Loading ramps are required to make the process of transporting equipment and machinery more effective and less labour intensive. Using loading ramps can help your business improve the quality of work and use of space. Stable loading ramps improve the speed and efficiency of work as items can be loaded with ease, which reduces the risk when loading equipment and protects the workers.
Aluminium ramps are widely used for safely loading and unloading vehicles and tracked and wheeled machines and equipment. There are different types of aluminium ramps allowing different operations to be carried out.
However, the three main categories are aluminium folding ramps, lightweight aluminium ramps and aluminium ramps for heavy loads. While the first two are generally used to load light vehicles or small equipment, the aluminium ramps for heavy loads, known as well as aluminium excavator ramps are suitable for loading all types of machines.
They are manufactured with profiles that reinforce the structure along its length, but also intermediate profiles that stiffen the structure and allow the passage of tracks or wheels. The size of the profiles guarantees their loading capacity and resistance. Usually, these ramps have loading capacities from 1 up to 26 tonnes and are used for loading and unloading mini excavators, mini loaders, backhoe loaders, wheeled and tracked excavators and more.
How to Choose the Right Excavator Loading Ramps
Whether you are in the construction industry or any other industry that involves heavy machinery, you need a pair of loading ramps that will support your excavator without cracking, bending or having your machine slip. Finding the right excavator ramps can be a daunting task, so here are some of the most important things you need to consider when buying your aluminium excavator ramps.
The Weight of Your Excavator
The excavator ramps you choose should support the weight of your machine. Make your decision based on the heaviest possible weight of your machine, including all the liquids, such as engine oil and hydraulic oil and the attachments, such as hammers, grabs, racks, buckets or else. Simply put, whatever you plan on moving up and down the ramps should be included in your machine weight, even the person operating it.
And make sure to never compromise on the price because if the ramps crack under pressure, you can easily end up with an empty job site. Spending a little bit extra on the initial cost can pay off well in the long run.
The Length of the Loading Ramps
The ramp length depends on the height of your truck or tipper. It’s important to get the right ramp length because if the ramps are too short for your machine, there is a risk of sliding or rolling, which can cause a lot of issues and cause potentially serious injuries or death to any of the people involved in the working process.
The Ramp Rung Type
Whether your machine has steel or rubber tracks can make all the difference when you are choosing aluminium loading ramps. Steel track machines need ramps with specially designed rungs for steel tracks, while rubber track machines need ramps designed for rubber tracks and rubber tyres.
Loading a steel track machine onto ramps that are designed for rubber tracks is impossible and can only cause trouble. However, it’s good to know that rubber tracks can use ramps designed for steel tracks, so if you have both types of machines, you can opt for the ramps with steel track rungs.
Benefits of Aluminium Loading Ramps
Lightweight and Strong
Aluminium is a lightweight, weatherproof and durable material that can be used in outdoor locations without rusting or compromising its quality. Although lightweight, aluminium provides a strong reliable surface for machinery to be loaded on. Aluminium loading ramps are available in a number of lengths, widths and weights to ensure you can find the right one for your needs.
Safe
Aluminium is a safe option in high-risk industrial settings, especially if there are flammable substances around, as it doesn’t spark when rubbed against other metals.
Quality Finish
From an aesthetic viewpoint, aluminium is also a great choice. It’s a clean looking material and can be easily anodised, varnished or treated with many different coverings. Thanks to its anti-corrosive qualities, it’s looking good for a very long time.
Sustainability
Also, by choosing aluminium loading ramps, you can ensure minimal environmental impact. Aluminium recycling has been around for many years and these days many industry products come from recycled aluminium. So, when your ramp is no longer useful, it can be recycled as well.
How to Take Care of Your Aluminium Loading Ramps
After use, clean the ramps of any dirt accumulated during transit, like oil, grease, mud, stones or else. It’s a good practice that can prevent vehicles from slipping when ascending or descending. Avoid using cleaning products that contain degreasing agents based on halogenated organic solvents.
Make sure to check the condition of the ramps before and after every use. If you notice any faults, such as structural deformations, cracks in the welding or else, contact the manufacture and request a check. It’s forbidden to use ramps that have any faults before written clearance is received from the manufacturer.
In the end, remember to always make sure you have the right safety equipment (https://www.themostpopular.com.au/what-makes-hi-vis-work-clothing-such-a-popular-piece-of-safety-equipment/) and accessories to safely load your vehicle. For optimal safety, consider wearing protective gear and protective eyewear.