/ Aluminum Dock Boards
Aluminum Dock Boards
Should I Use a Dock Plate or a Dock Board?
Aluminum dock boards are required for forklifts and other powered equipment. For three-wheelloaders we recommend a steel dock board. Dock plates are better suited for man-powered applications.
*See capacity calculator and selection guide below. Just Scroll down and follow steps A, B, C.
Overview
Aluminum dock boards have an aluminum diamond non-skid surface with steel curbs bolted to each side to prevent equipment runoff. This is the key reason they are used for powered equipment over dock plates. Steel locking legs attached to the underside secure positioning during loading and unloading. Our Aluminum Dock Boards have a capacity of up to 15000 lbs. Our dock boards are a great solution for forklifts and other powered equipment. They will span the gap between trailers and loading docks, compensate for height differences allowing easy, safe and timely loading and unloading.
Scroll down to see easy steps (ABC) to find the right dock board for your dock.
*Note: for three wheel loaders we recommend a steel dock board. See Axial Table below.
Features and Benefits
Specifications for All Models
Aluminum Dock Boards
Load Capacity: | 10,000-15,000 lbs. |
Length: | 60"Inches |
Width: | 48" Inches |
Weight: | 103-161 lbs |
Height Diff: | 5"-7" Inches |
Material: | Aluminum |
Style: | Diamond Non-Slip |
How do I Choose the Right Aluminum Dock Board For My Loading Dock?
A. Calculate Capacity or Maximum Load
A. CAPACITY (EQUIPMENT WEIGHT) (LOAD WEIGHT) x (SINGLE-AXLE RATING)
CAPACITY is based upon the heaviest type of equipment used plus the maximum load carried times the single axle rating of total load. Dynamic loading, driver tendencies, speed and frequency of use must be onsidered. Steel (TS-series) dockboards recommended for high use docks
EQUIPMENT | SINGLE AXLE RATING OF TOTAL LOAD |
TWO-WHEEL HAND TRUCKS | 100% |
FOUR-WHEEL PLATFORM TRUCK- (NON TILT) | 50% |
PALLET TRUCKS- HAND | 75% |
PALLET TRUCKS-ELECTRIC | 66% |
PLATFORM (SKID) TRUCKS -HAND WALKIE | 75% |
PLATFORM (SKID) TRUCKS-ELECTRIC WALKIE | 66% |
FORK TRUCKS ELECTRIC WALKIE | 90% |
FORK TRUCKS ELECTRIC RIDER | 90% |
FORK TRUCKS GAS RIDER | 90% |

Keep in mind, your total weight is the weight of your heaviest load and the weight of the single axel rating of your equipment. Please see Single Axle Rating Totals to the left. Aluminum Dock Board Capacity: 10,000 to 15,000 lbs
B. Choose a Model with Proper Width for Your Loading Dock.
Dock Board Width should be at least 6″ wider than the wheel base of the forlift or equipment. It is always a good rule of thumb to subtract 5-6″ from the dockboard width and check it against the wheel base of your equipment.

C. Height – Choose A Dock Board Model That Spans The Gap

C. HEIGHT = HIGHEST TRUCK BED HEIGHT-DOCK HEIGHT
Use this guide for truck floor heights to determine the Height Differential from the truck bed to dock. (Numbers listed reference an empty truck.)
EQUIPMENT | SINGLE AXLE RATING OF TOTAL LOAD |
REFRIGERATED | 54" TO 61" |
HEAVY TRAILERS | 51" TO 56" |
HEAVY SEMI-TRAILERS | 48" TO 54" |
LIGHT SEMI-TRAILERS | 45" TO 49" |
LARGE SINGLE BED | 42" TO 50" |
SMALL SINGLE BED | 30" |