Heavy Duty Loading Ramps for Steel Tracks (2500mm x 450mm x 34,000kg)

Ramp Capacity, Length & Load Height

This guide should help you gauge how long a ramp you require, so if you're in any doubt read the details below. If you still have questions after reading, feel free to give us a call. The crucial thing to know is your load height.

Load Height: this is the vertical measurement from the ground to where you rest the ramp onto.

Guide to the maximum load height is shown in the product description/table, please note the minimum Load Height will be 5% below the maximum height stated on the ramp, to calculate  use (maximum load height - 5% = minimum load height).

For vehicle ramps EU guidelines recommend that no ramps with a gradient greater than 30%  or 1:3.3 should be used. Essentially the load height x 3.3, gives you your ramp length. Furthermore no TUV Certified Ramp is designed to exceed this gradient. Going over this gradient is can cause accident, injury or death and may invalidate the warranty.

Please check the wheelbase measurement of the machine you are loading is suitable for the capacity the ramp can take based on the wheelbase measurement advised. To check your wheelbase, look at the vehicle from side view, the distance between the centre of front wheel and rear wheel (rim centre) is your wheelbase. For machines with an unbalanced weight distribution such as, scissors lifts, paving machinery, steel tracked machinery and machines with low ground clearance we would advise you contact us first, so we can check and advise on the most suitable solution.

For loading cars and other vehicles with either a) Low ground clearance b) Front and/or Rear overhang a gentler gradient is recommended (this will vary depending upon the vehicle). Please also note that most forklifts and pallet trucks are not built to be used on slopes. Please check the manual for the gradient information.

Further information can be seen in this blog article here

What information do I need to identify which plant ramp is right for me?

Before looking to purchase a plant ramp you will need the below information:

• Your load height (vertical height from the ground to where the ramp will rest)
• What you are loading and the maximum weight of the load
• Where you are loading onto, for example a trailer, transit van or beaver tail trailer to identify which connection option you need 
• Track width of your vehicle

For items with low clearance we may also ask you to provide the technical data sheet of the item so we can check the ramps would be suitable.

How long should the loading ramp be?

For health & safety reasons, we recommend our plant ramps are not used with a gradient greater than 30% (16.5 degrees). Furthermore, no TUV certified ramp is designed to exceed this gradient. To calculate your gradient simply measure the height from ground level to the loading deck & multiply this by 3.3 to give the optimum length of ramp.

Do the loading ramps have a minimum load height?

Yes, the minimum load heights are noted on our website. We do not recommend using the ramps below the minimium load height as the ramp will not sit flush with the floor. This in turn will affect the capacity the ramp can hold and void the warranty if you are loading at the incorrect height. 

We can custom cut your ramps for your load height if you would like a smoother gradient. For custom solutions, please contact our ramp specialists.

Can the plant ramps be used over the max load height?

No, the ramp will be too steep. Using the ramp above its recommended load height may cause accident, injury or death and will invalidate the warranty. The ramps will also not sit flush to the floor which will impact the capacity the ramp can hold and void the warranty. 

Should I allow extra capacity in the ramps for safety?

Our aluminium ramps that are included in our Vehicle and Plant Ramps section and in our Viper - Premium Heavy Duty Van Ramps sections on our website are manufactured and engineered to European TUV standards. These have been designed, built and tested in accordance with the following technical standards applied by the manufacturer: EN 1090-3, EN 1999-1-1, EN ISO 15613, EN ISO 15614-2, EN 1398:2009.

How do I check the wheelbase measurement on a tracked machine?

Look at the vehicle from side view, the distance between the centre of front wheel and rear wheel (rim centre) is your wheelbase.

Why is the wheelbase measurement important?

The wheelbase impacts the weight distribution - this impacts how much force is put through the ramps and therefore impacts the maximum weight capacity they can take.

If loading a machine with unbalanced weight distribution (where more of the weight is over one axel), how do I check the capacity the ramps can take will be suitable?

For machines with an unbalanced weight distribution such as, scissors lifts, paving machinery, steel tracked machinery and machines with low ground clearance we would advise you contact us first, so we can check and advise on the most suitable solution.

How durable are aluminium ramps compared to steel?

If the ramps are used sensibly, there is no reason why aluminium ramps should not last as long as steel, and much longer than steel ramps with wooden inserts.

