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

How long should the ramp be?

For plant ramps Health & Safety we recommend that no gradient greater than 30% (16.5 degrees) should be used. 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. Please note for items with low clearance, such as forklifts and pallet trucks, a much smoother gradient is normally required. 

Should I allow extra capacity in the ramps for safety?

No. Our ramps are manufacturer and engineered to European TUV standards, which require us to build in a 200% safety. When calculating which capacity you require you must factor in the weight of the machine, the load if any, the operator, fuel/oil and attachments. Please note if you exceed the stated capacity the warranty is invalidated.

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.

Do the ramps have a minimum load height?

Yes, please check specs of each ramp. The foot of the ramps are all cut for the recommend load height, if you use the ramp above or below the recommended height the foot of the ramp will not sit securely on the ground during loading. 

What is the benefit of the rubber container ramp? 

The Rubber Container Ramp has a capacity of 10,000kg and is provided in modular pieces to allow this to easily put in place and removed by one person.  The rubber container ramp can be left outside however, please note normally the container doors will not close when the ramp is in place. 

Why do these need to be used at a specific load height?

The foot of the ramp is cut for the specific load height, when used at the incorrect load height the weight will not be able to take the required weight and the warranty will be void. 

What is the benefit of a Wedge Ramp?

These can be customised to match your required height. They are perfect for loading pallet trucks to heights up to 120mm and can hold capacities up to 2920kg.

Can the Aluminium Container Ramps be customised?

Yes, our aluminium ramps can be customised in terms of width, length, connection and capacity to meet your requirements. 

Can you use all kind of pallet trucks or forklifts on the container ramps?

No. Most pallet trucks and forklifts are not built to be used on slopes or at an incline. Therefore you can use only the smoothest gradient. Please check the manual of the manufacturer for the gradient information.

Do you provide ramps to load and unload shipping containers which are on a vehicle? 

Yes we offer a range of mobile yard ramps.