If you’re experiencing issues with your dock equipment, you’re not alone. Kelley dock levelers are engineered and warranted to last for years, but every product will eventually break down and need repair if it is used long enough. At Beuschel Sales, we’re often asked about common dock leveler repair problems and how to fix them safely and quickly.
In this guide, we cover frequently asked questions about dock leveler malfunctions and provide troubleshooting tips to help you know when it’s time to call in the experts.
1. Why Won’t My Dock Leveler Stay Down?
This issue is most common with mechanical dock levelers. These levelers are powered by heavy-duty springs that naturally want to lift the platform. The hold-down mechanism keeps the leveler in place when not in use. If the paws, paw springs, or ratchet are damaged or worn out, the leveler will pop up unexpectedly. These parts need to be replaced for the leveler to function correctly.
2. How Can I Temporarily Keep the Leveler Down?
If your dock leveler won’t stay down and you need to close the overhead door, try this:
- Walk the dock leveler down. While standing on the leveler, shut the overhead door and latch it in place. The weight of the door should keep the leveler down.
- If that doesn’t work or the door doesn’t have a latch, place a pallet weighing at least 300 lbs. on the leveler to hold it down, then close the door.
This is only a temporary fix—professional dock leveler repair is still needed.
3. Why Won’t My Dock Leveler Rise When I Pull the Chain?
Mechanical levelers rely on properly tensioned springs to lift the platform. If the dock leveler doesn’t respond to the chain pull:
- The springs may be broken or under-tensioned.
- Do not attempt to adjust or replace the springs yourself. Call a trained technician to avoid injury and ensure a safe repair.
4. Why Is My Dock Leveler Making a Strange Noise When the Button is Pressed?
- On hydraulic levelers, strange noises may mean low hydraulic oil or a failing pump.
- For air-powered levelers (like the Kelley aFX), this often indicates an issue with the motor.
Check fluid levels, then contact a technician for further diagnosis.
5. Why Won’t the Lip Extend?
There are several reasons why a dock leveler lip might not deploy:
- Insufficient spring tension
- A malfunctioning lip assist assembly
- Faulty hydraulic or pneumatic components (depending on the leveler type)
This issue requires inspection and adjustment by a dock leveler repair expert.
6. Why Doesn’t the Lip Stay Out Long Enough?
This usually happens when the dock leveler is out of adjustment or its springs need to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Trailer Drop When I Drive Into It?
If your trailer suddenly drops and the lip doesn’t remain flat, you’re experiencing stump-out.
This occurs most often with mechanical levelers that cannot float with trailer movement. To minimize stump-out:
- Use the below-dock chain to adjust the cross-traffic legs.
- Better yet, consider replacing your mechanical leveler with a hydraulic or air-powered model that offers improved float and safety.
Professional Dock Leveler Repair in Michigan
If you’re dealing with any of these issues, don’t wait until it causes a costly accident or downtime. Beuschel Sales offers reliable dock leveler repair services across West, Central, and Northern Michigan. Click here to see if your business is in our service area.
Now Serving Petoskey, Traverse City & Cadillac
We proudly serve businesses in Petoskey, Traverse City, Cadillac, and surrounding Northern Michigan areas. Whether you need emergency dock repair or are exploring an upgrade to a new dock leveler, we’re here to help.
Call (616) 520-8680 or contact us online to schedule your repair or service today.