We get pictures like this sent to us all the time… “Our Leveler is down and we need this part ASAP”!
One of the more unique services we provide is the sale of Wholesale Dock Leveler, Dock Seal and Dock Shelter parts including Vehicle Restraint Parts. At the end of the day, Dock Levelers really are relatively simple devices. Like all mechanical equipment and in addition to the harsh way these devices are used, parts wear out and need to be replaced. So many Dock repair companies will come out, charge you a small fortune to evaluate a repair and say the entire Leveler has to be replaced. This is RARELY the case when just a few simple parts will put the Leveler back in service in a relatively short period of time! With a little time and willingness to repair the Leveler yourself, time and money can be greatly saved.
We supply dock leveler replacement parts for most major manufacturers including: Blue Giant, Serco, DLM, Overhead Door, Rite-Hite, Kelley (Kelley-Atlantic for older units), Poweramp, McGuire, Penta-Lift, Pioneer and Vestil Manufacturing.
OUR SPECIALTY… allow us to put our 31+ years of experience to work to help you identify those hard to find parts! As an Authorized Blue Giant Distributor, contact us with any Blue Giant Loading Dock Equipment part application!
Common Dock Leveler Replacement Parts
Main springs
Lip kick out springs
Snubber springs
Hold down boxes
Dock bumpers
Hydraulic pumps
Hydraulic cylinders
More times than not, Dock Levelers have no Manufacturer serial plate on them which makes identifying what you have and who made it a challenge. Call us and let us put our 30+ years of experience to work to provide complimentary advice and help identify what you have as well as provide part numbers and parts costs. Additionally, most parts can be shipped in overnight air for the more time sensitive repairs.
Need Help Identifying a Dock Leveler Part?
Many dock levelers lose their manufacturer serial plate over time, making it difficult to determine the correct replacement parts. If you are unsure what component has failed, send us a photo of the dock leveler and we can often help identify the correct replacement part.
With more than 30 years of experience working with loading dock equipment, we regularly help customers identify springs, hydraulic components, hold down boxes and other worn parts so the leveler can be repaired quickly.
NORTHERN MICHIGAN- The uses for Storage and Pallet Racking systems are endless! We thought we would highlight a customer of ours, located in Northern Michigan, who is a vintage and classic wooden boat restorer. They have been one of the most experienced and respected wooden boat dealers, parts suppliers and vintage boat restorers for decades. They have been a customer of ours for well over 25 years.
There are so many different and unique uses for Pallet Rack and Storage Shelving! This customer uses standard Teardrop style Pallet rack for boat motor and parts storage. The picture you see here is just a small portion of their extensive parts warehouse. Look at all of those Chris-Craft, Hacker Craft, Garwood and Lyman motors! We dont believe they have ever bought anything NEW… it’s all been USED.
“OLD PALLET RACK FOR OLD PARTS” our customer always says. We always reply… “old pallet rack for old guys”, they always chuckle.
As you might imagine, our USED inventory changes weekly (if not daily). Contact us and allow our team of professionals to assist you with any USED Pallet Rack project.
Pretty cool… Randomly ran into this UPS driver with an OLD Aluminum Convertible Hand Truck we sold them roughly 24 years ago (our “worn” company sticker was on the other side). We have sold these Hand Trucks to UPS facilities throughout the years. This Hand Truck was manufactured by Harper Hand Trucks out of Wichita, KS. Back then, Harper was a small regional fabricator but they have grown into the largest Hand Truck manufacturer in the world! We have been both a Magliner and a Harper Dealer for nearly 30 years.
We sell a wide range of Hand and Platform Trucks from quality Manufacturers like Harper Trucks, Magliner Hand Trucks, Vestil Manufacturing, Wesco Manufacturing, Fairbanks, Milwaukee Trucks, Little Giant, New Age Industrial, Safco and B&P.
Look at the worn handles, think about how many times this hand truck has been taken out and put back in his truck. This truck definitely has had some wear and tear, but he tells me it works great… UNBELIEVABLE!
