When to replace dock bumpers? Read our tips and tricks Dock bumpers are an essential aspect of the loading bay. Every day the dock bumper is exposed to a lot of impact force, which leads to wear and tear. As a result, the dock bumper functions less well over time. But how do you know exactly when the bumpers need to be replaced? We provide some tips and tricks.
How do dock bumpers wear out?
Dock bumpers are mounted on both sides of the dock leveller and prevent damage to the vehicle or building. During loading and unloading, trucks are often parked tightly against the dock bumper, with the buffers moving up and down.
During the lifetime of the dock bumpers, wear and tear occurs due to:
- Friction between the truck and dock bumpers
- Crawling of the truck
- Loading and unloading process
What are the signs that your dock bumpers need replacing?
Although dock bumpers are designed for heavy traffic and to absorb shock, they can wear out over time. This is because the bumpers undergo repeated impact forces. To prevent damage, it is important to have the bumpers replaced sooner rather than later. But how do you tell when the buffers are worn out?
1. Thickness of the rubber
Are there deep grooves in the rubber surface, or is the rubber uneven? It is recommended to replace the buffer when it is 50% worn. Dock bumpers with less padding are not able to provide good shock absorption. The consequence? Your loading bay and vehicles can be damaged.
2. Condition of the frame
The condition of the frame is also very important for the dock bumper. Is the metal frame bent or rusted and/or is the exposed rubber that sits close to the metal frame worn off? Even then it is important to have the buffer replaced, to prevent abrasive metal-to-metal contact.
3. Condition of the concrete
Are there any visible cracks in the concrete or is it even crumbling? This also points to a few new dock bumpers and possible repair of the concrete.
4. Consoles
Are the anchors loose and/or are the welds in the plate cracked or corroded? The dock bumpers should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent damage to the building and vehicle.
What is the risk of not replacing the dock bumpers?
The maximum load capacity of a truck in the EU is 40 tonnes (40,000kg). Imagine that when this truck docks, there is quite some impact force generated. Without adequate dock bumper protection, repeated impacts can cause significant damage to the truck, but also to the dock shelter, dock leveller, and concrete, etc.
In good condition, dock bumpers can absorb more than 80% of the impact force, whereas a worn dock bumper can absorb less than 15% of the impact force. The risk of not replacing dock bumpers on time has therefore a large impact on the possible damage to the building, dock leveller and/or vehicle.
Do you want to know more about which type of dock bumper suits your needs best? Please read our other blogabout choosing the right type of dock bumper.
Preventive maintenance: the way to a safe loading bay
At Loading Systems we believe in the power of preventive maintenance. Because with preventive maintenance we guarantee that the product will maintain its functionality, safety and classifications. Maintenance ensures that your loading bay will continue to operate safely in the long term. In addition, the guarantee remains valid and it prevents unexpected and expensive failures or accidents. If you notice damage or deformation to your dock bumpers then they should be replaced.
The most important reasons for preventive maintenance
It is important to have your loading bay checked in time, because prevention is better than cure. Preventive maintenance:
- Protects and extends the life of materials and products
- Is cost saving
- Improves the working environment
- Guarantees the continuity of the logistics process (prevents expensive breakdowns and minimises the impact of downtime)
Would you like new dock bumpers to transform your loading bay into a safe working environment? Then our experts will gladly give you advice that fits the specific needs of your loading bay!