Monday 18 May 2015

Getting the most out of your aluminum yard ramps

Aluminum yard ramps can be used in many different environments from the home to commercial staging yards. The latest designs feature high traction and portable features that make them an ideal solution for transportation problems. Loading and unloading with a ramp can increase production efficiently, reduce the risk of lifting and moving injuries, and help you maintain a more organized yard. Whether you are looking for a folding light ramp to move a mower, or need a solid ramp that can off load landscaping equipment – there are appropriate designs for each task available.

What are they good for?

Ramps are designed to make loading and unloading safer and easier. They can be used alone, or in tandem, depending on what you need to move. Ramps aren't just for moving wheeled machines; they can provide an access point for foot traffic that can radically reduce strain and injury too. In some instances, ramps can also perform access and egress functions to make sure your yard project is kept up to safety regulations too. Ramps can be designed as multi-piece units that connect, folding units and single ramp structures. They come in multiple widths and with a variety of tread designs. Before you buy any type of yard ramp, you need to sit and define the need you have for them. This will help you to determine the size and style of the ramp you need, and whether or not you need one ramp, or a pair of yard ramps.

What do you need in a ramp?

The biggest mistake people make when they purchase yard ramps is they buy the one that fits the need they have on hand. For example, if you have just purchased a rider mower you buy a ramp that fits the mower and allows you to get it in use, and to store it effectively. What you aren't seeing is that once you begin to have a need for a ramp, you are going to need it for more than just using it for one piece of equipment. A ramp should fit your major pieces of equipment, and the ones you anticipate. This doesn't mean you should buy the biggest ramps you can find, but they should all be able to assist in doing more than one specific task. A multi-use ramp that fits the work at hand is the best choice.

Best practices for using aluminum yard ramps

Using ramps requires certain procedures to make them safe. You always want to make sure that the base of the ramp is on solid ground. If the ground is not solid, you should place the base on a board with a stake driven along the outer edge to keep the board in place. The top part of the ramp needs to sit flush on the off loading surface. Make sure that any hinges parts of the ramp are in an open and locked position. Always test the ramp by pushing down on it a few times to check for movement or buckling.

Tips for storage and transportation of ramps

The best way to store and transport your aluminum yard ramps is by using latching straps. Just carrying them can cause injury. Place two straps on the closed ramp and lift the ramp with both hands. You also want to make sure the ramp is cleaned after use to preserve the integrity of the metal.

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Thursday 7 May 2015

Selecting and using a forklift ramp

There is a lot of preparation needed before you select the forklift ramp you buy. You not only need to know what it needs to support, but where it is going to go and how you are going to maintain it. Whether you buy new or used isn't as important as knowing what you need it to do, and how well you can maintain the integrity of the ramp. Take the time to assess what this ramp needs to really do to fit into your operations schedule as an asset, not a liability. You will be glad you took the time to do this in the end.

does it need to do for you?The first question you probably need to ask – what do you need the ramp to do for you? The answer should include the weight of the machine that needs to be moved, how far the ramp needs to extend, and whether or not the ramp is going to be stationary or movable. Ramp length is determined by the anticipated angle of descent to adequately support the weight of the machine. Ramps can come with wheels, hinged sections, or be installed as a fixed loading structure.

used truck loading ramp

What can you best maintain?
There are a lot of options when it comes to the style and material a forklift ramp is available in. What you really need to consider is what you can maintain. Hydraulic ramps are some of the most intensive to be maintained. Steel ramps have to be maintained as well to prevent rust and corrosion from destroying the integrity of the ramp. Even plastic ramps need a form of maintenance. Make sure you know what is required to keep your ramp in good shape before you buy one. It should fit into your established maintenance schedule, or you should be able to easily build the required maintenance of the ramp into your schedule.

How dedicated is the ramp?
The dedication of the ramp doesn't mean whether it is transportable or stationary, it speaks to the dedication of the purpose of the ramp. If you are currently looking to find a loading ramp rental that can support a forklift, you should also look to other ways the ramp can be used as well. It is a good practice to consider the possible uses of the ramp, rather than assume that it will have a limited use application. Many of the ramps offered can double for other machinery types, so knowing what it may be called into use for is essential when determining the type and capacity you need.

Exploring your options
Before you decide that you are buying a new or used ramp, you need to look at all of the above considerations closely. The ability to maintain a forklift ramp should have just as high an importance as the cost and load bearing capacity. You also need to consider where the ramp will be stored when not in use. Many a good bargain on a ramp has been undone by the cost of having to create space for storage to protect it from the elements. Once you know what you really need, and can support, contact your sales representative to see the options that fit your requirements best.

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