Is a loading dock rental good for your business?

The first thought you have when you need a loading dock is where you can buy one, but a loading dock rental may be a better solution for your business. Rentals can mitigate the cost of maintenance, and you don't have to deal with depreciation of assets. Rentals can be long-term or short-term. One of the major benefits of choosing to rent is you can change the equipment capacity you have on hand easily. The downside is you have to be on top of your scheduling to make sure you can have your rental in place when you need it.

What type of ramp are you looking for?
The first thing to figure out is what type of rental ramp you need, and what you need it for. Think beyond the immediate need of loading or unloading for one specific project or job and look to what you could do with the rental on site. Renting a ramp for two days, rather than one working day, may let you unload one truck – but with a portable loading docks you can then move the ramp to push other jobs along faster. Really consider what you could get done with a ramp on-site before determining what type you need. You also need to think through the weight capacity and length of the ramp, as well as what type of equipment it may need to handle.

Do you need to rent equipment too?
It can be easier to rent equipment for loading along with the ramp rather than trying to use your own. The rental service will have a better idea of what will work best, and you can also access a different class of equipment than your own. Your fork truck may be able to do the job, but it may be worth it to spend the extra money to rent a loading crawler you can use with the ramp. It is partially about increasing your efficiency with the rental, but also about reducing risk of injury. If you don't have a ramp, then chances are the equipment you have on hand isn't ideal for the job either.

Who picks up and delivers?
You need to be clear about who has the responsibility for picking up and delivering the loading ramp rental both ways. If it is the rental service doing this, make sure you know what to expect. If they send a flatbed tractor trailer that requires the ramp to be offloaded with a crane, you had better have one. Make sure you communicate your capabilities in this instance. The service agency can most likely send out a truck with a lift that will work, but don't assume that they send out the most viable transport option.

Renting can be the best solution, even long term
As mentioned earlier, a long-term loading dock rental can be an ideal solution to give your yard the equipment it needs to function well without breaking your operations budget. You won't have to deal with depreciation and repair work, and there is less of an outlay in finances which can help keep your money where you need it. It also makes it easier and more economical to upgrade your ramps when you need to do so.
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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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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.

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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Aluminium Yard Ramps Durable, portable & cost-effective solution

Aluminum Yard Ramps are reliable and cost-effective way to handle the loads of different types of goods and products to make your work easier. They are portable in nature, durable and offer loading and unloading flexibility.They come with aluminum I-bean construction, which make them light in weight, and can bear a standard capacity of up to 25000 pounds. But, the main concerning point is that these fulfill only the specific need in the market. One of the greatest advantages of using these ramps is that they can be used at places where the percentage of handling combustible or flammable materials is high. The reason behind this is that the steel ramps may create a spark. While the aluminum ramps will not. But, one more notable thing is that the aluminum yard ramps are costlier than the steel ramps and have shorter life span.

Usage these depends upon its area of application, cost, durability and the type of material to be shifted. Buying aluminum ramp is a safe choice as compared to steel ramps, and also the cheaper one. If you as a business organization shifting or moving products that are combustible in nature, then it is recommended that you purchase an  Generally, these types of ramps are used by oil production and refineries, munitions production facilities, manufacturing and distribution of fertilizer and warehousing and distribution.

When it comes to durability and working life, these aluminum yard ramps will not lasts long as compared to the steel ramps. The reason for less durability of aluminum yard lamps is that they undergo extensive welding, which creates a lot of heat and thereby reduce their strength. Moreover, you can repair these aluminum ramps using welding, and they easy to maintain.

Factors to Consider before opting for Aluminum Yard Ramps

Design – The overall design of these ramps creates a major difference, depending upon the model and construction. But, one common thing that among all models of is that they are sturdily built so that they can bear the heavy loads easily.

Mobility – Mobility is yet another important factor, and how easily one can move the yard ramp is important. Moreover, for convenient height adjustment, an installed hydraulic hand pump system can be used.

Capacity – The most-crucial factor is the overall capacity.Its capacity should be more than the combined weight of heaviest forklift plus and the maximum load of cargo of a business.

 Safety – Safety is what everyone requires while using any of the product, machine or tool. So, is the case with aluminum ramps also? The decking of these ramps should be kept minimum, and it should have good, solid grip along with an unslippery surface.

New or Used – Last but not the least, deciding on whether to use new or used aluminum yard ramps is also essential. And, it should be determined according to their cost-effectiveness and working life.


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Staging and moving portable loading docks

When buying portable loading docks, you need to plan for how you are going to get them from their storage point to their staging area. If you don't think this through, you will wind up leaving the docks staged. This not only can interfere with the staging process for phase work, but it can reduce the turn radius in yards. More importantly, portable docks aren't meant to be left in place as, this shortens their lifespan. Take the time to consider how you will move the docks from place to place, and how you will perform their needed maintenance. Sit down and look at your access and egress paths, and consider the schedule of your equipment when making your plans.

Planning out the access

You may know where you have space for the portable loading docks, and how they will be used, but you also have to consider the space around them too. Staging should take into account the approach of trucks and loaders so that adequate turn radius is allowed. Just because a driver can turn in a tight space doesn't mean you should leave it to them to do all of that work. The easier it is for them to get in and out, the better your service and efficiency will be.

Knowing when to move the staging areas

Projects lose money when even an hour delay occurs. A part of planning your staging areas is knowing when you need to move them. It is never as simple as just planning to move a dock when a phase has ended. You have to accommodate the staging-in plans of other contractors. If you are using the docks in a permanent yard, you need to make sure that you accommodate the loading schedule as docks will have to be moved to create viable turn radius.

