How to Install Loading Dock Leveler Brush Seals: Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-step installation instructions for loading dock leveler brush seals. Rear hinge brushes, side pit retainers with weld clips, and triangular pads.
Dock Leveler Pit Weathersealing Overview
The pit opening beneath a warehouse loading dock leveler creates a continuous thermal chimney. During winter and summer, outside drafts blow in around the leveler deck edges, while conditioned air escapes. Additionally, unsealed pit gaps are the primary entry point for mice, rats, and insects. A complete SEALEZE® dock leveler brush seal kit seals the rear hinge, side pit channels, and corner gaps.
Pit Installation Walkthrough
Secure and Lock Out the Dock Leveler
Raise the dock leveler to its highest position. Engage the mechanical maintenance safety prop or strut and perform lockout/tagout (LOTO) before entering the pit.
Clean and Debris-Clear Pit Curbs
Clean dirt, grease, and rust scale from the concrete pit walls, curb steel angles, and rear hinge channel using a wire brush or degreaser.
Install Rear Hinge Brush Seal
Position the rear hinge brush seal along the rear frame channel behind the dock leveler deck. Fasten with self-drilling screws or tack-weld clips, ensuring filaments contact the deck undersurface.
Mount Side Pit Aluminum Retainers
Align the side aluminum brush holders along the pit curb angles or leveler deck sides. Fasten with weld clips or self-drilling screws at 12-inch centers along both 6-foot to 10-foot side edges.
Install Triangular Corner Pit Pads
Fit high-density triangular seal pads into the rear corner gaps where the leveler deck meets the pit curb to eliminate light gaps and rodent entry points.
Lower Leveler and Test Cycling
Disengage the safety strut, lower the leveler to dock height, and cycle below-dock and above-dock. Ensure filaments flex without snagging on pit walls.
Safety First: Lockout / Tagout (LOTO)
Never enter a dock leveler pit without fully engaging the manufacturer-approved maintenance safety prop or strut and applying a lockout/tagout padlock to the leveler controls. Never rely solely on hydraulic pressure to hold the deck aloft during seal installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Can SEALEZE dock leveler kits fit hydraulic, mechanical, and air-powered levelers?
Yes. Our universal dock leveler brush seal kits are compatible with all major dock leveler brands including Kelley, Rite-Hite, Serco, Blue Giant, McGuire, and Nordock.
Q:How do dock leveler brush seals assist with AIB and FDA food safety audits?
Food safety auditors inspect dock pits for visible daylight ("the rule of thumb: if light enters, pests enter"). Dense SEALEZE nylon filaments completely block daylight gaps, preventing rodents, birds, and insects from entering food distribution facilities.
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