Choosing the Right Loading Dock Ramp for Your Business

Posted by Jacob Pinto on September 23,

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When cargo vans, trucks, and other vehicles reach your warehouse or manufacturing facility, they may not be able to reach the standard dock height that large trailer trucks can. In this scenario, you may find it challenging to accommodate efficient loading and unloading processes.

Whether you're designing a new warehouse or looking for ways to optimize an existing one, you can mitigate this issue by purchasing a loading dock ramp. These ramps can be fitted to your loading dock to provide elevation to smaller vehicles that don't reach its height.

There are, however, numerous types and styles of loading dock ramps to choose from. To enhance business efficiency and improve safety throughout your warehouse, you'll need to select the right ramp for your facility. The following guide provides a comprehensive overview of loading ramps and the features they come with.

Types of Loading Dock Ramps

From hydraulic ramps to portable ones, there are many types of ramps on the market. The ramp you choose for your facility depends on the application as well as your budget.

Hydraulic Ramps

Often referred to as dock levelers, hydraulic ramps use powerful systems that can cover the gap between transport vehicles and your building. These ramps make it easier for goods to be loaded and unloaded. Most hydraulic ramps are push-button activated, which means that they are easy to operate and require very little maintenance.

Since this type of ramp is powered by a hydraulic system that pushes the platform upward, you can adjust it to multiple heights depending on the size of the transport vehicle. Hydraulic systems use a pressurized fluid to create force within the containing vessel. Once this force is applied, the mechanism that's positioned below the ramp will move it to the desired position without requiring any manual labor.

When using this ramp, only one person is needed to adjust the platform to the correct height. Keep in mind that it will also need to be aligned with the trailer bed. The push-button system allows you to control the height and extend the lip. In most cases, these ramps can move to a range between 12 inches above the dock and 12 inches below it.

Mechanical Ramps

Mechanical ramps are lower-cost systems that often use dock plates. An operator may need to pull a chain to properly position the ramp when a truck or vehicle arrives at your warehouse. If you don't intend to use the ramp constantly, this option may be the best. It's ideal for warehouses with low dock traffic. Along with the more affordable price, you'll benefit from ample durability.

Mechanical ramps are often made with premium stainless steel that should last for decades. These ramps are equipped with hold-downs, springs, and lip latches. One issue with this type of ramp is that numerous components may need to be replaced regularly.

Scissor Ramps

These ramps are outfitted with scissor lift mechanisms that can propel vehicles and personnel upward. The scissor lift mechanism that powers this type of ramp consists of a large stack of crossed tubes. These tubes move like scissors while the platform is being raised or lowered.

When you buy a scissor lift ramp for your warehouse, you'll benefit from compact storage and ample versatility. These ramps are available in many different models and sizes with a weight capacity that ranges from 500 to 2,500 pounds.

Portable Ramps

A portable dock ramp is a system that allows you to perform parallel loading in areas where you don't have ample space. While these platforms are typically made from steel or aluminum, they offer more flexibility than other ramps.

They can be moved to any area around your warehouse, which also makes them easy to store. Portable dock ramps can support up to 20,000 pounds. If your warehouse doesn't have a lot of extra space or you don't expect to use the ramp daily, a portable platform may be the ideal fit for your facility.

Key Factors to Consider

When you're shopping for the right loading dock ramp, there are numerous factors you should consider, which include the ramp's load capacity as well as its adjustability.

Load Capacity

To maintain the safety of your warehouse, it's important that you match the ramp capacity to your needs. Ramp capacities can range from 2,500-40,000 pounds. If you intend to perform forklift loading, you'll need a higher capacity. Keep in mind that stainless steel ramps often handle up to 30,000 pounds of weight. On the other hand, the maximum capacity of a scissor ramp may only be around 2,500 pounds.

Consider factors like how much your vehicles weigh and how often the ramp will be used to calculate the required load capacity. An unloaded last-mile delivery vehicle can weigh as much as 26,000 pounds. In comparison, cargo vans only weigh around 6,000 pounds.

Ramp Length and Width

The appropriate dimensions for your loading dock ramp depend on the vehicles and loads at your facility. Choose a model that allows for an ample amount of clearance during approach. Make sure, however, that the ramp isn't too short.

Based on OSHA guidelines, ramps should slope at a maximum angle of around 20 degrees above the horizontal. The ramp shouldn't be positioned at too steep of an angle. Dock ramps often have a length of 20-36 feet. Consider the amount of space that's available in your loading area before you purchase a ramp.

