Hydraulic Vehicle Restraint | Recessed Loading Dock Trailer Restraint

StrongArm TL85

Hydraulic Truck Restraint for Safer, More Secure Loading Docks

The Blue Giant StrongArm® TL85 is a hydraulic vehicle restraint designed to help keep trailers securely positioned at the loading dock during loading and unloading. Built for busy facilities, distribution centers, warehouses, and high-volume dock operations, the TL85 uses a high-visibility, barrier-style restraint arm to engage the trailer’s rear impact guard and reduce the risk of unexpected trailer movement.

With powerful hydraulic operation, non-impact engagement, and advanced communication controls, the StrongArm® TL85 helps protect dock workers, forklift operators, trailers, cargo, and loading dock equipment.

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Built for Safer Loading and Unloading

Unexpected trailer movement is one of the biggest safety concerns at the loading dock. Trailer creep, early departure, and improper positioning can create serious hazards for workers and equipment. The StrongArm® TL85 hydraulic dock restraint helps reduce those risks by securing the trailer’s ICC bar / rear impact guard before loading begins.

This loading dock vehicle restraint provides a strong, reliable hold while giving both drivers and dock personnel clear visual communication through interior and exterior LED lights.

Hydraulic Vehicle Restraint

Product Benefits, Features, Applications & Options

Explore the key advantages of a hydraulic vehicle restraint, including trailer securement, non-impact operation, dock communication, recommended applications, and available configuration options.

Key Benefits of a Hydraulic Vehicle Restraint

A hydraulic vehicle restraint helps secure trailers during loading and unloading, reducing the risk of trailer separation, trailer creep, and unexpected movement at the dock.

Helps Prevent Trailer Separation

The barrier-style restraint arm helps hold the trailer firmly in place during cargo handling, improving safety for dock personnel and forklift operators.

High-Visibility Restraint Arm

A visible arm engages the trailer’s rear impact guard, helping dock workers quickly confirm that the trailer is secured before loading begins.

Heavy-Duty Holding Force

Designed for demanding dock environments, this restraint provides strong holding performance for busy loading dock operations.

Supports Safer Dock Procedures

Interior and exterior communication lights help drivers and warehouse personnel understand when it is safe to load, unload, or depart.

Product Highlights

Built for tough loading dock conditions, this hydraulic restraint combines non-impact operation, secure engagement, smart controls, and flexible installation options.

Non-Impact Operation

Passive engagement helps secure the trailer’s rear impact guard while reducing wear on restraint components and lowering maintenance requirements.

Air-Ride Compatible

The restraint is designed to work with air-ride suspension systems and a variety of trailer configurations.

Wide ICC Bar Range

Services trailers with rear impact guards positioned approximately 12" to 26" above ground, with horizontal restraining range up to 12" beyond the dock face.

Obstacle Protection

If an obstacle prevents the restraint arm from properly parking, the arm is designed to dislodge it and return to position.

Dock Communication

Interior and exterior LED lights, audible alerts, and touch controls help notify dock attendants of safe or potentially unsafe conditions.

Recommended Applications

Hydraulic vehicle restraints are ideal for facilities that need reliable trailer securement, high productivity, and clear dock safety communication.

High-Volume Loading Docks

A strong fit for busy dock areas with frequent trailer traffic and fast-paced cargo handling requirements.

Mixed Trailer Fleets

Recommended for locations that service a variety of truck and trailer configurations, including trailers with varied rear impact guard positions.

Warehouses & Distribution Centers

Helps support safe, efficient loading and unloading in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and logistics facilities.

Safety-Focused Facilities

A smart choice for operations looking to reduce dock hazards related to trailer creep, early departure, or accidental separation.

Available Options

Choose from available configurations and accessories to match your loading dock layout, installation needs, and operating environment.

Power Pack Options

Available with remote wall-mounted or self-contained power pack configurations, depending on site conditions.

Mounting Flexibility

May be installed as a wall-mounted or ground-mounted vehicle restraint to suit the loading dock layout.

Extension Plates

Extension plates are available to help accommodate certain dock face conditions and installation requirements.

Zinc Finish Option

Zinc finish options are available for extension plates where added protection is desired.

Why Use a Hydraulic Vehicle Restraint Instead of Wheel Chocks?

Wheel chocks can be helpful, but they depend on manual placement, driver compliance, ground condition, wheel access, and consistent procedures. A fixed loading dock vehicle restraint is integrated into the loading process and provides a more controlled method of securing the trailer.

A hydraulic trailer restraint can help reduce risk from:

Trailer creep caused by forklift movement
Premature trailer departure
Trailer separation from the dock
Missing, misplaced, or poorly positioned wheel chocks
Wet, icy, muddy, or sloped dock approaches
Communication breakdowns between drivers and dock attendants
Air-ride trailer movement during loading and unloading
Varied rear impact guard positions across mixed trailer fleets

For facilities with demanding dock conditions or inconsistent trailer equipment, a recessed hydraulic vehicle restraint can provide a stronger, more reliable safety upgrade than wheel chocks alone.

Looking for Vehicle Restraints?

Compare Restraints with the DockStar Dual Barrier System

Before choosing a standard trailer restraint, take a closer look at the DockStar Dual Barrier Restraint System. It is designed for facilities that want a highly visible, physical safety barrier at the loading dock.

This system helps support safer dock operations by adding a clear barrier between the loading dock and the trailer area, helping teams reduce risk during loading, unloading, and dock staging.

Designed for loading dock safety and trailer access control
Creates a highly visible barrier at the dock opening
Ideal for warehouses, distribution centers, and busy shipping areas
Helps shoppers compare restraint systems beyond traditional hook-style options

View DockStar Vehicle Restraints Learn about the Dual Barrier System →

DockStar Dual Barrier Restraint System

A visible dock safety solution for facilities comparing vehicle restraint options.

Dock Safety Sequence

How a Hydraulic Vehicle Restraint Supports Dock Safety

A hydraulic vehicle restraint helps create a safer loading sequence by securing the trailer, maintaining engagement during movement, and communicating restraint status to dock teams and drivers.

Position

Trailer Backs Into Position

The trailer backs into the loading dock so the rear impact guard is positioned within the restraint’s operating range.

Activate

Operator Activates the Restraint

The dock attendant uses the control panel to activate the restraint before loading or unloading begins.

Engage

Hook Engages the Rear Impact Guard

The recessed barrier-style hook rises into position and secures the trailer’s rear impact guard.

Maintain

Restraint Maintains Engagement

The restraint helps maintain contact as the trailer shifts from forklift traffic, weight changes, or air-ride suspension movement.

Communicate

Communication Signals Confirm Status

Interior and exterior lights, along with audible alerts, help communicate whether the trailer is secured and whether loading may proceed.

Store

Restraint Stores Inside the Dock Face

After loading or unloading, the restraint releases and returns to its recessed storage position, helping keep the restraint protected from the dock approach and debris zone.

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