Overview
When your loading dock demands push-button performance without adding to your building's electrical footprint, the Poweramp® CentrAir® (CA) Series delivers. This pit-style, compressed air powered dock leveler is built for facilities that already have plant air on hand — putting a proven, industrial-grade lifting system to work with little to no electrical draw at the unit itself.
The CentrAir Series dock leveler operates off existing plant air regulated at approximately 90 psi, or off a dedicated compressor. The activation of the CA Leveler is simple — the dock attendant either pushes and holds the raise button or pulls and holds the lanyard at the rear of the ramp. The unit will raise and the lip will extend. Releasing either the raise button or the lanyard will permit the leveler to float down to the bed of the truck.
Features and Benefits
The CentrAir's air bellows lifting system is its biggest strength. Both push-button and lanyard models use a 5 ft³ industrial automotive-grade bellows. Air exhausts through a cartridge valve in the pit after each cycle. Fewer moving parts means less maintenance. You get consistent, reliable performance day after day.
The CentrAir reduces your building's electrical footprint. That matters in facilities with tight panel capacity or energy goals. For hazardous locations, the lanyard control option requires no electricity at the unit at all — making it ideal for explosion-proof applications. The push-button option draws just 0.073 amps on a 115V circuit. Either way, your electrical load stays low.
Safety is built in throughout. Full-range safety yellow toe guards are standard. A multiple-position safety stop lets operators lock the deck at different heights. The Lockout/Tagout maintenance prop keeps the platform secured during service. A lip-supporting service strut holds the extended lip in place while technicians work. The CleanSweep frame design reduces debris in the pit — keeping the loading dock cleaner and easier to maintain. A regulator filter lubricator keeps clean air flowing to the bellows system, extending the life of the lifting technology.
The deck is built from 1/4" thick, high-strength A572 steel safety tread-plate. It handles up to 4" of canted truck beds. Structural gussets are added at higher capacity ratings for extra strength. The CentrAir is also backed by a strong warranty — 1 year on all parts including freight and labor, 4 years on the lifting system, and 9 years pro-rated on structural components.
The standard lip length is 16" on all capacities. Steel lip gussets are standard on 50,000 lb CIR models. Steel header gussets are standard on all models 35,000 lb CIR and above. Optional 18" and 20" lip lengths are available. Contact Barron Equipment for help selecting the right model and capacity for your specific dock configuration.
Applications
The CentrAir works well in a wide range of facilities. Its air-powered lifting system, low electrical draw, and heavy-duty build make it a practical fit wherever push-button dock performance is needed. It is a strong match for:
- Warehouses and distribution centers running high daily cycle counts that need a durable, low-maintenance loading dock leveler
- Facilities with existing compressed plant air where connecting to the air supply is simpler and less costly than running new electrical lines
- Hazardous and explosion-proof locations — including chemical, petroleum, and pharmaceutical facilities — where no electricity at the unit is required
- Buildings with limited electrical capacity such as older structures or leased spaces where adding power to each dock position is not practical
- Heavy manufacturing operations that need up to 50,000 lb CIR capacity and a platform built to handle canted truck beds
- Cold storage and food processing facilities where no hydraulic fluid eliminates contamination risk and the clean frame design supports a sanitary dock environment
Selection Assistance
Choosing the right leveler comes down to a few key factors. The CentrAir is the better fit when your facility has compressed plant air, limited electrical capacity, or a hazardous location classification. If you mainly need push-button activation and have standard power at every pit, the Poweramp AP Series may be a better match.
The CentrAir is available in six capacity levels from 25,000 to 50,000 lb CIR and nine standard sizes from 6' x 6' to 7' x 10'. Choose your capacity based on the combined weight of your heaviest forklift and load. Size up when in doubt.
Control options include electrical push-button, pneumatic push-button, and lanyard control. Choose lanyard or pneumatic for explosion-proof environments. Optional accessories include vehicle restraints, dock communication systems, extended lips, weather seals, and more.