What is a Yard Ramp?

A yard ramp is essentially a transportable loading dock. It's a ramp that can be abutted against the opening of a freight container, semi trailer or railroad car to allow access by lift trucks or pallet trucks.

Yard ramps have two main functions and have two different types:

1. Mobile Yard Ramps: For facilities lacking a loading dock, they permit lift truck access to trailers and cargo containers for loading and unloading. This can be at a fixed location or a short term job site. Ramps can be easily moved and the height can be adjusted to different vehicle levels.
2. Stationary Yard Ramps: For locations that include a loading dock, a yard ramp can allow lift trucks and other vehicles to move from dock height down to ground height and vice versa. Because this type of ramp isn’t relocated often, it generally doesn’t have the positioning features included with a mobile ramp.

Yard Ramp Configuration

Yard ramps are most often steel construction, however there are also lighter weight aluminum options on the market. Yard ramp lengths vary by application, but they are usually about 30-40 feet long. Ramps designed for lift truck traffic have a "level off" length at the top of the slope so that forklifts are able to move about.

Mobile yard ramps are typically outfitted with solid pneumatic tires so they can be easily relocated. Ramps can be rotated with a forklift using a positioning sleeve affixed to one end of the ramp. The angle of the ramp is adjusted with a hydraulic unit.

Ramp surfaces vary, but are commonly made of steel diamond plate or grating. Rails along the sides stop lift trucks or other vehicles from going over the edge. On the top side of the ramp there is a lip designed to extend over the trailer deck or loading dock surface.

Yard Ramp Applications

As mentioned, yard ramps can either allow cargo flow to and from truck height, or allow vehicles to move on and off of a loading dock. That can be advantageous in many different situations:

• Vehicle Access To Buildings: Yard ramps can allow lift trucks to move without restriction on properties that have both a plant or warehouse and an outside storage yard. In addition, they can enable other vehicles like pickup trucks or vans to drive into a facility for loading and unloading or maintenance. If your facility requires frequent movement from ground to dock, there are also stationary ramp options that can be installed.
• Industrial Storage Yards: Yard ramps are often used in material storage yards where no loading docks can be built.
• Equipment Relocation: Moving heavy equipment is another popular application, whether it's for construction, oil & gas, mining, forestry or other industries that use heavy equipment.
• Work Sites: Although construction job sites are one of the most common uses for mobile yard ramps, there are many other remote job site situations where ramps may be put to use: military supplies and equipment, agricultural totes, outdoor concerts and events, etc.
• Dock Expansion: When a plant or warehouse does not have enough loading dock slots available, whether because of volume peaks or seasonal demand, yard ramps can help 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 range of choices for nearly any application.

Raymond West's Ontario, California facility serves parts of Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County, including Ontario, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, La Verne, San Dimas, Covina, West Covina, Pomona, Diamond Bar, Rowland Heights, Chino, Norco, Eastvale, Corona, Jurupa Valley, San Bernardino, Rialto and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Ontario California Material Handling Equipment Supplier

4602 E Brickell St
Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 930-9399