Guidelines for Choosing the Right Yard Loading Ramp

Essential factors when selecting a yard ramp
Yard ramps, also called mobile container ramps, are portable metal structures used for loading and unloading trailers and shipping containers. Positioned at the back of trucks or containers, they allow forklifts to easily ascend and descend, streamlining the logistics process. These ramps are cost-effective options for companies that handle limited daily loads, offering a quick and safe solution for loading tasks with just one forklift operator.

Since investing in a yard ramp impacts your operational efficiency, understanding key features and considerations is crucial. Here are important aspects to keep in mind:

Which yard ramp best suits your business needs?

Yard ramps come with various features and options tailored to diverse requirements.

They are designed for easy repositioning at loading zones, trailers, or railcars.

Operators utilize a self-contained, double-acting hydraulic system to adjust the ramp into the optimal position.

This setup allows quick preparation for loading or unloading within minutes.

Features like rubber tires of 18 inches facilitate mobility and towing. Open steel gratings provide excellent forklift traction and help drain water, snow, or debris.

A beveled edge enables smooth transition for forklifts.

For rail or ground-level loading, select a 36-inch wide unit with leveling features.

A straight 30-inch ramp is ideal for dock-to-ground operations.

What is the effective usable width of a yard ramp?

The usable width refers to the actual width of the ramp available for forklifts and operators.

Typically, safety curbs are included on each side, slightly increasing the overall width.

Be aware that the total width may differ from the usable width, which is often narrower.

Are there customization options for yard ramps?

Customization is vital to ensure the ramp meets specific operational requirements.

For example, extended curbs might be needed for specialized forklifts or machinery with unique wheel heights.

If the ramp is used as a pedestrian access, options like handrails can be included.

How to determine if a yard ramp is domestically or internationally manufactured?

Some suppliers may not disclose the origin of their yard ramps.

Foreign-built ramps often feature independent guardrails or support structures.

Ramps made domestically typically utilize solid support side rails and integrated guard rails within the superstructure beams.

Advantages of using a yard ramp include:

When permanent loading docks are unavailable, yard ramps offer a fast and effective way to load and unload trailers with forklifts.

They serve as a reliable backup if regular dock systems face issues.

Additional flexibility is a key benefit, making operations adaptable.

Perfect for indoor or outdoor use, eliminating the need for costly permanent structures.

Excellent for temporary setups during peak seasons or on mobile sites.

Mobility features like ramp clamps and tow bars allow easy movement and re-positioning using forklifts.

The portable design is ideal for compact spaces or environments with changing operational needs.