Seasonal Installation / Removal

Hydraulic Fork Barges ensure timely and efficient installation & removal of existing pier or lift systems.  Our barges allow quick, precise placement—even on rocky or uneven bottoms.  Dvorak Dock & Lift’s professional crews install and remove your dock and lift systems safely and securely.  Here are some other benefits:

  • Avoid shoreline damage & destruction
  • Leveling height adjustments keep your docks and lifts safe and sturdy
  • Save time and avoid hassle with expert handling.
  • Reclaim your time on the water!

Fall Docks Guidelines: What you need to know…

  1. Our crews try to keep the dock as close to shore as possible, while also keeping in mind, to not let ice damage them.
  2. If there are removable panels with your dock, they will be stacked on the ground flat.
  3. Unless otherwise specified or negotiated, dock legs typically will stay in the dock frame. Some docks can be stacked to save space, but extra fees may apply.
  4. Accessories (Benches, Chairs, Tables, Stairs, etc.) that need to be removed will be taken off. Conversely, if accessories do not need to be taken off will not be taken off unless specified or negotiated.
  5. Remove Caps/Cover Plates/Ropes or anything else that should be stored

Fall Lifts Guidelines: How to prepare…

  1. Remove canvas from canopy frame
  2. Remove boat/pontoon
  3. Raise lift carriage all the way up (extras charges may apply if your carriage is not up)
  4. Remove Batteries or AC Plug (for DC or AC motorized lifts only) (extra charges may apply)
  5. Make sure trees and/or other objects are trimmed or out of the way

Spring Docks & Lifts Guidelines

  1. Be Ready Immediately
    • We always schedule our work by the lake or by the area. If we spend the day on a lake/area, we intend to potentially show up to every customer on our list at that lake/area.
    • Example: If we are contracted to install just the boat lift at your property, have your dock in immediately for proper placement.
    • If we are unable to complete your installation because you were not ready, your installation may be delayed days (even weeks) depending on the lake and area.
  2. Fluctuating Water Table
    1. Melting snow and spring run-off can affect water levels on certain bodies of water. We wait until lakes are at or close to normal water levels to begin work on certain bodies of water.
    2. Many instances the lake water level is not the same as the previous season or the landscape/lake bottom has become different. These events change things. You may have to purchase different legs if needed. Extreme differences may incur extra charges.
    3. Every boat/pontoon needs sufficient water depth to ensure that it will float over lift bunks to be raised properly. If water levels become too low, the lift may need to be placed into deeper water. It may be recommended that you purchase more dock. If water levels are too deep, it may be recommended that you purchase extension legs or move lift into shallower water. It may also be recommended to shorten some dock systems.
  3. Mud/Muck/Other Soft Bottoms
    • If your lake bottom is soft/mucky/muddy, then expect your dock/lift to settle in. Our crews always use a box level to get the dock level as possible. Our crew also extend/retract lift legs as needed to make the lift level front-to-back and side-to-side. There is no guarantee it will stay level, especially if your lake bottom has soft spots. If this is problematic, we recommend that you purchase a muck-blaster online or one of our *MuckMats which will help with this issue.
  4. Ice & Snow
    • Sometimes shorelines can change due to ice, this may change how the first piece sits on shore. If your shoreline changes to the point where it is problematic for the dock in the water, plan on fixing/landscaping as needed.
    • All warranties on docks/lifts do not cover any form of ice damage.
  5. Scheduling
    • Unfortunately, we do not typically make appointments for this service. We also do not know exactly what day/time we will be at your property. Our schedule changes by the day, as we have many variables to consider including but not limited to: Snow, Storms, Heavy Rain, High Winds, Wind Direction, Cold Temperatures, Short Staff, Sick Staff, Boat/Truck/Trailer repairs, etc.
    • Please, only call/email in the spring if you want to confirm that you are indeed on our schedule. We want you to be informed but high call volumes can sometimes be overwhelming for our office staff.
  6. Spring Cleanup
    • Cleanup any fallen trees & tree branches
    • Prepare or Repair shorelines as needed from ice damage