Loading bays covered
October 1st 2005

One of Europe's major industrial door manufacturers, Hörmann offers complete customised loading bay solutions from a single source

Hörmann is perhaps traditionally better known for its industrial and garage doors, however, since the merger of Hörmann UK with its sister companies Dyna Seal UK and Seuster Doors, it is able to offer a comprehensive portfolio of both industrial and loading bay products, which includes; dock levellers, dock shelters/seals plus loading houses.

Dock leveller versions

Hörmann dock levellers are specifically designed to bridge the gap between the vehicle deck and the loading platform at the same time as accommodating the difference in height between the lorry and the loading platform. They are available in two system versions, hinge lip and telescopic lip.

The hinged-lip dock leveller is based on an extremely sturdy hinged joint construction with 405-480 mm long hinged lip and highperformance, user-friendly hydraulics. The design affords the dock leveller a certain degree of flex allowing it to cope with uneven loads. It also incorporates a special safety system to prevent accidents occurring should a lorry be driven away prematurely with the platform still loaded.

With the lower-priced hinged lip version, made of high-grade sheet steel, the warehouse door is opened after the lorry has docked and then the electro-hydraulics are activated via the compact system controls which work on the dead man's (press to run) principle. The electro-hydraulics raise the platform to the highest position and extend the hinged lip which then automatically lowers itself onto the vehicle deck. Once loading has been completed, a button is pressed or the automatic function is selected and the platform and hinged lip return to the starting position. Power-driven doors can also be operated using the same control system.

Both dock leveller types conform to all the relevant statutory European directives and standards. Various installation options from casting in concrete with bolts to welding cover all the usual fitting methods for newly constructed buildings as well as warehouse modernisation.

Dock seals

Hörmann dock shelters/seals installed between the warehouse and loading vehicle ensure an even balance between investment, stress ability and handling qualities. The various types differ in terms of their materials, technical equipment and level of convenience. They begin with the basic DS and DDF versions, offering a choice of scissor or link arms. The DT dock shelter/seal is a robust flap shelter designed for heavy duty. Where cold stores and particularly long loading times are concerned, the DAS inflatable cushion shelter proves ideal. Once the lorry has docked, a fan blower inflates the cushions, completely sealing off the loading area within a matter of seconds.

Industrial doors

Hörmann's competence in the industrial door sector manifests itself in numerous major projects and buildings of renowned companies, not least also in the logistics field. Here Hörmann sectional doors in steel or aluminium with a high level of thermal insulation as well as thermally insulated rolling shutters and high speed doors with flexible curtains enjoy widespread use. As a result, Hörmann’s loading equipment for logistics facilities represents a complete and comprehensive range.

Strength and durability are key features of Hörmann’s products as Alan Jenkins explains: "Too often products are value engineered in an attempt to remain competitive, and often quality is sacrificed for cost. For example loading bay doors have to be stronger than domestic garage doors, and yet many companies will provide the same spring and other operational components for both. Hörmann industrial doors are fitted with much stronger and more durable parts, and built specifically fit for purpose. The doors are tested and built to the quality you would expect from Germany."

More articles from Hormann UK Ltd: