Are you looking for flexible access to trailers or shipping containers? If trucks sit in your yard waiting for an open bay, a yard ramp can help you make loading and unloading much easier.
For more information, please visit our website.
But what do you need to know about portable loading ramps? Lets explore portable ramps and discover some of their key benefits.
When to Use a Yard RampYard ramps help shipping and receiving facilities make the most out of daily unloading and loading needs. But why choose a portable option over fixed?
Every warehouse layout is different. What works for one space may not be applicable to another. For this reason, you need to evaluate each piece of equipment you are using in your facility.
A fixed ramp option is not always best. In fact, in some environments, it can become a hindrance to daily operations.
Warehouses need to fit within specific lot sizes and meet building codes depending on local laws and regulations. Its not always the case that a permanent loading dock is permissible or preferred.
Understanding why youd want to choose one ramp option over another comes down to a few factors:
For example, a distribution center located in a crowded business park may only have the option of using portable yard ramps. Another warehouse may see trucks blocking every dock door and others waiting in the yard during the height of the busy season. In this case, a yard ramp can help unclog the unloading schedule by giving workers portable access to trailers.
If youre still struggling to imagine a useful application for a yard ramp in your facility, lets review some key benefits so you can make an informed buying decision.
5 Benefits of Yard RampsWhile portable loading ramps may not be the perfect choice for every facility, they can inject extra efficiency into your operations when used right.
From saving precious space at the loading dock to optimizing for flexible loading and unloading operations, you can leverage portable yard ramps for many different warehouse applications.
Below youll find five standout benefits of adding a portable loading ramp to your facility.
Space SavingOnly some facilities have the space for a permanent loading dock. Most yard ramps feature either steel or pneumatic wheels. When workers finish the job, the yard ramp can easily move out of the way until its needed again.
Compare that to stationery loading docks that require permanent construction. If you need to use the loading dock area for anything other than running lift equipment, like loading directly onto a truck, youre out of luck.
A yard ramp (pictured) easily turns an open loading bay into a secure ramp for forklifts and other lift equipment. Flexible Loading and Unloading When You Need ItIf your business relies on efficient and safe shipping operations, the last thing you need is a bottleneck in your loading dock logistics.
This can happen in many different ways:
If youre relying solely on a permanent loading dock, it could mean waiting longer to unload trucks which results in inefficiencies and lost profit. Yard ramps can give workers access to trucks in the yard without affecting daily warehouse operations.
Adjustable for Dynamic NeedsPart of what makes yard ramps so unique is the ability to adjust their height.
Portable loading ramps will either use a manual or hydraulic crank to raise or lower the ramp. This means operators can always set safe levels for forklift operation and allow for unrestricted line of sight.
This can also help if the portable loading dock needs to fit different loading bay areas or differing truck heights across your facility.
Plenty of Extra FeaturesWhile you can accomplish quite a bit with custom construction for fixed ramps, yard ramp manufacturers offer various customizable features. These can help with ease of use, durability and, most importantly, safety:
With yard ramps, you can source the right equipment for your specific needs. For instance, if youre constantly unloading palletized loads with a forklift, you need to buy a yard ramp with a level-off.
This will ensure your operators can safely load and unload palletized products.
Find the Right Yard Ramp for Your Facility
At East Coast Storage Equipment, we carry a wide selection of quality used equipment. Check out our inventory today.CONTACT US
Durable ConstructionWhile you might assume portable yard ramps are less durable than fixed loading docks, thats not necessarily the case.
Manufacturers build yard ramps to last.
With durable steel construction and other rugged features, you can expect to get years of reliable service from your purchasethat goes for high-quality pre-owned equipment too.
You will need to keep up a regular maintenance schedule to ensure all your yard ramps components are safe and usable. But, with the proper care, your portable ramp can last just as long as a permanent dock bolted into the ground.
What to Know Before You BuyBefore you start shopping around for portable loading ramps, you should understand a few key concepts.
First, you need to consider forklift size relative to ramp size. Most forklifts measure somewhere between 48 and 86 in width. Be sure your ramp has the proper width to accommodate your lift equipment.
Another major factor is weight capacity. To get a firm grasp of what kind of weight to expect, youll need to consider both forklift weight and the weight of the load. Your inventory needs may differ from another facility, so no single number will satisfy every facilitys weight demands.
Even so, a good guideline to follow is to triple the weight of your forklift. This can give you a general guess as to the correct ramp weight limit.
Lastly, consider ramp height.
Will you use your loading ramp just for trailers in the yard, or will you need it for the loading dock too? Yard ramps do adjust height, but be sure the range is enough to satisfy all your needs.
Where to Find Affordable Used Yard RampsYard ramps are an excellent choice for many different loading and unloading environments. They offer a portable alternative to fixed loading docks and can inject efficiency into any facilitys daily shipping operations.
Are you searching for a yard ramp for your warehouse? East Coast Storage Equipment can help.
Buy confidently by shopping with a trusted name in the warehouse equipment industry. Contact our team of equipment experts to get started.
Author: Ramp Champ | Published: January 5, | Updated: May 20,
Loading ramps. A simple way to move heavy things from the ground to a vehicle (without the need for Hercules' strength).
Weve all heard of them. Maybe youve even got a set in your shed. But have you ever considered the importance of matching your loading ramps to your needs?
Whether youre loading a motorcycle, heavy machinery, ATV or wheelchair, loading ramps come in all shapes, styles and sizes. And its our job at Ramp Champ to find your perfect match.
This guide will cover
Youre probably not surprised to learn that ramps arent a new thing.
In fact, its believed one of the earliest ramps dates back to Ancient Greece where it was used as a tool to drag ships and materials. Not only that, theres evidence that ramps were used to move materials for the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge. In other words, a really long time ago.
