Reliable, well designed forklift ramps help warehouse, manufacturing and shipping companies meet deadlines by maximizing their productivity and operational efficiency. Regardless of having to work under a time pressure constraint, forklift ramps help docking yards to ensure the safety and well-being of the workforce during forklift operation.
In order to succeed and outperform your competition, your company must be both productive and safe.
When a shipment arrives by freight train, container or on the back of a freight truck, that product must be moved safely and efficiently to the warehouse (or to the ground) so that the product can be unloaded, distributed or used in production.
Our heavy duty forklift ramp products are your best option to help you save time and money, while working efficiently and safely.
The right forklift loading ramp can:
- Cut loading and unloading time by up to 80%
- Reduce the necessary workforce required to load and unload
Because of these savings some companies report recovering the investment cost of a forklift loading ramp in just 100 deliveries. For a loading dock that deals with at least three deliveries per day, a forklift ramp can pay for itself in one month!
Forklift Loading Ramp Components
A forklift ramp can only be as strong and durable as the parts that make it. Consider each of these components carefully when selecting and purchasing a forklift loading ramp:
Steel Beams – The steel beams of the forklift loading ramp determine the overall strength and gross vehicle weight capacity. How the forklift loading ramp will be used and the maximum weight the forklift will carry will determine the weight of steel required in the forklift ramp design. Wide flange steel beams are typically the most durable and versatile.
Bar Grate – The bar grate is the surface area or driving area of the forklift ramp. Various bar grates are designed for specific forklift tire material. For example, a 1-1/2” bar grating is best used for larger forklift rubber tires.
Paint – The paint finish on a forklift ramp may at first seem purely aesthetic but it can also improve resistance to the elements such as rain, snow and ice. A proper forklift loading ramp finish will also help increase the longevity of the ramp. Colors can be chosen to match branding or to distinguish between forklift ramp usages.
Landing Gear and Mounting Brackets – The landing gear stabilizes the loading ramp when not attached to a trailer. Adjustable landing gear also allows you to adjust the height of the forklift ramp to accommodate the variances in dock and truck heights.
Safety Features of Forklift Ramp Systems
Safety Rails – Side safety rails are often required to meet Workers’ Compensation Board safety standards. Forklift loading ramp rails are often designed with notches in order to be fitted together for maximum strength. Choose a forklift ramp safety rail feature that complies with or exceeds regulations and is compatible with the forklift to be used on the forklift loading ramp.
Keyholes – Chaining the forklift loading ramp to the deck of the freight truck, container or dock enhances the safety and stability of the ramp during use.
Transition Plates – The transition zone between the forklift ramp and ground is important in the smooth loading and unloading of freight. A ½” steel plate improves the durability and strength of the transition area plus a separate transition plate can accommodate uneven grounds.
Benefits of Forklift Yard Ramps
As already mentioned, forklift yard ramps can help improve the efficiency of operations when loading and unloading shipments from trucks, containers and warehouse docks. Companies that make use of a mobile loading ramp for moving supplies between two levels with a forklift enjoy the following benefits:
Critical Time and Manpower Savings
Without a forklift ramp the alternative is a lot of extra manpower, time and effort to get the same job done. With a forklift loading dock ramp, just one person can cut the loading and unloading time by nearly 80%.
Mobility and Maneuverability
It is also important to have a mobile forklift ramp that you can reassign to multiple locations without too much effort, this is especially true for industries that have multiple loading docks. The most Portable Forklift Ramps will separate into two pieces without special tools; disassembly and reassembly takes just a couple minutes without hindering the ramps durability and strength. A two piece design also allows the forklift loading ramp to be stacked to minimize storage.
Multi-Purpose and Versatile
Transport trucks come in all shapes and sizes. As well, not all loading docks are the same. Having a versatile forklift loading ramp that you can adjust to accommodate all situations will help save both time and money.
Custom Designed for Ease of Use
The products being loading and unloaded are as different as the industries that move the materials. Forklift ramps can be custom ordered to meet your specific needs for weight capacity, mobility, height adjustment, loading ramp slope and length.
Low Maintenance Costs
Apart from greasing the landing gear twice a year, our forklift loading ramps require very little maintenance.
Forklift Ramp Options
Whether you need a heavy duty Industrial Ramp for your lumber yard, logistics company, carpet store or distribution center, most likely a forklift ramp can be a crucial asset to efficient and profitable operations.
If you are in need of a forklift loading ramp, you will want to deal with a forklift ramp manufacturer committed to quality and customer satisfaction; one that can create a custom designed forklift loading ramp that meets the exact requirements for your business.
For more information about forklift ramps please contact Better Loading Ramps.