Floor scales in Columbus, Ohio are a critical part of efficient warehouse operations. Midwest Material Handling supplies industrial floor scales designed for accurate freight weighing, inventory control, and bulk material handling across a wide range of industries. As part of our broader industrial material handling equipment offering, we help businesses select reliable weighing solutions that improve accuracy and reduce costly shipping errors.
If you are setting up a new facility or upgrading your current operation, choosing the right floor scale early can help streamline workflows and avoid unnecessary freight charges.
Why Floor Scales Are Essential in Warehouse Operations
Accurate weight matters. Most warehouses rely on floor scales to verify outbound and inbound freight before it leaves the building.
LTL carriers require precise shipment weights on bills of lading. If weights are incorrect, reweigh fees and additional charges are common. These costs are avoidable with a properly calibrated floor scale.
Floor scales are also used for bulk material handling, quality control checks, and inventory management. They provide a dependable way to confirm weights throughout your operation.
Standard Floor Scale Sizes and Capacities
The most common floor scale used in Columbus warehouses is a 48 inch by 48 inch platform with a 5000 pound capacity. This size is ideal for standard pallet weighing and general warehouse use.
These scales are typically calibrated in 1 pound increments. The same unit can also be configured for 10000 pounds with 2 pound increments depending on your application.
A 60 inch by 60 inch platform is another common option for larger or oversized loads.
Custom sizes and higher capacities are available for specialized applications. If your operation involves unique load sizes or heavier materials, we can configure a scale that fits your requirements.
Common Floor Scale Options
Floor scales can be equipped with a range of options to improve usability and safety within your facility.
Common options include:
Steel access ramps for easy pallet jack or forklift loading
Level off platforms for smooth transitions to the scale surface
Digital indicators with clear and accurate readouts
Pit mounted installations for flush floor access
These features help improve efficiency and reduce handling time in daily operations.
Specialty Scale Applications
Many operations require floor scales built for specific environments or materials.
Stainless Steel Floor Scales
Designed for washdown and corrosive environments. Commonly used in food processing, chemical facilities, and clean operations.
Drum Scales
Built specifically for weighing 55 gallon steel or poly drums.
Coil Scales
Used for extremely heavy materials such as steel coils, bars, and structural components. Capacities often reach up to 100,000 pounds for high density loads.
Platform Scales
Smaller footprint scales used for lighter capacity applications, packing stations, and general weighing.
Built for Long Term Use Not Disposable Equipment
There is a significant difference between commercial grade floor scales and low cost import models purchased online..
Many cheaper scales are difficult to calibrate, lack replacement parts, and cannot be serviced locally. When they fail, they are often replaced rather than repaired.
We take a different approach.
All of the floor scales we supply are built for long term use, backed by full warranties, and supported with available parts and local service. You are investing in equipment that can be maintained and relied on over time.
Get Help Selecting the Right Floor Scale
Choosing the right floor scale depends on your load sizes, capacity requirements, and how the scale will be used within your operation.
If you are planning a new facility in Columbus or upgrading existing equipment, we can help you select a system that fits your workflow and avoids costly mistakes.
Contact our team today to discuss your application and request a quote.
Why Choose Midwest Material Handling
Midwest Material Handling supplies industrial equipment throughout Ohio with a focus on practical, long lasting solutions.
We work directly with warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities to recommend equipment that performs in real world conditions.
From standard floor scales to specialized weighing systems, we help Columbus area businesses operate more efficiently and reduce unnecessary costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size floor scale is most common for warehouse use? Most facilities use a 48 by 48 inch scale with a 5000 pound capacity, but larger platforms may be needed depending on the application.
Can a floor scale be installed flush with the floor? Yes. Pit mounted installations allow forklifts and pallet jacks to move directly onto the scale without ramps.
How accurate are industrial floor scales? Most standard models are calibrated to 1 pound increments, with other configurations available depending on capacity.
Do floor scales need regular calibration? Yes. Routine calibration ensures accurate readings and helps prevent freight billing issues.
Can these scales be serviced locally? Yes. All scales we supply are supported with available parts and local service options.
