How to Choose Quality Yard Ramps

Yard ramps are designed for loading and unloading operations with powered material handling equipment such as a forklift. The major benefit of a yard ramp is that it can be used anywhere, not just inside the dock. This is a great solution for any business involved in the shipping industry. Dockers, movers, farmers, everyone who is in need of an outdoor truck loading application will find yard ramps the most cost-effective solution.

There are a number of things to consider when looking for a yard ramp. The choice of material is certainly the first and most important one. The best yard ramps are made of quality steel which is the strongest material you can get. Steel is the perfect option for heavy-duty applications while it can handle up to 30,000lbs. Standard capacities of all-steel yard ramps range from 16 to 30 thousand pounds. Since a yard ramp is primarily designed for outdoor use, durability is one of the key issues to consider. Steel is rust-resistant which will provide for long years of reliable, maintenance-free service. Steel grating is an essential feature to have since it will keep rain, ice and snow from impeding your work as well as will ensure better traction.
Assembly methods and requirements are the second most important feature of yard ramps. Your best choice here is to go for a yard ramp equipped with a hydraulic pump that will quickly adjust the ramp to the desired height ensuring ease of installation and use. Quick to set up these yard ramps will provide for considerable time savings. When it comes to moving your yard ramp a ramp positionner will make things way much easier. It will enable you to move the ramp with the help of a forklift in virtually no time and without much hassle.

When choosing a particular ramp your top priority factor should be weight capacity. You should avoid overloading the ramp since it may result in a potentially dangerous accident. To determine the needed capacity estimate the maximum weight the ramp will have to handle. Just take the weight of the heaviest forklift that will be used with the ramp and add the maximum weight of the load it will carry.

Size is another decisive factor. Make sure that the ramp is at least 15” wider than the maximum width of the loaded forklift it will be used with. Choose a ramp with sufficient working range. Also consider the environment you work in. Optional features can be added for specific conditions. For example yard ramps with tandem wheels are recommended for loose soil applications. If you can’t find a standard ramp that meets your requirements you can always order custom design yard ramps that will match all your specifications.

Find out more about Yard Ramps at Warehousing Equipment Direct.