Loading and unloading things from a truck can be a complicated task if you don’t have the proper equipment. With heavy-duty loading ramps, you can load heavy machinery and other types of equipment without an issue. You’ll just need to choose the right one, depending on the size of the load, the type of vehicle you have and the weight capacity. There are many ramp options on the market, you should take your time and carefully make the right choice.
What’s a Loading Ramp?
A loading ramp is a tool for loading and unloading cargo onto a transport vehicle. They stand inclined. Propped on the car/truck they’re used for. This simplifies the loading and unloading of the cargo. They are incredibly strong and capable of carrying heavy objects. Besides their standard usage for loading and unloading objects, they can also be used to move light to medium machinery.
They’re also used in warehouses because they make the job much safer, easier and more efficient. There’s a big variety of heavy-duty ramps on the market. They come in many sizes and designs so there’s something for every job you need to be done. They’re made of different materials, but the strongest ones are made from steel.
Types of Loading Ramps
Step Deck/Levellers
Step deck or leveller ramps are made of lightweight aluminium to make them easy to set up and remove when you need them. They’re used to load and unload wheel loaders, cars, trucks, heavy commercial equipment and tractors. The average weight they can handle is 1,800-10,500kg.
Car/Truck Ramps
If you need to load or unload cars and trucks, this is the right ramp for you. You can use them on Take 3 trailers, flatbed trailers and other high-capacity trailers. They can handle different-sized cars and trucks, but their weight capacity is between 900-5,500kg.
Equipment Ramps
These ramps have a weight capacity of 4,500-5,500kg. This makes them suitable for loading and unloading trucks, tractors, skid steers, Bobcats or other heavy equipment. Equipment ramps are made of military-grade aluminium. This makes them durable, lightweight and rust-resistant. Plus, they’re easy to put up and take down.
Forklift Ramps
These ramps are also known as yard ramps. They’re made so a forklift can move over them to get the load inside the truck trailer. They’re also used on platforms, docks and rail cars. They’re very sturdy and durable because they’re made of steel and can handle weights between 6,800-13,600kg. Many of them even have wheels for easy setup.
Wheel Risers
Wheel risers are used with maintenance and service vehicles such as semi-trucks and buses. Some of them are even used as display stands in competitions and auto shows because of their structure. Their weight capacity is wide and can range from 1,300kg up to 36,200kg.
Military Ramps
These ramp systems are designed to load huge military vehicles and equipment such as Hemmitt, Humvee, military HEV, MMPV or heavy armoured vehicles, and military trucks. They are capable of holding up to 10,600kg per axle. They’re made of lightweight aluminium which is very convenient when it comes to setup and takedown.
Custom Ramps
These heavy-duty ramps are built according to your needs and specifications. They can be made either from steel or aluminium and are very sturdy and strong. They can be built for different weight capacities and can go up to 45,500kg per load.
What to Consider When Buying?
The Load’s Height
This is the distance between the ground and the position of the ramp. The length of the ramp you need depends on the load height. There are different guidelines on what the maximum gradient should be. So, make sure you check the recommendations for specific machines so you can make the right choice. Be careful because if you don’t get the right ramp the load might fall and get damaged during loading or unloading. Never load above the recommended load height.
The Capacity
Checking the maximum capacity you want to load is key. Every machine has its own weight printed somewhere on it. But when you’re loading and unloading you need to consider the total weight that goes in and out. This includes the cardo the machine is carrying, the liquids inside it, the weight of the driver and other accessories.
Rubber or Steel Tracks
Always check if the ramp is compatible with the tracks of the vehicle you’re loading. Most heavy-duty loading ramps are suitable for rubber tracks. Especially those made from aluminium. Steel tracks will probably need rubber coating for smooth loading or a ramp with a milled surface.
The Wheelbase & Track Width
You get the width of the wheelbase by measuring from the centre of the drive wheel to the centre of the other wheel on the same track. If the wheelbase decreases so does the ramp’s capacity. If this is not noted on the specifications for the product, always ask the seller because it’s very important.
To guarantee that the weight is distributed equally throughout the ramps, a minimum track/wheel width is specified on all vehicle and plant ramps. The centre of the ramp must stay where the vehicle tracks are. The minimum track width grows as the ramp’s carrying capacity does.
Ramp’s Weight
Always check the ramp’s weight before making the purchase. You should make sure the ramp is lightweight enough for you to set it up and take it down. This depends on whether you’ll be doing this alone or with someone else. Some manufacturers provide straps for the ramps to make it easier for you to handle them.
Ramp Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance are crucial to prolong the life of your ramps. Just like you take care of your car, your ramps should get the same attention because any piece of equipment that is properly maintained operates at its peak and lasts the longest. You should thoroughly clean them at least once a week. During the loading and unloading process, a lot of debris falls inside the cracks and you should get rid of it.
You should also lubricate its adjustable legs. This will keep the ramps brand new and provide you with a smooth loading and unloading experience each time. Checking and maintaining the tire pressure is also important. When you’re constantly working with heavy loads, it can damage the tires, especially in the summer period. Fill the tires with air according to the recommendations and replace them if you see any damage or scratches.
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