Wheel Guide Damage: Why It Happens And How To Avoid It

If you’re running a loading bay, ensuring safe loading and unloading should be a top priority.

And there’s one piece of loading bay equipment that can help: wheel guides.

These critical components help protect the loading bay by assisting vehicles to correctly align as they reverse into position.

But wheel guides are not immune to damage themselves, and when they are compromised, it can lead to vehicle tyre damage and create safety hazards for employees.

Here’s what you need to know about wheel guide damage – and how to prevent it:

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF WHEEL GUIDE DAMAGE?

Damaged wheel guides, especially those that are bent, cut open, or have sharp edges, pose a direct threat to the integrity of trailer tyres.

As trailers manoeuvre into loading bays, tyres can come into contact with these damaged guides, which can result in:

- Cuts and tears in tyres - sharp edges from damaged wheel guides can slice into the tyres, causing cuts or punctures. Even minor damage can weaken the tyre structure, leading to potential blowouts or premature tyre replacement.

- Increased maintenance costs - frequent tyre damage due to compromised wheel guides leads to higher maintenance costs. Replacing or repairing tyres adds to operational expenses and causes trailer downtime, reducing overall efficiency.

On top of that, trailers repeatedly hitting damaged wheel guides can worsen the condition of the guides, making them less effective over time and requiring more frequent repairs or replacements.

But damage to tyres isn’t the only concern:

Damaged wheel guides also pose a significant risk to anyone working in the loading bay area.

Employees should avoid being in the yard or near trailers during repositioning, but there are instances where they may need to enter these areas.

In such cases, sharp metal edges from damaged guides can cause serious injuries, such as cuts or lacerations. Rusty wheel guides add another layer of danger, as injuries caused by them could lead to infections.

HOW TO AVOID WHEEL GUIDE DAMAGE?

As we’ve discussed, wheel guide damage can have a significant impact on loading bay operations.

Preventing this damage requires a two-pronged approach:

TRAILER SHUNTING

Shunt trucks are the go-to solution for repositioning trailers within a yard, between loading bays, or to and from parking areas after a lorry has dropped off the trailer.

These trucks are designed to move trailers efficiently in tight spaces and are vital for managing busy loading docks.

But they can cause problems if not operated correctly.

Typically, this is when shunt operators ‘tip’ the trailer instead of raising it off its support legs.

While this practice can speed up the process, it can cause a major issue:

The under-run bar (a safety feature designed to prevent cars from sliding underneath the trailer in a collision) drops closer to the ground, potentially hitting the wheel guides and causing significant damage.

So what is the correct process for moving a trailer?

Generally, it will follow these steps:

1. Connecting the trailer – the shunter connects to the trailer using the fifth wheel, which locks onto the trailer's kingpin, providing a secure connection.

2. Raising the trailer legs - after connecting the trailer, the operator should exit the shunt truck to manually wind up the trailer’s landing legs. This step ensures that the trailer is fully supported by the shunter and its rear wheels before it is moved.

3. Repositioning the trailer - with the legs wound up, the shunter can then safely reposition the trailer to the desired location, whether it’s a different loading bay or a parking spot.

While following the proper procedure may take a little more time, it’s essential for preserving the integrity of wheel guides.

Investing in training for shunter operators can help ensure these steps are consistently followed.

MAINTENANCE & INSPECTIONS

Loading bays are high-traffic areas, so some wear and tear on wheel guides is inevitable.

That’s why regular maintenance checks are crucial.

Implementing a routine maintenance schedule for wheel guides can catch early signs of damage and prevent them from escalating.

So what should a maintenance plan include?

Regular inspections should focus on:

1. Identifying rust and corrosion - spotting and treating rust early can prevent it from spreading and weakening the structure of the wheel guides.

2. Checking for physical damage - look for signs of bending, cuts, or other physical damage that could endanger trailers and tyres.

3. Timely repairs - addressing minor damage quickly can prevent it from developing into more severe problems, reducing the need for costly replacements and minimising downtime.

Given the importance of operational efficiency and safety in loading bays, partnering with a loading bay maintenance specialist will ensure expert inspections and timely repairs.

This can help prevent costly repairs, maintain regulatory compliance, and extend the lifespan of wheel guides.

Specialists can also assess equipment and advise whether repairs or replacements are needed.

AVOIDING THE COSTS OF WHEEL GUIDE DAMAGE

The costs of damage to wheel guides can be considerable. But with proper training for shunt truck operators and the support of a maintenance specialist, you can significantly reduce or even avoid these costs.

So if you’re looking to safeguard your loading bay equipment, contact one of our specialists – or visit our service and maintenance page for more information.

 

Contact Stertil Stokvis on 0870 770 0471, option 2, option 4, or email helpdesk@stertil.co.uk.