What to consider when purchasing a loading ramp for plant and machinery

There are various factors you need to take into consideration when purchasing a Plant Ramp. 

Key Factors 

• Your load height (the height from the ground to where the ramp will rest)
• The maximum capacity you wish to load 
• Does the machine have rubber or steel tracks? 
• What connection type do you require? 
• Your wheelbase 
• Your track width 
• Ground clearance of the vehicle you are loading 
• Weight of the ramps 

Load Height 

This is the measurement from the ground to where the ramp will rest. The load height affects the length of ramp you require. For vehicle ramps, EU guidelines recommend a maximum gradient of 30% or 1:3.3. Some machinery does require a smoother gradient so we would recommend referring to your machines manual to check the maximum gradient it can operate at. All of our ramps are cut for a specific load height, when used at the incorrect load height they will not sit flush with the ground. We do not recommend loading above the maximum load height. The minimum load height is 100mm below the maximum load height. Please view our Loading Ramps/ Van Ramp Foot End blog for more information. 

Capacity 

It is essential to check the maximum capacity you wish to load. The machine will normally state net weight on it. When loading the operating weight is required. Please take into consideration the machine/vehicle you are loading, any weight the vehicle will be carrying, the driver and fluids used to operate the machine. 

Does the machine have rubber or steel tracks? 

Please view our ramps description to identify which ramps are suitable for your track requirements. The majority of our aluminium ramps are suitable for rubber tracks. For example our TRP70 range and TRP80 range are ideal for mini diggers, such as Bobcats. If you have steel tracks you will need to view our range of Industrial Ramps. For steel tracks we provide ramps with rubber coating or ramps will a milled surface, these are suitable for machines such as steel rollers and plant machines. 

What connection type do you require? 

We have 4 connection options available. The most common connection option is the rest on connection which is designed for flat-beds and tipper trucks. This simply rests onto the vehicle, there is a predrilled hole in the ramp to allow you to secure the ramp to the vehicle with a pin. 

Your wheelbase

The wheelbase is the measurement from the centre of the drive wheel to the centre of the other drive wheel on the same track. As the wheelbase decreases, the capacity of the ramp also decreases. On our website, when you view a product please click on the details tab to view the capacity wheelbase. 

Your track width

All of our vehicle and plant ramps have a minimum track/wheel width stated to ensure the weight is evenly spread across the ramps. The vehicles tracks must remain at the centre of the ramp.  As the capacity of the ramp increases, the minimum track width increases. 

Ground clearance of the vehicle you are loading 

For vehicles with low ground clearance, such as some cars and forklifts, a longer ramp is often required and the 30% gradient rule cannot be applied. We have various car ramps and forklift ramps available however you may require custom ramps depending on your load height. Please contact our team for advice on custom ramps. We will require details of the machine you wish to load and your load height to provide a suitable solution for you. 

Weight of the ramps 

We of course recommend you check the weight of the ramps you plan to purchase prior to ordering. It does depend on the ramp in question, and the person(s) abilities as to whether they will be light enough for you to use. Nylon straps can be provided on the ramps to assist with lifting. We generally recommend 4 straps per ramp, 8 straps per pair. 

Custom Options

We can customise your ramps to meet your requirements, please simply contact our team to discuss your needs. Customisations include; cut for specific load heights, nylon grab handles, connection options, edges on ramps, additional support bars.

All of our vehicle and plant ramps are TUV certified and produced in Europe. Our instruction manual for our vehicle and plant ramps can be viewed here.