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Spring Loaded Aluminum Dock Plates

Bluff’s Spring Loaded Dock Plate (SL Plate) is an ideal solution for loading applications involving hand trucks and dollies, and is typically used by customers in the bakery, beverage and snack distribution industries.

The SL Plate is vertically stored and is easily actuated by hand or foot.

Models

Spring Loaded Aluminum Dock Plate (Model SL)

Ideal for route delivery systems found in beverage, bakery & snack distribution

View Details

(Model SL)

Spring Loaded Aluminum
Dock Plates

Overview

Bluff’s Spring Loaded Dock Plate (SL Plate) is an ideal solution for loading applications involving hand trucks and dollies, and is typically used by customers in the bakery, beverage and snack distribution industries. The SL Plate is vertically stored and is easily actuated by hand or foot. Available options include kick plate covers and traction tape. Not for use with powered equipment. Each SL Plate is site-specific and requires a completed worksheet to design. Manufacturing time 5 working days.

Patent # US D633,684 S

Manufactured and Tested in Compliance with ANSI Standard MH30.2.

Capacities of 2,313 lbs. to 4,720 lbs.

(Model SL)

Spring Loaded Aluminum
Dock Plates

Features & Benefits

  • Recommended for Loading Applications Involving Hand Trucks/Dollies & Carts (Not for use with Pallet Jacks or Powered Equipment)
  • Vertically Stored
  • Top-of-Dock Mounted Unit with Dual-Spring Lift Assist
  • Beveled Edges Allow for Smooth Transition
  • Wide Range of Sizes Available
  • Capacities are Size Specific
  • Mounting Hardware Included

(Model SL)

Spring Loaded Aluminum
Dock Plates

Literature

Provides a detailed overview of the performance, operation, & other important characteristics.

Spring Loaded Aluminum Dock Plates – Model (SL).pdf

Bluff SL Plate Worksheet.pdf

Dock Board, Dock Plate & Container Ramp Selection Guide.pdf

Dock Board & Plate Lineup.pdf

Freight Classes

Bluff Manufacturing strives to give the best possible customer service. Download our freight classes for shipping.

Freight Classes.pdf

Dock Board Worksheet

Download and fill out our Dock Board Worksheet to us help determine what solution best works for you.

Bluff_Dock_Board_Selection_Worksheet_Fillable_Form.pdf

Installation & Operating Instructions

Bluff – SL Plate – Installation & Operating Instructions.pdf

(Model SL)

Spring Loaded Aluminum
Dock Plates

Options & Accessories

  • Kick Plate Cover Offers Foot & Cart Protection from Mounting Hardware. Two are Required Per Dock Plate
  • Traction Tape Offers Additional Slip-Resistance
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.

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.

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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