In A Stable Condition: Mobile Loading Platforms

There's an old adage about a jack-of-all-trades being a master of none. It's fair comment but it could be considered rather short sighted. When it comes to load-handling equipment, there are assemblies that are in effect jacks of two trades - and masters of both. Here's how mobile loading platforms can be both stable and flexible.

Picture the scene: you have a number of dedicated loading bays but undertaking hand unloading of deliveries represents inefficiency at best, and downtime at worst. In another scenario, you may not have any fixed loading bays. The solution in both these settings is using one or more mobile loading platforms.

"If Mohammad can't go to the mountain, let the mountain come to Mohammad.", said the English philosopher Frances Bacon, in 1625. In this instance, however, the mountain (the loading facility) can go to Mohammed (the truck to be unloaded). How? Mobile loading platforms are equipped with forklift pockets and can be placed next to the truck in question, wherever the terrain permits.

So, what about stability and safe working? Mobile loading platforms are available with safe working loads of 3,000kg or more. They come in various sizes and may even be designed to answer your specific needs. They have flaps that sit on the load bed of the truck being unloaded, and chains are used to close off openings that are not in use. An access ladder is provided and handrails are included. You may have noted by now that there is no mention of a power supply or hydraulic operation. Mobile loading platforms need neither - no hassle, minimal service and maintenance requirements, no problem.

Mobile yard ramps are of a tried, tested and trusted design, as well as being simple, strong and stable. Consequently, the list of optional extras is small. There is the abovementioned range of alternative sizes, and bespoke platforms for special situations are available. A variety of gates and handrails are also offered; mobile loading platforms may be tailored as individual items or as part of a collection. Stability in use - and therefore safety - can be enhanced with the aid of securing chains and/or vehicle chocks, and additional anti-slip surfaces may be specified. Moveable castors are also on offer to augment mobility. Plus, British (and Northern European) weather being what it is, canopies are available to keep your personnel, and the goods in transit from truck to destination, unaffected by rain, or worse.

You could say that usually, a problem is a solution waiting to be discovered. Mobile loading platforms can represent the solution to any number of problems at the business end of the logistical chain. They can be stored until needed, placed with remarkable ease, need very little servicing and maintenance, and they can pay for themselves many times over. Their simplicity gives them a satisfyingly long service life and, in comparison to that of a fixed, dedicated loading bay, their cost is modest.

In the case of a loading bay on which the demands are particularly variable, the flexibility of the loading and unloading arrangements made possible by mobile loading platforms is a positive advantage. However, using them as an adjunct to dedicated loading bays also facilitates the handling of unusual – and even one-off – cargo-handling tasks.

Chase Equipment are a leading international supplier of mobile yard ramps. See our website at Chase Equipment for more information.

Purchase Tacks: How to Buy Mobile Yard Ramps

Do you want to establish or upgrade your business’s goods-handling hardware? If so, you need to make a choice and nothing beats an informed choice. This guide contains all you need to know to make a successful purchase with a wholly reliable outcome.

First, ensure that the product you’re seeking is the right one for the task. In this instance, we must ask what mobile yard ramps are and what they can do for you and your business.

A mobile yard ramp provides a path from a truck’s load bed to a loading bay’s floor. After it’s positioned with the aid of a forklift truck, the ramp should be secured with chains; wheel chocks are also used to prevent movement. Mobile yard ramps can accommodate the vertical movement of the trailer on its suspension as the payload changes, and when the trailer is emptied (or filled), the ramp may be taken away and stowed pending its next use. Many ramps have integral side lifting pockets, which allow a forklift to load a ramp on to a truck, or to store it vertically against a wall.

These are the common uses of mobile yard ramps but a ramp can also form part of a modular dock. Ramps can also offer a pathway between a loading bay and the yard it serves. For this purpose, they may be fixed on a semi-permanent basis.

Now we know what mobile yard ramps can do, we can consider the advantages they offer. These are twofold, the most important being in terms of safety. Personnel working in or on a trailer, using a pallet truck to move goods rearwards for offloading, risk being struck by a moving forklift or falling off . Using a mobile yard ramp helps negate this. In addition, a standing truck gathers no funds. A mobile yard ramp appreciably reduces this downtime.