MASON, OHIO- Today, we thought we would take a little walk down memory lane to one of the more unique projects we have ever completed…
In September, 2003 a severe thunderstorm passed directly over King’s Island Amusement Park in Mason (Cincinnati), Ohio. Though very little major damage was done to the park itself, the iconic King’s Island marquee sign, visible from I-71 literally blew over. That old sign had been welcoming visitors to King’s Island for 30+ years.
A month or two later, we were contacted by an engineering firm designing the new sign for the park. This new sign was going to incorporate a newly refreshed logo and be 4-5 times larger than the old one. We were asked for a ladder solution for workers to SAFELY access the upper levels of the interior of the sign for service or maintenance.
We along with the Engineering team at Vestil Manufacturing came up with and eventually manufactured and shipped a Steel Caged Walk-Thru Fixed Access Ladder system (very similar to the one pictured above) which started at the bottom of the sign and went nearly to the top. The sign was built with a series of work platforms. The series of ladders were positioned at different sides of each “platform”. These were all custom built. This allowed workers to maintain and repair the sign safely, entirely from the interior of the sign.
The final product… the sign still stands today. While we didn’t install the fixed ladders in the sign (the ladders were shipped to the sign company and they did) the collaborative efforts of our companies made for a very smooth (not to mention interesting) project!
Contact our team of experts for a wide range of OSHA and BOCA approved Steel Rolling Ladders of various designs and styles.
All of our Ladders are proudly manufactured in the United States!
Keeping pallet jacks from rolling during transport can be a challenge in delivery trucks and trailers. When a pallet jack moves freely inside a truck bed, it can damage freight, trailer walls, and loading doors. Midwest Material Handling supplies a wide range of industrial material handling equipment in Ohio, including solutions that help secure pallet jacks during delivery and transport.
How the Pallet Truck Stop Works
The pallet truck stop acts as a wheel cradle that captures the rear load wheels of a pallet jack. Once the wheels are positioned in the molded rubber pocket, the jack remains stationary while the vehicle is moving.
The heavy rubber construction provides excellent grip and durability, allowing the stop to stay in place even during frequent loading and unloading. Because the unit is portable, it can easily be repositioned inside a truck bed or trailer depending on the layout of the load.
Benefits of Using a Pallet Jack Truck Stop
Using a pallet jack stop inside a delivery truck or trailer offers several advantages:
Prevents pallet jacks from rolling during transport
Helps protect freight and packaged goods
Reduces the risk of damage to trailer walls and loading doors
Provides a simple, low-cost safety solution for delivery vehicles
Requires no installation or permanent mounting
This type of pallet jack wheel stop is commonly used by delivery drivers, warehouse teams, and logistics operations that transport pallet jacks with their shipments.
Pallet Truck Stop Specifications
Manufacturer: Vestil Construction: Heavy-duty molded rubber Design: Wheel cradle for pallet jack load wheels Use: Secures pallet jacks in truck beds and delivery trailers during transport
Industrial Material Handling Equipment in Ohio
Midwest Material Handling supplies a wide range of industrial material handling equipment used in warehouses, distribution centers, and delivery operations. In addition to pallet jack accessories, we provide solutions for moving, storing, and handling materials safely and efficiently.
Columbus, Ohio– We sell a full range of steel rolling ladders for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and industrial applications. Our most popular option is the 4-step steel rolling ladder, with the 10-step steel rolling ladder close behind for customers needing access to higher shelving and storage areas.
10-Step Steel Rolling Ladder for Multi-Level Shelving
A customer based in Columbus was looking for a mobile steel ladder that could safely reach multiple shelf levels while improving employee safety. Their must-haves included a larger top platform, wider step treads, and added safety features to reduce the risk of slips or unauthorized use.
They also requested a safety chain to prevent use while the ladder was stored, along with a self-locking bottom step (Saf-T-Lock) for stability during operation. To dial in the right solution, we partnered with Tri-Arc Manufacturing to build a ladder that met all of their requirements.
The ladder was initially provided as a trial unit. After several weeks of daily use, the customer was confident in the design and performance and placed an order for 26 steel rolling ladders, which were shipped to multiple locations across the United States.
