Dock Leveler Selection Calculator
Dock leveler capacity and type from load and usage.
Inputs
Results
Required capacity (lb)
60,000
Dynamic load (lb)49,000
Type (0=mech, 1=hyd, 2=air)1
Width (ft)6
Lip length (in)12
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the maximum load weight (lb) — the heaviest load on the forklift forks.
- Input the forklift unladen weight (lb) from the equipment data plate.
- Set cycles per day — the number of times a forklift crosses the leveler in a typical day.
- Enter dock height (in) — the dock floor height above grade level.
- Read Required capacity (lb) and Type (mechanical/hydraulic/air) to select the correct leveler model, and Width (ft) for bay sizing.
How the result changes with Max load weight (lb)
| Max load weight (lb) | Required capacity (lb) |
|---|---|
| 10,000 | 25,000 |
| 35,000 | 45,000 |
| 65,000 | 80,000 |
| 90,000 | 80,000 |
What each input means
- Max load weight (lb)
- Heaviest load on forks.
- Forklift weight (lb)
- Forklift unladen weight.
- Cycles per day
- Number of dock door operations per day.
- Dock height (in)
- Dock height above grade in inches.
What each result means
- Required capacity (lb)
- Standard leveler capacity needed.
- Dynamic load (lb)
- Forklift plus maximum load weight.
- Type (0=mech, 1=hyd, 2=air)
- 0=Mechanical, 1=Hydraulic, 2=Air-powered.
- Width (ft)
- Recommended leveler width.
- Lip length (in)
- Recommended lip length.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersMax load weight (lb) = 40000, Forklift weight (lb) = 9000, Cycles per day = 50, Dock height (in) = 48 = 4 input(s) provided
- Calculate Required capacity60000 = 60000
- Calculate Dynamic loadDynamic load = forkliftWeightLb + maxLoadLb49000 = 49000
- Calculate Type1 = 1
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