Are all mobile yard ramps the same? In general, they are. Four capacities are available, the standard seven, ten, 12 or 15-tonne ramps handling the vast majority of loading/unloading tasks. Such ramps can cater for a wide variety of load bed heights yet maintain a practicable gradient. A well-designed ramp will have safety raves, which are vertical barriers running longitudinally along the sides of the ramp. These are included to prevent a forklift from being driven off the side of the ramp.

Non-standard ramps can meet specific requirements. For example, a longer-than-usual level section, to allow tall, lengthy loads to pass beneath a trailer’s roof, can be given by a specially tailored ramp. Similarly, wider than standard ramps are available. Mobile yard ramps can also employ specialised extras, such as handrails and trailer safety jacks, to enhance their suitability for the job.

Mobile yard ramps have a tough job to do in all weathers so they must themselves be tough. Steel construction is typical and using this material effectively lets the ramps’ structure handle the dynamic loads imposed safely and efficiently. This in turn gives a long service life, reducing the need for fatigue maintenance. A scratch and chip-resistant finish gives the ramps a workmanlike appearance. Such a finish, especially one with rust-inhibiting qualities, also enhances service life.

A mobile yard ramp must, by definition, be movable. Manoeuvrability is to be expected but well-designed ramps are also easy to use. Finely balanced ramps with strong, urethane-tyred wheels are easily moved with a forklift, especially if they have an appropriate push/pull attachment. Look for safety raves of an adequate height and ensure that accessories including wheel chocks, safety chains and anchor brackets aren’t optional extras. Refinements such as side lifting pockets and operation using a fitted, hand-operated hydraulic pump should be included as standard. An expanded metal open-mesh working surface promotes grip and reduces weight.

We know what makes a good mobile yard ramp but what makes a good ramp manufacturer? A long history of manufacturing, servicing and maintenance is hard to beat, so seek a company with experience. Some companies also offer mobile yard ramp hire; this allows them to frequently and regularly monitor their products’ usability and longevity. Respected companies operate to the international standard ISO 9001, which is far and away the world’s most advanced quality framework. It’s also worth finding a company with membership of the Association of Lift Equipment Manufacturers (ALEM). Companies with this are certain to be aware of, and comply with, all current legislation.

There are significant advantages to buying British. Finding products from a ‘local’ manufacturer allows you to visit the factory and see items under construction. While it may be distressingly easy for a product’s shortcomings to be disguised with a smart finish and impressive badges, poor workmanship and/or cheap materials cannot be concealed during manufacture. In addition, look for a company that manufactures in-house, so it can cater for the majority of special requirements. Moreover, quality control standards are a matter of pride to any good manufacturer; don’t be afraid to ask about them.

This brings us to a crucial point. Even an impressive list of specifications can’t answer every question. For example, do you know exactly what type of mobile yard ramp you need? Can you give the exact weight capacity figures you want? Do you know the weight of the goods, the weight of what contains or carries them and the weight of your pallet trucks and forklifts? If you don’t, you’d be well advised to make a checklist. However, a good manufacturer will help you arrive at an exact product specification. This is particularly important as an incorrect specification can be an extremely costly mistake. Similarly, a massive range of products is offered by a huge array of suppliers but ‘cheapest’ rarely means ‘best’.

With the aid of the above, you should be able to tick all the boxes, finding the mobile yard ramps with the embellishments you need at a realistic price. Arguably more importantly, you’ll be able to find a trustworthy manufacturer who will give you an attractive quote supported by all the advice and information you need. Good hunting!

Chase Equipment are a leading international supplier of mobile yard ramps. See our website at Chase Equipment for more information.

Knowledge is Power: What You Should Know When Hiring Mobile Yard Ramps

For cargo handling tasks, what you have isn't always what you need. Then again, even the most efficient operation can't possibly own and offer every conceivable piece of hardware and remain competitive.

Take mobile yard ramps, for example. What seems a simple item actually comes in such a variety of sizes and specifications that it's highly unlikely that any one concern could even store all the different units, let alone keep them ready for use. There is an option used by most sensible cargo-handling firms. Like a lot of loading bay equipment, mobile yard ramps can be hired, on a short or long-term basis.