Steel Rolling Ladder Options and Features
Our steel rolling industrial ladders are available with two different step styles to match your environment:
Grip Strut (expanded metal) steps offer maximum slip resistance and feature a self-cleaning, open design that works well in wet, oily, or slippery conditions.
Perforated (Perf Tread) steps provide a high-strength, slip-resistant option that’s also more economical for general warehouse use.
Ladders can be configured with spring-loaded casters that retract under the user’s weight or the Saf-T-Lock foot-pedal locking system for fast, secure positioning.
All of the steel rolling ladders we sell meet OSHA safety requirements and are built for long-term industrial use.
Freight and Shipping for Steel Rolling Ladders
One of the biggest challenges with steel rolling ladders is shipping. While a ladder may weigh as little as 125 lbs, even when shipped knocked down (KD) it takes up considerable space in a freight trailer. Because of this, ladders often ship at freight class 200–300.
To keep shipping costs competitive, we work closely with our 3PL freight partners to secure the lowest possible rates while maintaining fast and reliable delivery times nationwide.
All of the Steel Rolling Ladders we sell are proudly manufactured in the United States!
Plain City, Ohio-We often get calls from building, construction and renovation contractors doing demolition on interior structures and need an efficient and safe method to remove the debris. Most times from upper levels of multiple story buildings. Certain considerations have to be remembered, like door widths/heights as well as elevator openings. The total weight of the truck is also a factor when moving material up and down an elevator. The perfect piece of equipment for such a job is a Trash Hopper-CHIP and WASTE TRUCK.
These units are designed for confined areas and tight turns with less effort to dump. Manual tip to empty contents. Many Customers combine this Chip and Waste Truck (Trash Hopper) to get the debris out of the building and then dump into a larger Forklift Hopper for efficient off premises removal.
These Trucks come in three different styles:
5/8 cubic yard capacity with 1,500 lbs. weight capacity, 68″L x 24.5″W x 40″H, 1,500 lbs. capacity (truck weighs 200 lbs.)
3/4 cubic yard capacity with 2,000 lbs. weight capacity, 68″L x 30.5″W x 40″H (truck weighs 245 lbs.)
1.0 cubic yard capacity with 2,000 lbs. weight capacity, 68″L x 3.5″W x 40″H (truck weighs 265 lbs.)
These Chip & Waste Trucks all include 10″ x 2.5″ welded on rigid casters (load wheels) and 8″ x 2″ mold-on rubber swivel casters. All models are leak-proof and are constructed of 14-gauge steel for durability.
These versatile trucks are also great in housekeeping applications!
Two other related products to improve removal of debris is the Manual Tilt Truck. This Truck is great for manual handling of light weight, in plant refuse such as cardboard, paper, wood, pallets and trash. It is not watertight though. Also, the Lo-Profile Manual Tilt Truck with an overall height to the top of the push handle at 30″, while the bucket measures 24″ from the floor to the top edge. These Trucks are manufactured by Jesco Industries and Vestil Manufacturing and ship in a matter of days, not weeks like the competition.
Like all of our products, these Trucks are proudly manufactured in the USA!
So many customers spend too much time thinking about Pallet Rack Upright height, depth and Beam lengths. They often overlook Pallet Rack Beam capacity. For many, this is not an issue (as what they will be storing is relatively light) but for certain customers in certain industries it is a major factor that needs to be considered when sourcing Pallet Rack Beams.
Just as Pallet Rack Beams come in different lengths, each Beam length also comes in multiple capacities. The Pallet Rack Beam capacity, is generally calculated as a combination of the Beam length and the Beam height. For example, an Interlake 96″ long Teardrop style Beam that is 2.75″ high has roughly a 2,440 lbs. capacity. The same 96″ long Beam length in a 4.0″H face has a 5,370 lbs. capacity. Quite a difference! It is also important to remember that Beam ratings are calculated as an evenly distributed load.
A mistake we often see is a customer who purchases Beams on cost alone with no regard for related capacities. There are a couple of industries that immediately come to mind who have uniquely heavily concentrated loads… roofing, tile and feed & grain industries.
