What is a Yard Ramp?

A yard ramp is the equivalent of a moveable loading dock. This style of ramp can be pushed up to the entrance of a cargo container, semi trailer or rail car to allow access by lift trucks or pallet jacks.

Yard ramps have two primary roles and have a couple of distinct categories:

1. Mobile Yard Ramps: For facilities that don’t have a loading dock, they permit forklift access to trailers and freight containers for loading and unloading. Mobile ramps can be used at a permanent location or a temporary job site. Ramps can be easily moved and the height can be changed to different vehicle levels.
2. Stationary Yard Ramps: For facilities that have a loading dock, a yard ramp can allow forklifts and other equipment to move from dock level down to ground level and vice versa. Because this type of ramp isn’t moved often, it typically doesn’t possess the positioning equipment supplied with a portable ramp.

Yard Ramp Configuration

Yard ramps are most often made of steel, although there are also lighter weight aluminum styles available. The length of a yard ramp varies by application, but they are generally in the 30'-40' range. Ramps designed for lift truck traffic have a "level off" length at the top of the slope so that forklifts are able to maneuver.

Mobile yard ramps are typically outfitted with solid pneumatic tires so they can be efficiently positioned. Ramps can be rotated with a fork truck using a positioning sleeve mounted on the low side of the ramp. The height of the ramp can be adjusted with a hydraulic pump.

Ramp decking varies, but is often made of steel diamond plate or grating. Side rails impede lift trucks or other vehicles from going over the edge. At the elevated end of the ramp there is a lip meant to extend over the trailer floor or loading dock edge.

Yard Ramp Applications

As outlined, yard ramps can either enable cargo flow to and from truck height, or permit vehicles to travel on and off of a loading dock. That can be beneficial in many different situations:

• Building Access For Vehicles: Yard ramps can enable forklifts to move freely on properties that have both a warehouse or production plant and a storage yard. In addition, they can enable other vehicles like delivery vans or small trucks to enter a building for loading and unloading or maintenance. If your facility requires frequent travel from ground to dock, there are also stationary ramp options that can be installed.
• Material Storage Yards: Yard ramps are often used in material storage yards where it is not possible to install a loading dock.
• Equipment Relocation: Moving heavy equipment is another popular application, whether it's for construction, oil & gas, forestry, mining or other businesses that utilize heavy equipment.
• Work Sites: Yard ramps are often used at construction job sites to deliver materials, but there are many other remote work site situations where they may be put to use: military supplies and equipment, agricultural totes, outdoor events and concerts, etc.
• Dock Expansion: When a plant or warehouse doesn’t have enough loading dock slots available, whether because of volume peaks or seasonal demand, yard ramps can quickly increase capacity temporarily.

Yard Ramps Near Me

If you have question about yard ramps or need to discuss sales or rentals, contact a material handling expert at Raymond West today. We have a vast range of options for almost any application.

Raymond West's Long Beach service area includes Long Beach, North Long Beach, Wilmington, San Pedro, Lomita, Torrance and nearby surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Long Beach Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Long Beach
(562) 444-1222