Preventive maintenance of loading systems is essential within logistics, in order to preserve the efficiency of work processes. As the connecting elements between the building and the transport vehicle, loading bay systems and dock levellers must be able to withstand heavy loads and be fully operational at all times.
The aim of preventive maintenance for dock levellers is to ensure that the systems operate as efficiently as possible in daily use. In the cases of high-quality loading systems and dock levellers, it is rarely necessary to replace large parts or the entire loading system if they are maintained correctly. The most frequent maintenance measures that should be carried out on hydraulic dock levellers concern the replacement of wearing parts within the hydraulic system, as well as seals at the edge of the dock leveller platform.
In addition to providing legally required dock leveller inspections, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems' maintenance service for dock levellers also includes the inspection of a range of other components within the loading bay. With our regular and planned maintenance service, you can avoid unexpected failures of the loading bay and keep your logistics running smoothly.
Another relevant safety point within dock leveller maintenance is the timely replacement of hydraulic hoses, which should always be replaced after 6 years. The period does not refer to the service life, but is calculated from the date of manufacture - noted directly on the hydraulic hose by means of a date stamp. As oil is fed through the hoses at high pressure each time they are used, increased wear can occur even before the 6 years have elapsed, due to natural material fatigue or weather-related ageing.
This wear and tear can result in surface cracks, leaks or a complete rupture of the hydraulic hose. Since these ruptures can lead to the escape of oil, it is not only the loading equipment itself that can be affected, and can also lead to environmental pollution by the contamination of groundwater. Timely or early replacement of hydraulic hoses is therefore in the interest of your company, as part of the preventive maintenance of loading systems.
Another key part of preventive maintenance for hydraulic dock levellers is the regular inspection of moving parts. Within these parts, hydraulic oil is pumped under high pressure from the hydraulic unit through the special hydraulic hoses to the cylinders. In order to guarantee safety throughout this process - both for the technology and your employees - every individual part of the hydraulic system must function perfectly.
Connecting elements such as valves can easily become clogged or eroded, for example if hydraulic oil becomes contaminated after a certain period of operation. Therefore, hydraulic oil should be replaced after 3 years at the very latest, or earlier if necessary – to reduce the risk of ‘silting up’. The 15 reason for silting is when hydraulic oil is contaminated by air (and water molecules), which causes corrosion on the steel parts inside due to water content. The resulting rust causes increased wear on moving parts and can lead to the complete failure of the dock leveller.
In general, all individual and small parts should be checked as part of regular loading system maintenance.
Since both the dock leveller platform, including the swinglip or telescopic lip are exposed to heavy loads, intact weld seams at all joints also play an important role and should be checked regularly.
The condition of various cable connections and the cable harness should also be examined, as should the functionality of valves on the hydraulic system. Our professional service technicians at ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems also pay attention to the lubrication of the hinges on the platform, including the swinglip/telescopic lip.
Preventive maintenance for loading systems not only consists of legal requirements for dock levellers and mobile ramps, but is supplemented by important maintenance schedules according to ASSA ABLOY's manufacturer's specifications.
ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems loading system & dock leveller maintenance is available throughout the UK, to ensure that your loading systems are fully operational at all times and meet important safety requirements.
Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE)
At ASSA ABLOY, we maintain high standards in Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) practices with internationally recognised certifications.
ISO 9001:2015
Our ISO 9001:2015 certification for Quality Management, awarded by LPCB since 1988, demonstrates our excellence in industrial door and loading bay equipment services.
ISO 45001:2018
Additionally, our ISO 45001:2018 certification by ISOQAR UK assures our commitment to safety in sales, installation, and repair of industrial doors and vehicle docking systems.
Company Approvals
At ASSA ABLOY, our numerous certifications and approvals from respected organisations such as SafeContractor, CHAS, Constructionline, Facilitiesline, Acclaim, Acclaim DTS, HACCP International, Secured by Design (SBD), and Avetta, highlight our commitment to excellence and safety. These endorsements emphasise our dedication to delivering top-quality products and services while prioritising safety, security, and compliance in all aspects of our operations.
ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems is proud to be affiliated with key trade associations and industry bodies, including:
Door and Hardware Federation (DHF)
As an active member of DHF's Industrial Door group, we help drive standards for door installations and maintenance across the UK.
British Institute of Facilities Managers (BIFM)
Our membership in BIFM's register demonstrates our commitment to delivering quality solutions to facilities management companies and their suppliers.
Processing and Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA)
Being part of PPMA allows us to promote machinery sales and provide technical expertise to over 500 member companies, both domestically and internationally.
24/7 Priority Service - In the event of downtime, our local presence and fast response time ensures minimal disruption to your business.
First-Time & Long-Term - Our large inventory of spare parts and trained technicians ensure first-time and long-term fixes.
Original Spare Parts - As the original equipment manufacturer, we always use genuine spare parts to keep your entrance solutions in perfect condition.
Service All Doors - We service all types of industrial doors and loading bay equipment regardless of brand.
Safety And Quality Checks - All our packages include safety, compliance and quality control checks.
Digital & Connected Technology - With our digital services you get access to real-time data, analytics and full-service overview for maximum control.
Technical Documentation - We have defined procedures and specifications for servicing of all your doors and provide you with the full overview.
Budgeting - We offer service agreements, upgrades and emergency repairs, which enables you to plan and budget on an annual basis.
