What is a Yard Ramp?

A yard ramp is basically a moveable loading dock. This style of ramp can be abutted against the entrance of a shipping container, trailer or rail car to permit access by forklifts or pallet jacks.

Yard ramps have two primary roles and have two distinct categories:

1. Mobile Yard Ramps: For locations that don’t have a loading dock, they allow forklift access to trucks and shipping containers for loading and unloading. This can be at a permanent location or a temporary job site. Ramps can be easily repositioned and the height can be adapted to various vehicle levels.
2. Stationary Yard Ramps: For facilities that are equipped with a loading dock, stationary yard ramps can allow forklifts and other equipment to move from dock level down to ground level and vice versa. Because this type of ramp doesn’t need to be relocated on a regular basis, it generally doesn’t have the positioning equipment supplied with a portable ramp.

Yard Ramp Configuration

Yard ramps are primarily made of steel, although there are also lighter weight aluminum options on the market. Yard ramp lengths vary by type, but they are usually in the 30'-40' range. Ramps designed for lift truck traffic have a "level off" segment at the top of the slope so that forklifts can more easily maneuver.

Portable yard ramps are frequently equipped with solid pneumatic tires so they can be easily positioned. Ramps can be rotated with a fork truck using a positioning sleeve attached to one end of the ramp. The angle of the ramp is modified with a hydraulic pump.

Ramp surfaces vary, but are commonly constructed of steel grating or diamond plate. Rails along the sides prevent forklifts or other vehicles from going over the edge. On the top side of the ramp there is a lip meant to extend over the trailer deck or loading dock edge.

Yard Ramp Applications

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

• Vehicle Access To Buildings: Yard ramps can enable forklifts to travel without restriction in facilities 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 drive into a facility for loading and unloading or maintenance. For buildings that require routine movement from ground to dock, stationary ramps are an excellent choice.
• Material Storage Yards: Yard ramps are often used in material storage yards where loading docks are not an option.
• Equipment Relocation: Moving heavy equipment is another popular application, whether it's for oil & gas, construction, mining, forestry or other businesses that use large equipment.
• Work Sites: While yard ramps are common in the construction industry, there are many other remote work site scenarios where ramps may be useful: military supplies and equipment, agricultural totes, outdoor festivals and concerts, etc.
• Dock Expansion: When a warehouse doesn’t 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 vast range of options for almost any application.

Raymond West's Tucson facility serves Pima County, including Tucson, South Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita and surrounding areas

Raymond West | Tucson Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Tucson Service Area
(520) 729-4222