Can I load steel tracked equipment?

The Ramp People have a number of vehicle ramps and plant ramps that are available with a rubber coated surface or milled surface that allows the harder steel tracks to be used on aluminium ramps. The usual vehicle and plant ramps are NOT suitable for solid wheeled machinery.

What is the minimum track width?

The narrowest the tyre/track of the vehicle can be on the surface of the ramp. This is to make sure the weight is spread across the surface to improve the life expectancy of the ramp.

When in use, how do I secure the ramps to my vehicle?

Safety is the primary concern and The Ramp People can provide a number of very secure connection options to suit your vehicle and it is really up to you which one you prefer. Many of our ramps are supplied with our movable connection plates that slide in the aluminium extrusion under the loading lip. This device should be placed between the lorry bed and the tailgate. Once this is in place the ramps will not shift during loading. Another option is to use the drop bolts supplied. The loading lips/rest on connections of the ramps are pre-drilled to accommodate the bolts. Our low loader ramps have underside tie bars for attaching a chain or strap. Our connection options can be viewed here. The standard connection provided is a rest on connection and for alternative connection types the fee is £100.00 + VAT.

Do the ramps have safety edges?

All in stock products are built flat top/no edges. Ramps can be built with edges on request, please note for edges there is a longer lead time. The edges also decrease the usable width.

What if I need a specific length or width?

The Ramp People can manufacture vehicle ramps to specific needs, please contact a sales advisor for a quotation.

Can The Ramp People manufacture special applications/do custom builds?

The Ramp People manufacture a wide range of aluminium and steel extrusions and have been able to solve many unusual loading problems. Previous projects include purpose made plant ramps for drilling rigs, custom built truck ramps, ramps for unloading barges, vehicle ramps for the MOD and the oil industry along with many specialist plant ramps and car ramps. We can also manufacture bespoke ramps for wheelchairs and disabled access. Modifications undertaken by anyone other than The Ramp People invalidate the warranty.

Can I load a forklift on a plant ramp?

Not without first double checking with an advisor before purchasing. Forklifts are not designed to operate on inclines which means they need a very long ramp. They also have solid wheels which can damage the ramp surface so often we have to supply a reinforced model from our factory. For lower heights please view our range of forklift and container ramps. 

Can I use a winch to assist loading equipment?

Winches fundamentally alter the normal weight distribution when loading machines and equipment. Stated weight limits are dramatically reduced when using a winch. Winches can be used but great care and attention must be taken, please speak with our sales advisers for help specifying ramps. The most important thing is to keep the rope of winch parallel with the ramp. If you intend to use a winch please make this clear to your sales adviser before purchasing.

The ramp I require shows as 'Built to Order', how long is the lead time?

Generally the lead time for built to order loading ramps is 4-6 weeks (please note, during the summer months this can be longer due to factory closures). Please contact our team for an up to date lead time, they also will check to see if we have any alternative suitable ramps in stock for immediate dispatch if you require these sooner.

Are the plant ramps suitable for cars? 

Cars often have lower clearance than plant machinery and are not designed to climb such a steeper gradient and therefore the plant ramps are generally not suitable for loading cars and vans. For loading cars we would instead recommend viewing our car ramps which are designed to provide a smoother gradient. 

Are the plant ramps suitable for scissor lifts? 

Scissor lifts generally have extremely low clearance and customised ramps are often required. Please contact our team for advice if you are looking to load a scissor lift. 

Can I purchase a single ramp?

Yes we can sell ramps singularly, please contact our team. Please note generally it would be built to order with a 4-6 week lead time. 

What can be loaded onto the plant ramps?

The aluminium plant ramps are designed for loading machinery such as diggers, tractors, ride on mowers, excavators and dumper trucks. For loading items with steel tracks, we also offer a range of industrial ramps. 

Are the product dimensions exact? 

Product Dimensions – please note that due to manufacturing techniques and processes all dimensions of products may vary by up to 2% plus or minus of the dimensions shown on the website. The only exception to this is ramp length of our vehicle ramps and loading ramp range – the lengths shown may vary by up to 5% depending upon the connection chosen. If you require a specific length please do let us know and we can advise accordingly.

Do you offer folding ramps for plant machinery?

We do not offer folding ramps for loading plant machinery and tracked machinery such as diggers.