Container ramps are angled to help fill the gap between a container and the ground. They make easy access for forklifts and hand trolleys when loading a container. A container ramp can be used both inside and outside so businesses don't have to spend their money on a permanent concrete bay. These ramps usually have a tow or a hitch bar that allows them to be easily repositioned, helping you save on time and labour. This makes them ideal in places where space is of essence and they can also be used as backup, should there be issues with a dock leveller system. The versatility of a container ramp goes beyond that as it is available in a variety of options which you should incorporate based upon multiple different factors.
Types
Aluminium
Container ramps made of aluminium are lightweight yet strong, meaning they can withstand a lot of pressure but without being a burden to move from one place to another. An aluminium container ramp for sale is perfect for loading machinery and they are usually made for loads with low ground clearance. Aluminium in itself is a corrosion resistant material which makes for a container ramp that will last a long time.
Rubber
Rubber ramps are extremely durable which can even be left outside but do remember that they usually need to be removed in order for the container to be closed. They are also available in sections which makes them modular - an ideal solution when you want to use one ramp on different containers.
Pallet Truck Ramps
These ramps are simple to use as they simply need to rest onto the container, kerb or step and they have an angled foot to ensure smooth loading onto the ramp. As the name suggests these are used for loading pallet trucks into containers.
Yard (Truck)
A yard ramp uses hydraulics to bear loads as they are way longer (about 10m) than a regular container ramp. With these ramps yo can load and unload the container whilst sitting on the truck. Despite being so long they are still easy to move around thanks to their tires and usually a safety lifting tail flap too.
Wedge
This ramp is the simplest in design as it is basically a wedge that rests onto the container/ step. Wedge ramp containers can be used to load wheelbarrows, heavy-duty equipment or just use them for wheelchair access.
What You Need to Consider
Equipment in use
The first thing you need to take into consideration is the equipment you already have and will use over the container ramp. The weight, application and wheel size of your hand cart, forklift and pallet jack will play a big role. Usually an 88 cm wide container ramp for sale will be adequate for pallet jacks as well as ramps with a grit covered surface. For heavy-duty use go for ramps that have a tough punch plate and high weight capacity coupled together with the grit surface for better traction. If your forklift weighs 5 tonnes you'll need a ramp container with more than double capacity.
Measurements
In order for your forklift(s) to be able to go on the ramp you'll need to measure its wheel base, ground clearance and the vertical rise of the container. Make sure you measure the wheel base and ground clearance of the largest forklift/ pallet jack. When measuring ground clearance raise the pallet jack as high as it can go and then measure it. If you interchangeably use pallet jacks and forklifts for different types of cargo, then measure the largest of both. Use these measurements with the online calculator provided by the manufacturer you consider purchasing from in order to get the correct length of the ramp.
Surface & Portability
If you are going to be pushing the loads by hand then it's best that you go with a lightweight ramp. If you are going to do some heavy lifting with a forklift then go with a ramp that has fork-holds. For the ramp surface you'll need to consider the climate, as finer surfaces perform best in a dry climate and grit coated ramps can endure in places where there is a lot of moisture. Diamond plate container ramps are great for all types of weather conditions whilst punch plate ramps will provide excellent traction for forklifts in icy and snowy conditions.
Connection Points
There are going to be three types of connection points when it comes to ramp containers. Ramps with cut outs can fit over and around the locks on the container which makes them only suitable to be used in that specific spot. Other ramps come with a lip that completely clears the locks and they can be used on different places along the container. Some ramps neglect the locks as they are made to sit directly on the container edge. They can be locked with chains in order to stay put to prevent someone from slipping and falling.
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