Case Study
We recently had the owner of a large feed & grain business in Lancaster, Ohio contact us about some Pallet Rack for one of their retail operations. We expressed our concern for the capacity of the Beams being purchased (due to weight of skids being stored) but in the end they purchased our least expensive 96″L Beam at 4,100 lbs. capacity per pair. Prior to pick-up, we once again mentioned that we did not think that this Beam would be adequate for the application, but they insisted it would.
A week or so after installation, we received a call (and subsequent photo above) with their concern for the way the Beams were deflecting with two, fully loaded skids on them. Note the excessive deflection (or bowing as it is commonly referred as) in the middle pair of Beams. We asked the customer to perform a simple deflection test.
We asked them to run a string from one side of Upright to the other and measure the “deflection gap” at the very center.
So what is an acceptable level of deflection on a pair of Beams?
It is important to note that some deflection is permissible, but not much. The maximum amount of deflection that is allowed in pallet rack beams is governed by the RMI-Rack Manufacturers Institute as well as ANSI Standards. The RMI deflection limit for a normal pair of Pallet Rack Beams is L/180 or the span divided by 180. A 96” Beam will have a deflection limit of 96/180 = 0.533”.
In more simple terms… Divide the length of the beam (from the inside of the columns) by 180. If the 96″ Beam length is divided by 180 for a result of .533, or about a ½ inch. If the deflection gap is equal to or greater than ½ inch, the beam is considered overloaded and unsafe.
Once they performed this simple test they realized that the Beams that they purchased were considerably under capacity for the loads they were storing.
What was interesting was they went from the lightest Beam we stocked at the time to the heaviest (8,560 lbs. cap. per pair). Unfortunately, we were unable to take back the overloaded Beams they never returned to their original shape.
Many warehouse managers eventually run into the question of Interlake “old style” versus “new style” pallet rack systems, especially when expanding existing storage or replacing damaged components. Interlake has been one of the most widely used warehouse pallet racking systems in North America for decades, but the company made several design changes over the years that created differences in how uprights and beams connect. Those changes can make compatibility confusing when working with older rack installations.
A bit about the original design… The original “OLD STYLE” pin design of standard Teardrop style Beams has remained unchanged for decades. The pins were roundish (if not completely round) in shape and were positioned into the larger opening of the inverted teardrop holes on the Uprights. They were then simply pushed down and locked into the smaller portion of the teardrop hole. This simple design, quick installation and safe operation is what has made Teardrop style Racking so widely popular.
“NEW” Style Beam
INTERLAKE NEW STYLE RACKING
In the late 1990’s, Interlake Mecalux Pallet Rack Systems introduced a new design they termed “NEW STYLE INTERLAKE”. This new design is not considered Teardrop Racking, instead an Interlake proprietary design. What Interlake did was reinvent the locking pins on the Beams to look less rounded and more like an upside down hook. While these hooks might appear to lack the strength of the traditional rounded design, they carry equal strength. These NEW STYLE components were no longer compatible with existing older Teardrop components. As a result, new (“New Style”) Interlake Beams and Uprights would need to be purchased when adding onto existing or replacing.
Now for the confusing part… NEW STYLE Beams were interchangeable with OLD STYLE Teardrop Uprights but OLD STYLE Beams were not interchangeable with NEW STYLE Uprights.
“OLD” Style Shaved Pin Beam
SHAVED PIN BEAM
Fortunately, what Interlake competitors came up with was what is called a “Shaved Pin Beam”. These Beams are compatible with either new or old style Uprights, eliminating all confusion between the two styles. What they did was simply “shave” the rounded connector pin to allow for universal placement into the NEW STYLE Uprights.
This “Interake new style” of Pallet Rack is no longer being manufactured but a substantial amount of it exists today, primarily on the used market.
If you are not sure what type of Pallet Rack Beam you have, we have created a handy PALLET RACK IDENTIFICATION GUIDE. It is designed to help you identify what brand and style of Racking you have. Most historical styles are listed.
Contact the Pallet Rack professionals at Midwest Material Handling, LLC with any questions or for both new and used Racking options!
