Material Handling
Life of a Yard Ramp
Yard ramps are some of the largest and most impressive ramps used in material handling and industrial applications. They start their lives shiny and new and live a long life, traveling many miles across the country to various locations to help out as temporary loading docks.
Portable Dock Ramp
Acting as a temporary loading dock, yard ramps are attached to the back side of a stationary commercial truck and are used to unload a truck, typically with a forklift. This is why they are also referred to as forklift ramps. The height of the yard ramp adjusts to match the height of the back of the truck.
Safety Features
The sides of the ramp have an edge that acts as a safety feature, preventing the forklift from driving off the edge. The surface is made from non slip material, a secondary added safety feature, among many of the safety features of the yard ramp.
Aluminum or Steel?
Yard ramps act as portable loading docks and are made of aluminum or steel. Aluminum ramps are more expensive (50% more) than steel but are rust resistant. However steel is stronger than aluminum and resists cracking or breaking more than aluminum does. There is no evidence to prove that steel yard ramps will last longer but many prefer steel forklift ramps.
Although very large, yard ramps are highly mobile and can be quickly transported to distant locations. They are also called mobile ramps.
Ramps can be purchased or rented. Renting is a more economical option; however rental yard ramps can be more difficult to locate than buying a new one.
How Long Do Yard Ramps Last?
The life of a yard ramp is approximately 15-20 years. There is a market for used ramps. Ramps can be bought and sold with little depreciation of their value. Yard ramps could potentially last for longer than 20 years if they are taken care of. Yard ramps will corrode if exposed to salt water.
Our company, Handi-Ramp, buys and sells used yard ramps. Please visit the Handi-Ramp yard ramp home page for details or call 1-800-876-RAMP to speak to a ramp expert.
