How To Use A Forklift Ramp | Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Thinking About Purchasing A Heavy-Duty Forklift Ramp? 

forklift rampIf you are considering adding a forklift ramp to your loading equipment, there are some basics that you need to know before you make a purchase. A forklift ramp can be used in a variety of applications to provide access from the ground to the truck bed. Depending on your workload and capacity, you can customize the ramp to fit your needs. A forklift ramp is also called a mobile yard ramp due to its maneuverability and versatility across applications. If your facility is lacking the loading equipment to safely and securely complete loading and unloading tasks, this may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Here’s What To Look For In A Forklift Ramp

Safety

When you’re ready to make a purchase, what should you look for in a portable forklift ramp? First and foremost, the ramp should comply with all safety rules and regulations. Make sure the mobile ramp is OSHA compliant, and ask the manufacturer about the different safety features in place that keep your employees safe and protected. 

Ease of Use

forklift ramp - safety If you’re using your forklift ramp frequently, you can’t waste time troubleshooting how to raise and lower the ramp. The ideal forklift container ramp will come equipped with easy technology for loading and unloading. Most ramps use a two cylinder design to raise and lower their height, but don’t be fooled by this. Ask the manufacturer if they offer any one-cylinder design ramps instead.  A one-cylinder forklift ramp actually applies less pressure than the traditional ramp, which means the time to rise can be up to two and a half times faster. This also means that this type of mobile yard ramp is less likely to tip, because the single cylinder is more centrally located. Ask the ramp manufacturer about features like this, and ask about the ease of use on the ramp. If you’re investing in a portable forklift ramp, you want to ensure you’re getting the best value.

Stability

Because a forklift ramp deals with extremely heavy loads, you want to make sure it’ll remain stable. There are a few features that loading dock ramps near me can come with that maximize stability. For one, look for safety curbs on the side of the ramp. A safety curb prevents the load from falling off and adds another layer of protection for your employees. In addition, a portable forklift ramp should have a low endplate. If the endplate sits below the wheelbase, that means that the front wheels can reach the deck grating without the back wheels leaving the ground. This will ensure there are fewer bumps during the loading process, and it creates an easier ground-level entry. Finally, look for a mobile ramp that has steel grating on the deck. Steel grating creates a surface that makes it more stable for forklifts to travel up and down, especially when carrying heavy loads. It also creates an airflow thanks to its open design, which means that dust, dirt, and debris won’t build up. This creates a safer portable forklift ramp that has maximum stability.

Find Quality Loading Dock Ramps Near Me Today

forklift rampNow that you know what to look for, you can begin your search for a forklift ramp that works for you. As always, ask the manufacturer if you have specific questions. The forklift container ramp should be safe, stable, and easy to use. You don’t want your employees to be confused or misguided when operating the ramp. When you’re ready to shop for a mobile yard ramp, keep your budget in mind, know your capacity requirements, and find a reputable forklift ramp manufacturer you can trust.