Overview
H-model designations can be used with powered devices like powered pallet trucks, counterbalanced stackers, and forklift trucks. This is the defining difference between the H-Series and the medium-duty M-Series. Where the M-Series is designed for hand carts and non-powered equipment, the H-Series is built to support forklifts and powered material handling devices operating at full load.
With nearly 5 feet of travel range, these lifts can accommodate many types of trucks — from vans and pickups to tractor trailers and container trucks. Loads on dock lifts are always kept level, making transport safer and easier than traveling up or down the inclines created by dock levelers or ramps. Designed to be serviced with any type of load transport device including power-driven forklifts, H-Series lifts can be pit-mounted or pad-mounted to suit specific installation requirements.
Features & Benefits
The H-Series is engineered for high-demand industrial dock operations where powered equipment, heavy loads, and consistent throughput are the norm. All Southworth dock lifts are manufactured with structurally reinforced heavy steel plate platforms to minimize deflection. Wide-base design provides increased rigidity and stability. The built-in hydraulic overload relief system adds an essential layer of protection — when a load exceeds the rated capacity, the system activates to prevent damage to the structure and protect workers on or near the platform.
The mechanical platform delivers commercial-grade traction and safety at every height. Standard mechanical features include a bevel toe guard platform, diamond tread deck for improved traction, a diamond tread hinged throw-over plate with lifting chain, and removable steel handrails with mid-rail, 4" side-kick plate, and safety chain. A maintenance strut supports the lift during servicing.
The hydraulic and electrical systems are built for reliability under continuous use. Standard electrical and hydraulic features include a pre-wired power unit and control panel, a weatherproof NEMA 4 push-button control pendant with 20-foot coil cord, oversized low-pressure hydraulic cylinders, heavy-duty hoses with burst strength four times greater than operating pressure, a flow control valve with adjustable lowering time, and excess flow protection for controlled descent. Standard voltages are 208/230/460V, 3-phase. All H-Series lifts are powered by a 5 HP motor and conform to ANSI MH29.1 Standards.
- Approach ramp
- Pop-up wheel chocks
- Weather proof power unit cover
- Audible signal
- Flashing Light
- NEMA 1 control panel
- NEMA 4 up/down handheld pushbutton control
- NEMA 1 pushbutton station
- Bellows Skirting
Contact us for more information on accessories!
Southworth Dock Lifts can be used on any level concrete surface.
The two basic mounting configurations are:
On top of Grade - Dock lifts mounted on concrete pads. An optional ramp is available if grade level access is required.
Flush With Grade - Dock Lifts are recessed in concrete pits and sit flush with grade level when they are in the full down position.
Southworth Dock Lifts can be positioned with either the narrow or wide platform dimension adjacent to the loading area. The following chart shows the different load transfer configurations that are possible.
DOCK TRANSFER CONFIGURATIONS
Note: Load transfer configurations must be specified in advance in order to provide the appropriate safety railings (eg. Two long, Two short or One Long/One Short).
Applications
The H-Series is the right choice when powered equipment — forklifts, powered pallet trucks, or counterbalanced stackers — will drive onto the platform, or when load weights exceed the medium-duty M-Series range. It performs reliably across:
- Manufacturing and industrial facilities operating forklifts at dock openings where the dock height does not match incoming vehicle bed heights
- Heavy distribution operations handling full pallets of dense product — machinery, raw materials, heavy consumer goods — where 10,000-20,000 lb capacity is required
- Facilities receiving tractor trailers, container trucks, and flatbeds with varying bed heights — the nearly 5-foot travel range accommodates many types of trucks at a single dock position
- Automotive and vehicle service operations — the broad platform and high roll-over capacity support full vehicle loads on the DL20-59H
- Pit-mounted installations where the lift lowers flush to grade for ground-level access, including facilities without a traditional raised dock
- Pad-mounted installations on existing concrete with an optional grade-level access ramp, eliminating the need for pit excavation
- New construction where the dock design can accommodate a recessed pit from the start — Southworth provides pit plans upon receipt of order and includes installation and service manuals with dock lift shipment
Selection Assistance
Choose your H-Series model based on the maximum load you need to move and how much platform space your largest vehicle requires. All four models provide 59 inches of vertical travel on a standard 6′ x 10′ platform, upgradeable to 8′ x 12′. Need a lighter-duty lift for non-powered equipment? The Dura-Dock M-Series handles 5,000–8,000 lbs for operations using hand carts, two-wheel dollies, and hand pallet trucks. Models featuring an "M" designation are built for use with two-wheel dollies, hand carts, and hand pallet trucks. Barron Equipment has been installing and servicing dock lifts across Iowa and the Midwest for over 43 years. Our team will help you size the right model, survey your dock, and manage the full installation. Contact Barron to request a quote or schedule a site assessment.