What is a Yard Ramp?

A yard ramp is essentially a transportable loading dock. This style of ramp can be pushed up to the opening of a freight container, semi trailer or rail car to allow access by forklifts or pallet trucks.

Yard ramps serve two primary functions and have a couple of different types:

1. Mobile Yard Ramps: For buildings lacking a loading dock, they enable lift truck access to semi trailers and cargo containers for loading and unloading. This can be at a permanent place of business or a short term work site. Ramps can be easily moved and the height can be adapted to fluctuating vehicle levels.
2. Stationary Yard Ramps: For locations that include a loading dock, stationary yard ramps can permit lift trucks and other equipment to proceed from dock level down to ground height and vice versa. Since this style of ramp doesn’t need to be relocated often, it generally doesn’t have the positioning equipment supplied with a mobile ramp.

Yard Ramp Configuration

Yard ramps are typically steel construction, although there are also lighter weight aluminum options on the market. The length of a yard ramp varies by application, but they are generally about 30-40 feet long. Ramps that are made for loading and unloading have a "level off" segment at the top of the incline so that forklifts can more easily move about.

Portable yard ramps are generally outfitted with solid pneumatic tires so they can be easily relocated. Ramps can be rotated with a forklift using a positioning sleeve attached to the bottom end of the ramp. The height of the ramp can be adjusted with a hydraulic unit.

Ramp surfaces vary, but are commonly made of steel diamond plate or grating. Side rails stop forklifts or other vehicles from rolling over the edge. At the elevated end of the ramp there is a lip designed to extend over the trailer deck or loading dock surface.

Yard Ramp Applications

As outlined, yard ramps can either allow retrieval of freight or goods from truck height, or permit equipment to travel on and off of a loading dock. That can be beneficial in many different situations:

• Building Access For Vehicles: Yard ramps can allow lift trucks to move freely on properties that have both a plant or warehouse and a storage yard. They can also allow other vehicles like pickup trucks or vans to drive into a facility for loading and unloading or maintenance. For buildings that require routine travel from ground to dock, there are also stationary ramp options that can be installed.
• Industrial Storage Yards: Yard ramps are often used in industrial storage yards where it is not possible to install a loading dock.
• Equipment Movement: Moving heavy equipment is another popular application, whether it's for construction, oil & gas, mining, forestry or other businesses that utilize large equipment.
• Work Sites: While yard ramps are common in the construction industry, there are many other remote work site situations where ramps may be useful: military supplies and equipment, agricultural totes, outdoor concerts and events, etc.
• Dock Expansion: When a facility doesn’t have enough loading dock slots available, whether because of volume peaks or unexpected demand, yard ramps can quickly increase capacity on a temporary basis without construction.

Yard Ramps Near Me

For yard ramp questions, sales or rentals, talk to a material handling professional at Raymond West today. We have a vast array of options for nearly any application.

Raymond West's Fresno facility serves much of the Central Valley, including Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Visalia, Tulare, Lindsay, Hanford, Lemoore, Los Banos, Santa Nella, Dos Palos, Firebaugh, Kettleman City, Coalinga, Avenal, Mendota, Kerman, San Joaquin, and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Fresno Material Handling Equipment Supplier

2935 S Elm Ave #101
Fresno, CA 93706
(559) 264-7500