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Boards & Plates

Bluff Manufacturing’s dock plates and boards provide a seamless bridge between trailers or shipping containers and loading docks, ensuring smooth and efficient loading, and unloading operations for manual pallet jacks, hand trucks, and foot traffic.

Boards

Dock boards create a smooth transition between a trailer or shipping container and loading dock to ensure loads can be moved safely over loading dock gaps, curbs, and other obstacles. Bluff dock boards ensure safety, longevity & productivity.

Steel & Truck Boards

Rated for forklift use, Bluff Steel Dock Boards provide an easy transition from dock to truck.

(Capacities of 10,000 to 40,000 Lbs.)

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Steel Rail Dock Boards

Offer a way to bridge the gap between a dock and railcar for safe loading and unloading of shipments.

(Capacities of 15,000 to 40,000 Lbs.)

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Aluminum Dock Boards

Aluminum Dock Boards are ideal for low to medium volume dock loading applications.

(Capacities of 10,000 to 15,000 Lbs.)

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Plates

Dock Plates are ideal for hand truck and pallet jack traffic. They offer the lightest and most cost-effective answer to your loading / unloading problem.

Aluminum Dock Plates

Offer the lightest and most cost-effective solution to bridging the gap between trucks, trailers, and your loading dock.

(Capacities Verified Thru Testing)

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Spring Loaded Aluminum Dock Plates

An ideal solution for loading applications involving hand trucks and dollies.

(Capacities of 15,000 to 90,000 Lbs.)

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Aluminum Ramps for Cylinders

Designed for the safe transport $ distribution of industrial, medical & speciality gases on and off pallets.

(Capacities of 1,453 to 4,720 Lbs.)

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Aluminum Vs. Steel
Dock Equipment
Advantages of Steel Dock Plates & Boards

Durability

Steel is inherently stronger and more durable than aluminum, making steel dock plates and boards better suited for heavy-duty applications and high-traffic environments. They are less prone to bending, warping, or other forms of damage.

Longer Lifespan

Due to its durability, steel dock plates and boards generally have a longer lifespan compared to aluminum ones. They can withstand more wear and tear over time, reducing the frequency of replacements and maintenance costs.

Higher Capacity

Steel dock plates & boards can typically support higher weight capacities compared to aluminum ones of similar size and thickness. Ideal for applications where heavier loads need to be transferred between trucks, trailers, and loading docks.

Advantages of Steel Dock Plates & Boards

Cost-Effectiveness

While steel dock plates & boards may have a higher initial cost compared to aluminum, they often offer better long-term value due to their durability & longer lifespan. They may also be more cost-effective for applications requiring higher weight capacities.

Resistance to Impact

Steel is more resistant to impact and heavy loads, making steel dock plates and boards less likely to deform or sustain damage during loading and unloading operations.

Versatility

Steel dock plates and boards can be used in a variety of environments, including outdoor and indoor settings, and are suitable for a wide range of applications due to their strength and durability.

Advantages of Aluminum Dock Plates & Boards

Lightweight

Aluminum is significantly lighter than steel, making aluminum dock plates & boards much easier to handle & maneuver. This lightweight nature facilitates faster installation, removal, & relocation, especially in applications where manual handling is required.

Corrosion Resistance

Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion, unlike steel, which can rust when exposed to moisture and certain chemicals. This makes aluminum ideal for outdoor applications or environments where exposure to water, salt, or corrosive substances is common.

Sparking Prevention

Aluminum does not produce sparks when struck or scraped against hard surfaces, making aluminum dock plates and boards safer for use in environments where sparking could pose a fire hazard, such as facilities handling flammable materials or gases.

Advantages of Aluminum Dock Plates & Boards

Low Maintenance

Due to its corrosion resistance, aluminum dock plates and boards require minimal maintenance compared to steel. They do not need to be painted or coated to protect against rust, reducing the need for ongoing maintenance and associated costs.

Highly Recyclable

Aluminum is a highly recyclable material, making aluminum dock plates and boards an environmentally friendly option. At the end of their lifespan, aluminum products can be recycled and repurposed, reducing their environmental impact compared to steel.

Non-Magnetic

Aluminum is non-magnetic, which can be advantageous in certain applications where magnetic interference is a concern, such as facilities with sensitive electronic equipment or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environments.

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