Dock Shelters

Before and After

Dock Shelters are a relatively overlooked part of the overall loading bay equipment and yet they perform 3 vital roles.

Firstly they have an important part to play in reducing the heat loss through the open door, Not only is this an employee welfare issue, but dock shelters that do their job correctly can quickly pay for themselves.

Secondly they protect the goods being loaded from the elements.

Thirdly if you are at all concerned about your company’s image, poor fitting Dock Shelters can leave a lasting impression.

At Chase Equipment we manufacture our Dock Shelters out of proven material that will stand-up to both the environment and the wear and tear of constant use.









Our Shelters are made to suit your needs, we manufacture and install them ourselves.Using different materials on the sides , fronts and head curtains give flexibility or rigidity as required . Made in any size and quantity , from 1 off to 100plus .

Mobile Yard Ramp Safety Tips

At Chase Equipment our mobile yard ramps come with safety chains and chocks. As with any industrial equipment care still needs to be taken to prevent accidents and injury.

To help we've compiled 10 safety tips for using a mobile yard ramp:

1. Mobile Yard Ramps are constructed of steel and designed to support heavy loads. But be careful not to exceed their maximum specified load capacity.

2. When unloading always use the chocks to prevent the yard ramp moving, even if the ground appears level. Never use the mobile yard ramp on a slope.

3. The ground beneath the mobile yard ramp must be solid, ideally concrete or tarmac. Do not use on grass even if the ground seems firm.

4. Extra care should be taken in adverse weather conditions such as frost and ice.

5. The lip plate of the mobile yard ramp must be securely connected to the rear of the container or truck. Attach the safety chains to prevent any movement.

6. Drive at a safe speed when towing the mobile yard ramp to a new location. Damage can be done to the legs if driven over bumps and potholes at excessive speed.

7. If the mobile yard ramp is stored outside check for signs of rust damage before use. Regular checks should always be made of the legs, wheels, lip plate and deck surface. Any damage must be immediately repaired before further use.

8. Check the level of the hydraulic fluid on yard ramps that use hydraulic operation to adjust their height. Always look for signs of leaking hydraulic fluid.

9. Do not use the mobile yard ramp to enter the back of the lorry or container when the forklift truck is in operation.

10. Do not extend the mobile yard ramp above its specified safe operating height.

If you are considering replacing your mobile yard ramp then contact us. We have designed the 'Titan' range of portable yard ramps to be hard wearing, easy to manoeuvre and simple to operate. Our website has more information at http://www.chaseequipment.co.uk/.

Ten Benefits of Using Scissor Lifts

A scissor lift, sometimes known as a table lift, is a work platform used for carrying loads or people. It moves upwards when the criss-crossing supports beneath the platform draw together, pushing the lift upwards.

Benefits of using scissor lifts include:

1) Scissor lifts can help operators to reach areas that might otherwise be inaccessible. Larger models can extend to a height of 18.8 metres (62 feet).

2) Scissor lifts are so simple to operate and move that they reduce fatigue in operators, increasing levels of production.

3) Scissor lifts eliminate repetitive strain injury (RSI) by avoiding the need to bend and stretch repeatedly.

4) The weight of the load being lifted is distributed evenly, because of the lift's vertical scissor motion beneath a flat platform.

5) Different scissor lifts utilise different methods of power, so companies can opt for a hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical model depending on their requirements.

6) Scissor lifts vary in base size, platform size, vertical travel and height. They can carry different capacities from standard to heavy loads, enabling companies to choose the appropriate model according to the working environment.

7) Scissor lifts can either be stationary or mobile, depending on the needs of the company

8) Turntables can be added to scissor lifts to allow the operator to rotate loads. This saves time and minimises the risk of injury from heavy loads.

9) Tilters can be used on scissor lifts to allow the operator to position a product by tilting the platform, sliding goods off. Operators do not have to risk injury by lifting heavy loads.

10) When not in use and fully retracted, scissor lifts take up little space in a warehouse or office.

Chase Equipment are a leading international supplier of scissor lifts, with a competitively priced series ranging from 500kg capacity to 10,000kg capacity. Contact Chase Equipment about your specific scissor lift requirements.

Five Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mobile Yard Ramp

The length of a yard ramp can vary between 10 metres up to 12 metres. Its width should be no less than 2.25m.

