Hi Pat, I have worked on dock levers for over 5 years before rigging out and going to the ROW. May I ask who's dock plates are installed there? DLM, Poweramp are better than most due to heavier steel used in construction. Rite-Hite, Kelley, Blue Giant, Serco, Maquire, Pioneer, etc. are in my opinion not built as well. You also need to know that if you are running 3 wheel fork trucks, most levelers won't hold up unless ordered to handle a 3 wheeled truck. I have not seen a hinge tube crack after welding from residual stress. I have had to reinforce hinges to stop cracking. I have been to Poweramp's factory and seen how they build them, and they are regular mild steel. But keep this in mind tool. I have seen levelers ordered with special hinges to withstand corrosion in freezers, salt warehouses, etc. so it is possible the are something different than mild steel. I would get the serial number and call the manufacturer so you know what you have. Good luck. Joe