash-down. Additionally, in its stored position, it acts as a visual/physical barrier helping prevent potentially dangerous loading dock accidents and door damage.

For more information, visit www.ritehite.com or call 1-800-456-0600.