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Yes! Cost is a real factor when replacing or repairing equipment in your facility. The upfront cost of a hydraulic leveler or a hydraulic conversion will exceed the cost of a mechanical leveler or parts replacement type of repairs. However, the cost of ownership is reduced, and the overall lifetime cost of a hydraulic leveler is LESS than a mechanical leveler. Why?

• Fewer moving parts
• Easier to clean out dock pit, reducing maintenance costs
• More dependable, therefore decreased downtime
• Eliminate below dock service range issues, aka stump-out which can cause the leveler to self-destruct
• Reduce wear and tear on forklift as hydraulic dock is dead weight and reduces bounce of leveler when driving on or off the leveler
• Less energy loss with both heating & cooling, as hydraulic levelers seal better than mechanical levelers

The conventional thought process around the loading dock area has seen a conceptual shift in thinking over the past several years. Many of our clients have changed over from mechanical levelers to hydraulic, either via equipment replacement or a hydraulic conversion. With a hydraulic conversion we take the springs, levers, brakes, and chains out and replace them with hydraulic components. Why?

In discussing this with clients, there were many reasons, but three of them were shared by all.

1. Safer for your employees
   • Pushing a button versus pulling a chain, or multiple chains with below dock service
   • Easy to use with consistent operation
   • Eliminate walking down the leveler to avoid putting employees at risk
2. Better seal
   • As the leveler is now dead weight, not spring-loaded, it rests securely with no bounce when walked over, resulting in a positive seal
   • Improved employee comfort with weather seal properly applied & installed, the wind gusts are eliminated
3. ​Less down time
   • Hydraulics are more dependable than springs, levers, brakes, and chains
   • Avoids employee frustration with tools that do not work properly 

We know retaining and attracting employees is a challenge, so attention to both big and small issues is important. Providing employees with safe, reliable tools which allow them to work safely and confidently is what they’re looking from you as their employer. Not sure where to start? Request a facility needs assessment.