Installation, Important – Poweramp VH SERIES HYDRAULIC 10.2011 User Manual
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4111-0002 — Sept 2010
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Poweramp dock levelers are designed with a
nominal 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) shimming distance
to allow for pit inconsistencies.
1. Determine height of shim stack (L) for each shim
location (B) by performing the following:
a. Measure leveler frame height distance (A).
b. Measure dock floor-to-pit floor distance (J)
at each shim location (B). Write down the
dimensions obtained at each location.
c. Subtract distance (A) from distance (J) to obtain
the shim height. Repeat for each shim location.
5. Using an appropriate lifting device connected to
the lifting brackets, lower dock leveler into the pit
so rear hinge frame angle (H) is tight against rear
pit curb angle (F) across full width of the leveler
frame.
6. Allow rear of dock leveler to rest on the rear
shims while keeping the front of the dock leveler
level with the dock floor.
7. For all VH models, add shims at front shim
locations (C and D) so front of dock leveler will
stay level with dock floor when leveler is resting
fully on shims.
4. For all VH models, put a 1/4 in. (6.6 mm) thick
shim at locations (C and D) .
NOTE: A 1/4 in. (6.6 mm) thick shim at locations (C
and D) is used only as a starting point. The
final shim stack height will be determined
after dock leveler is lowered into the pit.
2. Using the results obtained in step 1, create the
individual shim stacks on the pit floor at locations
(B). Build each shim stack (L) using the pyramid
method (N) (preferred) or stepped method (P) with
the top shim having a minimum size of 4-1/2 x
4-1/2 in. (114.3 x 114.3 mm) and each successive
lower shim being larger so the shims can be
welded together using a fillet weld. DO NOT use
offset method (Q) or straight method (R).
NOTE: To assist in obtaining an accurate
measurement of distance (K), use a string
(G) pulled tight across the pit opening,
directly over the shim locations.
3. Verify that each shim stack is at the correct height
by measuring distance (K) [top of shim stack (L)
to dock floor]. Distance (K) must equal the dock
leveler height (A).
IMPORTANT
The minimum size of the shim that contacts the
leveler frame (i.e., the top shim of each shim stack)
must be at least 4-1/2 x 4-1/2 in. (114.3 x 114.3
mm) to support the full width of the frame rail and to
provide a shelf for a fillet weld.
Use the thickest shim stock possible for stability
and weld penetration purposes. DO NOT use
multiple layers of 1/8 in. (3.18 mm) or thinner shim
stock.
The dock leveler is heavy. Use chains and a
lifting device with the appropriate lifting capacity
and reach. Failure to do so may result in damage
to dock leveler and/or serious personal injury or
death.