The Temple of Queen Hatshepsu of Egyptat Deir al-Bahri, Thebes, Egypt (worldhistory.org)
Three-masted LODORE in dock with crew and loading ramps, Washington State, between and (Washington University Libraries Digital Collections)
And over time, ramps have evolved to not only move objects but people.
Today, they come in all shapes, sizes and styles from alloy wheelchair ramps to folding motorcycle ramps to rubber kerb ramps.
But at the end of the day, they all share the same goal: to move things from A to B easily and safely.
Loading ramps, more specifically, refer to ramps that are used to move objects, materials or people from the ground to a vehicle or container.
But not all loading ramps are created equal. And for good reason, because the ramp you use for a wheelchair should be different to the ramp you use to load a 5-tonne excavator.
Fast Heavy Industry contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
So, lets take a look at the different types of loading ramps, as well as their features and what to consider before you hit buy.
Motorcycle ramps help you move your favourite toy from the ground to a trailer or ute so you can hit the open road in search of adventure. Because lets face it, nothing will put a dampener on a weekend away like a motorcycle load gone wrong.
But first, there are different styles and features to weigh up.
Our favourite (and most popular) styles are
theyre lightweight and available in a range of sizes
folding design allows for compact storage
Side-walk ramps
to walk your motorcycle up and load it solo
Motorcycle ramp features to look out for are
A lightweight and corrosion-free material (like aluminium)
Secure connection points (like a locking pin) for maximum safety
An anti-slip surface
To find the best ramp for your motorcycle, check out our buyers guide.
An ATV ramp helps you move your four-wheeler from the ground to a trailer or ute so you can head out to the bush for the weekend. Booyah!
But just like a motorcycle ramp, there are different styles and features to weigh up.
Our favourite (and most popular) styles include
Aluminium folding ATV ramps
a pair placed side by side
Aluminium curved 3 piece loading ramp
with two side ramps to walk your ATV up and down or load it solo
ATV and UTV ramp features to look out for include
A lightweight and corrosion-free material (like aluminium)
Secure connection points (like a locking pin or straps) for maximum safety
Clearly defined load ratings (that match your ATV)
Ramps for sale as a pair
An anti-slip surface
To find the best ramp for your ATV, check out our ATV buyers guide.
Whether youve got an excavator, skid-steer loader or bobcat, choosing the right heavy machinery loading ramp isnt something you wanna mess around with. You wanna do the job right to minimise any safety concerns.
See, loading heavy and durable machinery requires a tough ramp to get the job done (not just any old ramp off the shelf).
There are a few things to consider before you buy a loading ramp for your heavy machinery
Hint: remember to include the wet weight of your machine, adding on fluids like fuel and oil.
Steel track machines will need ramps specifically designed for steel tracks
(like our
Sureweld Steel Track
range).
This ones a biggy, because if your ramps are too short (steep) for your machine, you run the risk of sliding or rolling!
Like a locking plate and pin.
Looking for certifications like
ISO :
will tell you if theyre the real deal.
Popular heavy machinery ramps are
To find the best ramp for your heavy machinery, check out our Machinery Loading Ramp Buyers Guide or learn What Size Loading Ramp Do I Need?
Wheelchair ramps are an important part of everyday life for those with reduced mobility. And they come in many forms whether its a doorway ramp, vehicle ramp or permanent ramps outside public buildings.
More specifically, wheelchair loading ramps are used to move wheelchairs or mobility scooters into vehicles and vans. For many of us able-bodied people who dont think twice before we get into the car, its hard to imagine what this is like.
Our popular wheelchair loading ramps include
Heeve Lightweight Telescopic Ramp
can be used on low vans, vehicles and steps
Heeve Aluminium Folding Van Ramp
ideal length for vans, mini trucks and SUVs
Aluminium Permanent Wheelchair Van Ramp
designed to be mounted on the floor of a van
Wheelchair loading ramp features to look out for are
A lightweight material (if you plan on moving them often)
High-traction surface and side rails for added safety
A suitable weight capacity for your situation
A suitable length to ensure the slope isnt too steep (for occupied wheelchairs a slope of 10° is recommended, for unoccupied wheelchairs the slope can be up to 12 - 13°)
Secure connection points (like a locking pin) for maximum safety
To find the best wheelchair loading ramp, check out our Wheelchair Ramp Buyers Guide
At Ramp Champ, we have Australias largest range of ramps.
While a lot of stores will focus on a broad range of products, we focus solely on ramps. This means we do one thing and do it really well.
We have thousands of high-quality ramps in our store so you can easily find a loading ramp thats suited to your needs.
Heres how you can find the right loading ramp, whether its for a motorcycle, heavy machinery or something else entirely.
With Australias largest range of ramps, its best to start by browsing our website and filtering different options based on your situation, needs and preferences.
Once youve found a ramp youre interested in, record the height of your van, vehicle or trailer. This will ultimately determine the length you need to make it a safe gradient. Then, you can use our Ramp Calculator to make sure the ramp youre interested in is the right fit. As a general rule, a safe gradient is
Occupied wheelchairs: 10°
Unoccupied wheelchairs: 12 - 13°
Heavy machinery and motorcycles: 16 - 23°
Finally, weigh up what features are important to your situation. Do you want an added layer of safety? Choose a ramp with side rails. Do you want to move it around a lot? Choose a lightweight material. Do you need compact storage? Choose a bi-fold option.
At Ramp Champ, weve been helping our customers find the right loading ramp since . If you have any questions, give us a buzz on 913 047 or us at
The company is the world’s best Heavy Duty Loading Ramps supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.