Making sure you have the portable loading docks you need

When planning for your portable loading docks, take into account everything they can be used for. The most common mistake made is to buy a dock that is dedicated for one use, and not to take into account where the dock could be located to expand its potential. If you have a dock with a load bearing capacity and width to handle a pallet jack, chances are you will want to use it for a forklift as well. It is always best to look at your staging plan so you can really determine what activities will occur around the portable dock so you choose one that is flexible.

After the project is over

The old story goes that when it came time to take the portable loading docks away ...  the company didn't have a loading dock to load the loading docks. Believe it or not, this is a very real problem. Just as you planned the offloading of the docks in the beginning of the project, you need to plan out how you are going to get them off site. The easiest way is to use a lift and flat-bed, but if that is not an option for you make sure that your loading truck has the equipment it needs to lift and load the docks when they are collapsed or dismantled. Advanced planning will save you time and money.


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Know the available range of forklift equipment to make sure you are prepared

Being efficient in your operations is about making sure that your team has what they need to perform their work safely and quickly. A forklift is a necessity in any yard or loading area, and making sure you have the right forklift equipment will save you time and trouble in the end. A base forklift cannot do it all; trying to use a base model for everything can put your safety record at risk and slow down operations. Here is an overview of the types of equipment available for your site.

Order pickers

Order pickers are a necessity, even if the height of your stock isn't exceeding average shoulder reach. These are chain driven extended fork systems that are integrated into an attached rack. It is better to use an order picker than plain forks as they are constructed to take into account the effect of weight at height, reducing safety concerns.

Lifting cages

Lifting cages are a must-have for dealing with small items. While they may come boxed and wrapped, the packaging usually falls apart. These wire style cages have a solid bottom with receiving slots for the forks so you can lift items easily. It can also be a good choice if you need to lift up working material. You can fill the cage, or just use it as a safety cage for lifting individual items. Lifting cages are not designed to be used as work platforms. Work platforms are specific to their intended use.

Work platforms

Work platforms are available for forklifts. These platforms are designed to meet current safety standards and regulations to allow workers to use the forklift as a scaffold platform. Make sure you are aware of all the additional requirements for use, such as fall equipment and training. Check with both state and local safety offices for which regulations apply to their use, and what activities are permitted from the work platform.

Roll Carriers

Roll carriers can work for anything from pipes to carpets. They allow you to safely load and transport long rolls. There are also specially designed roll carries for lifts with higher reach extensions. These can be essential to speeding up your operations. While just about every forklift operator has devised their own way of carrying rolls, the time spend jerry-rigging regular forks to carry the load safely means time lost in operations. Better to invest in the forklift equipment designed to do the job right so you don't lose time on the floor just getting things to work.

Extensions and more

Fork extensions are one of the most common types of forklift equipment to have on hand. Even if you don't think that you need them, having an extended fork pair is something you will be glad you invested in. Other common accessories that should be in your tool box include tool boxes, safety nets and cargo strapping devices. There are also some chain fall cages designed for use with forklifts that can come in handy. You should also invest in some safety posters and books to make sure your personnel stay up to date on safe operations and maintenance protocols.

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What capacity do you really need in your steel yard ramps?

The capacity of your steel yard ramps means more than just the amount of weight they can carry. Capacity also refers to the type of motion they can handle – from walking to driving to being able to use lifting machines, capacity can be very different in each instance. Capacity and load type can combine to change what you are looking for in your yard ramps a great deal. Taking the time to figure it out first can help you be prepared for anything.

Know the range of your load

The range of your load needs to go from the lightest use you expect on the ramp, to the heaviest. Don't ignore the light use – such as a single person using the ramp to walk onto a platform. That light weight use is going determine the type of tread that you need on your ramps. A sanded tread can keep workers safe on the ramp, a metal tread can be better for just tire traction. You should also consider your seasons and the elements the ramps will be exposed to when selecting their material and tread type.

What width?

Width is important. You can opt for individual track style ramps that will catch the tires of the equipment, but in most cases, yard work requires a full deck ramp. The width needs to accommodate the machine used to get on and off the platform, even if that machine is just a manual wheelbarrow. It should also be wide enough to hold the machine and allow for a worker to stand on each side of it. That is the ideal, but not always a possible reality. You do want at least 6 inches on each side of the wheel since it is rare that loads are carried off perfectly straight.

Height and reach

It goes almost without saying to make sure that the height of your steel yard ramps can meet the expected height of the truck bed or platform. You need to make sure that you take into account any differences in height that can occur from a truck bed being under load as well. The one thing that most people skip in an effort to save out of pocket expense is buying the ramp with the right reach. Reach is the length of the ramp from apex to ground. The longer the reach, the gentler the slope. This isn't just about being gentle, reach will determine what type of machine, and how much it can carry on the ramp. Make sure to have your engineers check, or use the online charts to select the right reach for your expected workload.

Portable or standing?

The last thing you need to determine about your steel yard ramps is whether or not they should be portable or standing. Portable can mean many different things. A portable ramp may be hinged so it can fold, or come apart in sections, or even have wheels on it for ease of transport. Portable doesn't always mean that it can be lifted by hand or transported in a small pickup. Standing, or fixed, ramps also come in a large variety. There are free standing ones with feet cast into the supports, and there are ones in which you have to provide a concrete footing to install too.



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