Ease of manoeuvrability and operator use are important factors when considering which design to choose. The front end of the ramp will normally have a towing hook or attachment device to enable the ramp to be towed by a forklift. Urethane-tyred wheels are ideal for moving the ramp. They are designed to be hard wearing but are inexpensive to replace if necessary. A hydraulic hand pump system will allow for easy height adjustment by the operator.

Light duty yard ramps can be made of aluminium but it is best to obtain one that is constructed of welded steel. This will withstand the rigours of the working environment with the minimal wear. A durable finish to the ramp with high specification paint will inhibit rust.

2) Capacity of Mobile Yard Ramp

The mobile yard ramp needs to be suitable for the cargo it is unloading. Its capacity must exceed the combined weight of the heaviest forklift truck and the heaviest weight of the loads that it will carry.

To anticipate heavy loads ensure the rated capacity of a mobile yard ramp is at least three times the weight of your largest forklift truck.

3) Mobile Yard Ramp Safety

Safety with a mobile yard ramp is very important, especially as you will be moving heavy loads with mobile vehicles on an elevated platform.

Choose a mobile yard ramp that has safety chains to ensure it is securely attached to the back of the vehicle or container. Always use wheel chocks to prevent the ramp moving.

The decking on a mobile yard ramp must have good grip. Open grill sheeting provides a tough, non-slip surface.

Always check the yard ramp for signs of wear and damage before use. Replace any parts as necessary.

4) Availability of Spares

Yard Ramps are built to last but because of the hard working environment in which they are used, damage and wear is inevitable. Only used approved parts for repair and maintenance, ideally obtained directly from the original ramp manufacturer.

At Chase Equipment we have ateam of experienced service engineers who will ensure the mobile yard ramp is maintained in good working condition.

5) Rent or Buy

Renting is the best short term solution if the use a mobile yard ramp is temporary. But because of the expense of transporting a yard ramp to its location, purchasing a mobile yard ramp can be the more cost effective in the long term.

We are a leading international supplier of mobile yard ramps. If you need a mobile yard ramp for a short period due to changing requirements, want to hire long term to minimise capital expenditure or simply would like to try before you buy, give us a call 01902 675 835 or visit our website at http://www.chaseequipment.co.uk/.

Three Essential Types of Loading Bay Equipment

Mobile Yard Ramps

Not every warehouse is large enough to have a permanent docking area. Rear loading vehicles and standard ISO containers can be unloaded using a pallet truck. However this requires the pallets to be arranged inside the container, allowing the pallet truck access. Often the pallets are stacked high with heavy items making them difficult to move manually in a confined space. It can create a safety risk for those involved.

This is why a mobile yard ramp is ideal. As the name suggests it can be easily moved from one location to the next. The ramp is attached to the back of the container or lorry. A forklift can then be used to remove the goods. Because it can be driven into the back of the container/lorry, unloading takes a fraction of the time that it would with a pallet truck and it creates a safer working environment without the need for manual lifting.

Mobile yard ramps can be rented or purchased. Renting is the best short term solution. Purchasing a mobile yard ramp can be the more cost effective in the long term because of the expense of transporting a yard ramp to its location.

A loading bay specialist can provide the best advice and find the most cost effective solution for your requirements.

Dock Levellers

When there is a difference between the level of the trailer being unloaded and the dock, a dock leveller is the perfect solution. Its height can be adjusted to the height of the vehicle trailer, which allows for fast loading and unloading using a forklift or pallet truck.

Made of a sturdy steel construction, dock levellers incorporate an electro-hydraulic system to enable their height to be adjusted with the push of a button.

Scissor Lifts

When not in use scissor lifts, or table lifts, take up little space in a warehouse. But when fully extended they can reach heights of 18.2 metres (depending on the type).

Scissor lifts work by the criss-crossing supports pushing a flat platform upwards when drawn together. Pallets can be loaded onto a scissor lift platform using a forklift or pallet truck to minimise manual lifting. The goods are then raised on the level platform preventing spillage of liquids or damage to fragile items.

Scissor lifts can either be stationary or mobile. Originally designed as an industrial lift they are increasingly seen in operation in the retail and wholesale environment.

Two additions to a scissor lift, that further minimises manual lifting, includes turntables and tilters. Turntables allow the operator to rotate the loads being lifted. This ideal if the scissor lift is being used in restricted spaces. Tilters allow the platform to be positioned at an angle. It is useful for sliding the goods off the lift so the operator does not risk injury by manoeuvring heavy loads.

If you need loading bay equipment for a short period due to changing requirements, want to hire long term to minimise capital expenditure or simply would like try before you buy, contact Chase Equipment for our current rates.