Heavy Duty Loading Ramps

Why use fitted heavy duty loading ramps? Experience has taught us that using ramps for loading vans can be very handy as we handle a lot of things that have their own wheels. We have used the portable type, similar to those you see on public transport, carried in the back of the van. They work great up to a point. The safe working load for them can be pretty low which can cause them to break or be damaged . They can also be difficult to secure to the van. This brings the potential of slipping off the van risking damage to the item being loaded.

So with these factors in mind, we choose to use a heavy duty loading ramp that is permanently mounted to the van.  They come in various lengths and widths.  Constructed in aluminium or steel, they can offer carry weights from 150kg to 1200kg.  While weighing between 50kg and 200kg themselves.  They give several advantages over tail-lifts.

1. • Ease Of Use:
     • • The ramp is stored inside, upright against the door of the van.  (Side or rear)  Meaning you don’t have to find a spot in the back of the van to keep it.  They can also be  hinged at the side to  allow it to be opened  outwards to access the cargo area of the van, or inwards to stow it out of the way until you need it. 
     • • They have gas strut assistance to help open and close them meaning operation is usually no heavier than opening the boot of the average hatchback.
       • They have less moving parts and Do Not  have hydrolic or electric systems making them much lighter and far more reliable than a Tail-lift.
       • They come in various lengths, widths and SWL weight limits to suit the size your vehicle and have a smaller footprint than a tail-lift.  
       • They can be mounted to a van, truck or trailer.
       • They can be utilised as a drawbridge to a loading dock or another vehicle.

1. • Specifications (for the 400kg SWL model):
     
     • • Width:  1200mm.
     • • Length – open:  2500mm.
     • • Weight: Approximately 100kg. (added to vehicle kerb weight)
     • • Closed Height : 1300mm.
       • Self adjusting end flaps to give close contact to the floor.
       • 90 degree swivel opening to allow access to the cargo area.

1. • Applications:
     
     • • Pretty much anything on wheels can be loaded using a heavy duty loading ramp such as the WM Systems Lite-Plus providing a safe and efficient solution.

1. • Risk Management:
     
     • • Remember when moving large, heavy items there is always risk involved. Particularly on ramps.  PPE such as Gloves and Safety Boots should be worn.  Really heavy items should be loaded with the assistance of a winch to prevent the load from running away down the ramp.