Formulas for choosing the proper Bluff Aluminum Dock Plates & Dockboards

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Use the following information and guidelines to help you determine the correct size and capacity of dockplate or dockboard you need:
	LENGTH: To determine the proper length of dockboard/plate, three items are required: Dock height — D Height of highest truck using your dock — T Type of loading equipment used
	WIDTH: Bluff Manufacturing recommends a minimum product width of 12" to 18" wider than the overall width of the vehicle or pallet used. For improved end loading efficiency, you may consider increasing board width as shown in the diagram.

Find your Correct HEIGHT DIFFERENTIAL
Highest Truck Height = T 55" is the standard height of most trailers, for refrigerated or container trailers use 59"	T =	inches
Dock Height = D You must measure this.	D =	inches

Height Differential (Maximum) = H H is equal to T minus D	H =	inches

Use the results from the formula above to find the length of dockplate or dockboard you need.

HEIGHT DIFFERENCE (H)	DOCKPLATE LENGTH NEEDED	DOCKBOARD LENGTH NEEDED
HEIGHT DIFFERENCE (H)	for Pallet Jack	for Propane Forklift	for Electric Forklift
3	36"	36"	36"
5	48"	36"	48"
7	60"	36"	60"
9	—	60"	78"
11	—	72"	90"
13	—	84"	—
15	—	96"	—

CAPACITY SELECTION CHART			Stackers and other narrow aisle loaders should not be used on a dockboard. Paper roll clamp and multi-shift loading add 5,000 pounds to the board capacity. Capacity rated for single shift operation at a 3 mile per hour maximum rate of travel.
3-Wheel Forklift Capacity	4-Wheel Forklift Capacity	Board Capacity
2,000 - 2,500	—	10,000
—	2,000 - 3,000	10,000
3,000 - 3,500	—	15,000
4,000 - 5,000	—	20,000
—	3,000 - 5,000	15,000
—	5,000 - 6,000	20,000

Please call 1.877.646.7321 or e-mail us at info@work-space-solutions dot com for further information on choosing Dockplates and Dockboards.

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