Overview
The PowerHook® is a non-impact, self-aligning, hydraulic vehicle restraint. The unit stores in the dock pit. It helps prevent unexpected trailer departure during the loading and unloading process.The hook stays recessed and protected behind the pit wall until it is activated. This makes it easy to maintain the dock exterior. Because it stores in the pit, the restraint is completely out of the way. That is a major advantage when clearing snow or debris from the drive approach.
When engaged, it actively goes to work. Once a trailer is backed into position against the dock bumpers, the operator presses "Engage." The PowerHook extends out and up to seek the trailer's Rear Impact Guard (RIG). It then applies continuous pressure to the RIG to hold the trailer securely to the dock. After loading is complete, the operator presses "Release." The hook lowers and retracts to its stored position in the dock pit, releasing the trailer. The PowerHook has been proven to operate efficiently. Its durability and reliability are unmatched in the industry. It is designed, engineered, and manufactured in the U.S.A. Barron Equipment has been installing and servicing Poweramp loading dock systems for over 43 years.
Features & Benefits
All Poweramp® PowerHook® vehicle restraints are designed to secure a cargo trailer's Rear Impact Guard (RIG). This reduces the likelihood of premature trailer separation during loading and unloading. The PowerHook features a completely hydraulic restraint mechanism. It also includes an iDock control panel, exterior communication lights, and instructional signs. The PowerHook seeks, finds, and secures a trailer's RIG. It maintains constant contact on the RIG throughout the loading and unloading operation. It operates on both the horizontal (x) and vertical (y) axis. This prevents any gap between the restraint and the trailer's RIG. The result is no trailer creep and no loss of leveler lip purchase. The restraint is anchored in the loading dock pit for maximum holding strength. It is designed to withstand a pulling force in excess of 35,000 lbs.
The PowerHook has the widest service range in the industry — 0" to 15" horizontally from the building and 7" to 34" vertically off the drive. The PowerHook uses advanced iDock Controls with an LED 3-color light communication system. As a truck approaches, the exterior light is green and the interior light is red. Once the trailer is in position and the PowerHook is activated, the exterior light turns red. The interior light turns amber while the restraint is in motion, then green once the trailer is secured. This tells the dock attendant it is safe to enter the trailer. When the trailer is released and the restraint is stored, the interior light turns back to red and the exterior light turns green. If a truck tries to pull away while the restraint is engaged, the red exterior light flashes rapidly as a warning.
Applications
The PowerHook is the industry's most capable vehicle restraint for all trailer types. It has a horizontal hooking range of 0–10" and a vertical range of 12"–30". It also stores behind the dock wall, which makes snow removal simple during harsh winters. It is the best choice for high-volume facilities that need maximum holding strength, the widest service range available, and a restraint that stays out of the way when it's not in use.
The PowerHook is well suited for:
- Facilities that need a clean dock exterior — the restraint stores behind the pit wall. It stays completely out of the way when not in use, making snow removal and cleaning fast and easy
- Docks that cannot tolerate trailer creep — the hydraulic restraint seeks and maintains a tight hold on the RIG throughout the entire loading cycle. It operates both vertically and horizontally to eliminate any gap between the hook and the RIG
- Docks that require leveler interlock — as an optional safety feature, the dock leveler and vehicle restraint can be interlocked. This prevents the dock leveler from operating until the hook has engaged the RIG
- Large facilities with six or more dock levelers — the CentraPower® system connects multiple levelers to one hydraulic pump station. This reduces electrical runs, disconnects, and control wiring. It lowers initial costs and simplifies long-term maintenance
- Multi-tenant warehouses and distribution centers — the PowerHook is easy and safe for anyone to use. It works well for facilities that serve different tenants with different needs, and it holds up well in harsh weather
- New construction and retrofit docks — three models are available. The KS4 is a box-type unit for vertical leveler installations — fully assembled and ready to pour in place. The KS5 is a pan-type retrofit for existing dock levelers — it ships with all concrete anchors included. The KS6 is a free-standing frame type that integrates with a full-height leveler stand — just weld it into position and run power to it
Selection Assistance
The PowerHook is Poweramp's top-of-the-line dock restraint. It is the right choice when you need the highest holding force, the widest service range, zero trailer creep, and a restraint that stores out of the way when not in use. It performs well on high-volume docks and in cold-weather climates. Contact Barron Equipment's team to review your dock layout and trailer mix, or request a quote to get started.