Global Wheel-Lok™ – Vehicle Restraint System

Global Wheel-Lok™ by Rite-Hite is a vehicle restraint system designed to prevent unintended truck or trailer movement during loading and unloading operations. It helps reduce the risk of premature vehicle departure and trailer creep, contributing to improved safety for personnel and loading dock operations.

The system is suitable for a wide range of commercial vehicles and trailer configurations, including trailers equipped with tail lifts, lowered floors or low-mounted rear bumpers.

Global Wheel-Lok™ features automatic adjustment of the locking arm position according to tyre size, followed by secure locking through the control system. The solution also incorporates visual and audible signalling to support safe communication between drivers and loading dock personnel.

Main Advantages

• Improved loading dock safety – helps prevent premature vehicle departure and unintended trailer movement.
• Wide vehicle compatibility – suitable for various truck and trailer configurations.
• Automatic tyre adjustment – the locking arm adapts to different tyre sizes.
• Reliable vehicle restraint – robust construction withstands pulling forces of up to 142 kN.
• Accurate vehicle positioning – steel wheel guides help direct trailers correctly towards the loading dock.
• Clear visual signalling – internal and external LED traffic lights indicate the system status.
• Low maintenance requirements – easily accessible lubrication points and a limited number of moving components.
• Flexible integration – compatible with dock doors, dock levellers and other loading dock safety equipment.

Construction

Global Wheel-Lok™ is a surface-mounted vehicle restraint system designed to secure the rear tyre on the driver's side of the trailer. The system features a robust structure manufactured from structural and formed steel. Its components are galvanised or protected with corrosion-resistant coatings.

The standard configuration incorporates a 510 mm high locking arm that adapts to the position and size of the vehicle's tyre. For smaller vehicles or trailers with smaller tyre diameters, a reduced-height locking arm measuring 375 mm is also available.

The construction includes galvanised steel wheel guides that help ensure accurate vehicle positioning when approaching the loading dock. According to the supplied technical specifications, the system also incorporates a hydraulic cylinder operated by a 230 V hydraulic power unit.

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Operating Principle

1. Vehicle Arrival

As the vehicle approaches the loading dock, the trailer is guided between two steel wheel guides, helping to ensure correct positioning.

2. Automatic System Adjustment

The vehicle's tyre engages the trigger mechanism, which moves towards the building. This movement allows the system to adapt to the tyre diameter and position the locking arm for effective vehicle restraint.

3. Vehicle Locking

Once the trailer is fully positioned at the loading dock, the operator activates the locking function using the indoor control unit. The locking arm is secured, preventing unintended vehicle movement.

4. Starting Loading and Unloading Operations

Once the vehicle has been successfully restrained, the traffic light signals change:

• Internal traffic light – green: loading and unloading operations may begin.
• External traffic light – red: the driver must not move the vehicle.

5. Unlocking and Vehicle Departure

After loading or unloading is completed, the operator presses the unlock button. Once the locking mechanism has been released, the traffic light signals change to indicate that the driver may safely leave the loading dock.

Safety and Communication System

Global Wheel-Lok™ features a communication system with internal and external LED traffic lights, providing clear information about the vehicle restraint status. The system can also incorporate audible alarms and warning signs. It can be connected to the building's security system. In the event of unauthorised interference with the restraint device, a signal can be transmitted to the security system to initiate the configured response.

Global Wheel-Lok™ can also be integrated with industrial doors, dock levellers, safety barriers and other loading dock equipment.