Yard ramps
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Yard ramps, also known as Container Ramps, are devices used to allow forklifts to enter shipping containers or trucks when elevated loading docks are not available.
Shipping containers are normally loaded and unloaded through the rear doors using Fork-lift trucks The ramps are approx. 12m. long and are placed at the back of a container truck so that they provide access for fork lifts to enter up the ramp and safely into the container.
Yard Ramps are also frequently used to unload curtain-sided trailers which were originally loaded with pallets from the rear as these cannot then be unloaded from the side as normal.
Typically the deck of yard ramps are approx. 2.25 m wide with an overall length of about 12m.[1] They are designed to be mobile and towed into position by fork lift.
All Yard Ramps have to be adjustable for height from 1.0m. to 1.7m. to suit different trucks. The method of height adjustment can be manual, hydraulic hand pump, or electric motor. However electric motors require connecting to a power supply via cables which is not practical for most mobile situations, and hydraulic systems are very prone to reliability problems and costly maintenance. Manual adjustment of the landing legs is therefore usually regarded as the best solution.
Most standard Yard Ramps have a rated capacity of 10T, but most makers usually provide alternative heavy duty designs up to 15T. capacity.[1]