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Adjustability

Not every vehicle is the same height. If you want your warehouse to effectively accommodate many different types of vehicles, it's highly recommended that you opt for an adjustable ramp. Adjustability is crucial if you want to maintain high efficiency during the loading and unloading processes.

Material and Durability

Dock ramps are often made with steel, aluminum, or composite materials. The most durable material is heavy steel, which is strong enough to support loads that are as high as 40,000 pounds. If you use metal-treaded vehicles in your warehouse, you may benefit from a specialty ramp that uses a composite material with wood decking.

When receiving standard vehicle traffic at your warehouse, it's best to use all-steel ramps that are outfitted with steel decking. Aluminum is another highly durable material that can absorb the impact of heavy vehicles. The durability of a material mainly depends on the ramp's weight capacity as well as the types of vehicles that will be driven on it.

Safety Features

If you want a ramp that keeps your personnel safe, choose one that offers non-slip surfaces, safety locks, and guardrails. The safety locks will keep the ramp in place while your employees are loading and unloading goods. Your loading dock should also be outfitted with structural bollards, powered dock gates, and barrier rails. Adhering to safety standards and regulations will help you minimize worker injuries and avoid fines.

Installation and Maintenance

Whether you're considering portable ramps or yard ramps for your warehouse, they must be installed properly and maintained regularly. A high-quality steel or aluminum ramp can last for up to 30 years if you maintain it well.

Installation Considerations

The installation process for a loading dock ramp depends on the type you buy. However, all ramps require a certain amount of site preparation and ramp alignment. You'll also want to consider if the ramp will be professionally installed or if you'll do it yourself. You can minimize mistakes by hiring a professional who has experience installing dock ramps.

If you decide to install the ramp yourself, the area where you place it should be level and free from debris. Make sure the ground is sturdy enough to support the ramp's weight as well as the extra loads from the vehicles. The ground may need to be compacted. You could also install a concrete pad in the area for more stability.

When you're positioning the ramp, it needs to be aligned with your loading dock. There must be enough space for the vehicles that arrive at your facility to move around. Make sure you provide adequate clearance at any area of the ramp to avoid overhead obstructions.

If your ramp is equipped with adjustable height settings, it should be level with the loading dock for a smooth transition. Before you complete the installation process, consider securing the ramp with safety brackets or chains.

Routine Maintenance

Once you buy a loading ramp, it's crucial that you regularly inspect it. Routine upkeep is necessary to ensure that any damage to your ramp is identified and repaired immediately. Otherwise, your personnel will be at risk whenever they use it.

While loading dock ramps are designed to withstand a considerable amount of force, they might become corroded or rusted. If you don't adhere to the weight requirements, cracks could develop in the material. The hydraulic equipment in a powered system could also become damaged over time.

Cost and Budgeting

Even the most affordable loading dock ramp costs several thousand dollars. When you're thinking of buying a hydraulic or portable loading dock ramp, consider the costs associated with this purchase.

Initial Costs vs. Long-Term Value

The upfront cost for a loading dock ramp can range from $3,000-$35,000. It's important that you evaluate the initial expenses and the potential long-term savings when buying a ramp. The purpose of this type of ramp is to bolster safety and efficiency for loading and unloading processes. By improving efficiency and productivity in your warehouse, you should be able to reduce costs and increase revenues.

Even though the initial costs are high, you'll save a lot of money in the long run. Keep in mind that hydraulic ramps are often the most expensive, which is mainly due to the powered mechanisms they use. These systems also come with higher maintenance costs. When you're evaluating the costs associated with a loading dock ramp, make sure you budget for additional installation and maintenance expenses.

Financing Options

If you're buying a more expensive ramp that's priced at anywhere from $15,000-$30,000, it's highly recommended that you explore financing or leasing options that allow you to pay for it over an extended period. Many manufacturers and equipment companies that offer these ramps also provide financing that makes it easier to pay. Before you choose a specific financing method, do a cost-benefit analysis.

Conclusion

Buying a loading dock ramp for your warehouse can help you improve productivity, keep your personnel safe, and accommodate any vehicle that arrives at your facility. Before making this purchase, evaluate your facility's specific needs. Once you know what type of ramp your warehouse requires, consult with experts who have experience with loading dock ramps and know what to look for.

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