What is a Yard Ramp?

A yard ramp is the equivalent of a transportable loading dock. These ramps can be adjoined to the opening of a freight container, semi trailer or rail car to allow access by lift trucks or pallet trucks.

Yard ramps have two basic functions and have two different categories:

1. Mobile Yard Ramps: For buildings lacking a loading dock, they enable forklift access to trucks and cargo containers for loading and unloading. This can be at a permanent place of business or a temporary job site. Ramps can be readily relocated and the height can be adapted to fluctuating vehicle levels.
2. Stationary Yard Ramps: For buildings that are equipped with a loading dock, stationary yard ramps can enable lift trucks and other vehicles to proceed from dock level down to ground level and vice versa. Because this type of ramp doesn’t need to be moved on a regular basis, it generally doesn’t possess the positioning equipment included with a portable ramp.

Yard Ramp Configuration

Yard ramps are primarily steel construction, but there are also lighter weight aluminum styles available. Yard ramp lengths vary by type, but they are generally in the 30'-40' range. Ramps that are made for loading and unloading have a "level off" segment at the top of the incline so that forklifts are able to maneuver.

Portable yard ramps are generally configured with solid pneumatic tires so they can be easily relocated. Ramps can be moved with a forklift using a positioning sleeve affixed to 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 grating or diamond plate. Rails along the sides impede forklifts or other equipment from rolling over the edge. On the top side of the ramp there is a lip designed to extend over the trailer deck or loading dock edge.

Yard Ramp Applications

As outlined, yard ramps can either allow retrieval of freight or goods from truck height, or permit equipment to move on and off of a loading dock. That can be useful in several scenarios:

• Vehicle Access To Buildings: Yard ramps can enable lift trucks to move without restriction on properties that have both a warehouse or production plant 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. If your facility requires cotinual travel from dock to ground, stationary ramps are an excellent choice.
• Industrial Storage Yards: A very common use of yard ramps is in industrial storage yards where loading docks are not an option.
• Equipment Movement: 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: While yard ramps are common in the construction industry, there are many other remote job site situations where ramps may be employed: military supplies and equipment, agricultural totes, outdoor concerts and events, etc.
• Dock Expansion: When a plant or warehouse does not have enough loading dock capacity, whether because of volume peaks or unexpected 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, talk to a material handling expert at Raymond West today. We have a wide array of options for nearly any application.

Raymond West's Fremont facility serves all of the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Leandro, Hayward, Union City, Fremont, San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Mateo, South San Francisco, Richmond, Vallejo, Concord, Pleasanton, Livermore and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | San Francisco Bay Area Material Handling Equipment Supplier

41400 Boyce Rd
Fremont, CA 94538
(800) 675-2500