Plant Ramp Buying Guide

Measure the vertical height from the ground to where the ramp will rest when in place.

Check the useable width of the van, trailer or container to check the space available for the ramp to rest.

Check the maximum weight of the machine and any weight it will be carrying including the driver and fuel.

When buying a pair of loading ramps, it is essential you check your load height, from the ground to where the ramp will rest, as this identifies the required ramp length. In line with EU recommendations, the maximum loading gradient is 1:33. The plant ramps for trucks and vans are built with this gradient in mind. Our container ramps and car loading ramps offer a slightly smoother gradient as cars and forklifts often require a smoother slope.

For items with low clearance, such as forklifts, low-clearance cars and scissor lifts, a smoother gradient is usually required. If you are loading an item with low ground clearance, please speak to our team. We can carry out a CAD simulation to check suitability based on what machine you are loading and the height you are going up. Where a smoother gradient is required the ramps can be custom cut to meet your needs.

At The Ramp People we offer 4 different connection options as we understand all vehicles are not the same. The standard, most popular connection is the rest-on connection. This connection simply curves and rests on the back of the vehicle. There is a pre-drilled hole to allow you to place a pin through the ramp to hold it onto the vehicle for extra security. Rest on connections are perfect for flatbed vehicles such as transit vans or tipper trucks. They are also perfect for use on containers and kerbs. Alternative connections include the hook connection (for beaver tail trailers), tube and bottom hook (step frame trailers).

• The ramps require little maintenance, they can simply be wiped clean with a damp cloth when needed. The aluminium ramps are offered with a 2 year warranty.
• It is important to regularly inspect your loading ramp for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues, contact the manufacturer for advice to ensure the ramp remains safe to use. Never use a ramp that is damaged, as this could pose a safety risk.
• When ramps are used in a commercial / workplace setting, they should be inspected regularly in accordance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

• The loading ramps are designed to secure to the vehicle. When a rest on connection is selected, the ramps are provided with a pre-drilled hole to allow you to secure the ramp to the vehicle during loading. A security plate is also provided for when tailgates are used. For higher capacities, a chain is provided. Where a hook connection is chosen, the hook is designed to hook into a channel or metal bar, for instance on a beaver tail trailer. Please view your ramp's user manual for full instructions prior to use.
• It is important the top and foot of the ramp sits securely on a flat area for support. The foot of the ramp is angled to ensure it securely sits on the ground, do not exceed the recommended minimum or maximum load height as the ramp will not sit securely on the ground.
• The heavy-duty loading ramps should be used in line with the recommended guidance stated on the website and the user guides provided with the ramp. It is important not to exceed the recommended safe working load (SWL) or load height as it can damage the ramp. If you have any questions around suitability please contact our team.
• Where the ramp is used in the workplace, a Health and Safety assessment should be undertaken if employees are required to lift the ramp. Companies should act in line with Manual Handling Operations Regulations and Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as safety shoes and gloves, should be worn when carrying or using the ramps.

At The Ramp People, we offer customised loading ramps to meet your specific requirements. Customisation options include adjusting the ramp’s load height for a smoother gradient, adding safety edges, modifying the width, and incorporating carry handles for easier transport.

If you are loading an item with low ground clearance, such as scissor lifts and cleaning machines, or you are loading a machine with an unbalance weight distribution, or you are unsure whether a ramp will work for your vehicle, our factory can assess suitability before purchase. Using CAD simulation, we can model your loading situation to ensure the ramp is fit for purpose.

For advice, suitability checks, or bespoke solutions, please contact our team. We are here to help you find the perfect ramp for your needs.

Still need assistance? Our team is available throughout the week to help via phone, email, live chat or WhatsApp. If you’d rather we call you, you can easily request a callback here.