This guide will help you choose a forklift ramp for access to your dock, trailer or container.  It provides help in choosing the correct type, capacity, width and length as well as guidelines for assessing durability and safety.

Guidelines for specifying the correct type of ramp:

1) Determine Type of Ramp Needed:

a.       Mobile Ramp with wheels (for yard applications, moving from trailer to trailer/container or moving often)   

b.      Stationary Ramp: Ground to Dock semi-permanent applications

2) Determine Capacity Needs:  Total combined weight of forklift plus heaviest expected load. Capacities are generally 16 or 20 thousand pounds, although capacities up to 80,000 lbs can be accommodated.

3) Determine Width Requirement:

a.       Wider units of 84 inches are generally best for access to trailers (78” useable when accounting for curbs)

b.      Dock to ground applications typically need only 70 inches wide units (64” useable when accounting for curbs).

4)      Determine Length Requirement:

a.  Trailers with pallets loaded completely to the back require the level-off portion of the ramp to allow forks to get the tilt necessary to pick up the end loads – a 36 foot ramp is recommended (30 feet of straight ramp, plus a 6 foot level off).

b.   Dock to ground applications have no need for the level-off – 30 foot straight ramp recommended.

5)      Choose Options if Required:

a.       For moving ramp if/when needed, I.e. sling for stationery ramps, tow bar or ramp clamps for mobile model

                     

            Tow Bar                                               Ramp Clamp

b.      Recessed curbs to allow dock door to close over ramp lip

c.       Dock side chain brackets for permanent tie-in to dock

 

Safety features to look for:

1)      High curbs to prevent run-offs compared to tubing which can be easily knocked loose

2)      Safety chains to secure ramp to dock or trailer

3)      Balanced design for easy safe moving (for mobile units)

4)      Double girder support - Multiple Z cross members are welded to side girders;  self-cleaning steel grating welded to the Z members to form a one-piece unitized Yard ramp for superior, long-lasting, durable structural integrity.

5)      A serrated grating will provide excellent traction and the open design prevents buildup of water, snow, oil, grease and miscellaneous debris. An approach plate that allows fork lift wheels to turn without damage to the grating bar is critical to design.

Convenience features:

1) Double acting hydraulic pump

2) Standard 18” solid tires for easier movement over rough pavement or yard

 Optional Features:

1)      Recessed curbs

2)      Legs for stationary models for access to trailers and containers (always move the ramp to the trailer – do not back into ramp as it may damage the ramp and/or compromise the structural integrity.

3)      Dock side chain brackets permanently tie ramp to dock.

Search Links:

Ground to Dock Ramps

Mobile Steel Yard Ramps