Starting with the basics, we can consider what you should look for. Steel construction is a worthwhile primary requirement, especially if the steel is protected with top quality paint that boasts rust inhibiting additives. However, sturdiness and good looks aren't everything. By definition, mobile yard ramps must be moveable and outstanding design and manufacturing standards are essential to ease of use.

Well-designed mobile yard ramps will be capable of transferring throughout their structure the substantial dynamic loads they must accommodate. Their ability to do this with loads up to, say, 12,000kg, transferring this to twin axles should be a given. The same goes for longevity – they have to cope with such loads day in, day out – for life.

Ease of use is another important factor. Mobile yard ramps may be moved using a forklift truck. Some have a pushing attachment for this purpose. The presence of a tough run-on plate is desirable; after all, having positioned the ramp, a forklift will have to use it. It's also desirable for mobile yard ramps to be finely balanced, making them easy to handle and manoeuvre. There is, in addition, the matter of setting the ramp to the required height. The inclusion of a hydraulic hand pump makes for quick and easy raising and lowering.

Hiring mobile yard ramps makes a lot of sense in terms of both practicality and economy. That said, it's well worth considering any hidden costs when negotiating hire arrangements. What hidden costs? The first that springs to mind is servicing. Mobile yard ramps might not look too complicated but they do have moving parts and there is also the matter of fatigue servicing. Are these included in the hire charge?

The same might apply to transportation. To cope with big, heavy loads, mobile yard ramps must themselves be big and heavy. For example, a 12-tonne ramp can be 11.7 metres long, 2.6 metres wide and weigh nearly 4,200kg. You may have the very vehicle to collect and return a ramp like this but if you haven't, face facts; one isn't going to fit on your car's roof rack. Are delivery and collection included and if they aren't what are the costs?

When hiring, as in many other contexts, knowledge is power. This principle has been known since the 16th Century and it remains useful to this day. Knowing about all the costs – including those that aren't immediately obvious – empowers you to strike the most enticing deal for you, your company and its clients.

If you are considering replacing your mobile yard ramp then contact us. We have designed the 'Titan' range of portable yard ramps to be hard wearing, easy to manoeuvre and simple to operate. Our website has more information at http://www.chaseequipment.co.uk/.

Mobile Yard Ramp Safety Tips

At Chase Equipment our mobile yard ramps come with safety chains and chocks. As with any industrial equipment care still needs to be taken to prevent accidents and injury.

To help we've compiled 10 safety tips for using a mobile yard ramp:

1. Mobile Yard Ramps are constructed of steel and designed to support heavy loads. But be careful not to exceed their maximum specified load capacity.

2. When unloading always use the chocks to prevent the yard ramp moving, even if the ground appears level. Never use the mobile yard ramp on a slope.

3. The ground beneath the mobile yard ramp must be solid, ideally concrete or tarmac. Do not use on grass even if the ground seems firm.

4. Extra care should be taken in adverse weather conditions such as frost and ice.

5. The lip plate of the mobile yard ramp must be securely connected to the rear of the container or truck. Attach the safety chains to prevent any movement.

6. Drive at a safe speed when towing the mobile yard ramp to a new location. Damage can be done to the legs if driven over bumps and potholes at excessive speed.

7. If the mobile yard ramp is stored outside check for signs of rust damage before use. Regular checks should always be made of the legs, wheels, lip plate and deck surface. Any damage must be immediately repaired before further use.

8. Check the level of the hydraulic fluid on yard ramps that use hydraulic operation to adjust their height. Always look for signs of leaking hydraulic fluid.

9. Do not use the mobile yard ramp to enter the back of the lorry or container when the forklift truck is in operation.

10. Do not extend the mobile yard ramp above its specified safe operating height.

If you are considering replacing your mobile yard ramp then contact us. We have designed the 'Titan' range of portable yard ramps to be hard wearing, easy to manoeuvre and simple to operate. Our website has more information at http://www.chaseequipment.co.uk/.

Five Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mobile Yard Ramp

The length of a yard ramp can vary between 10 metres up to 12 metres. Its width should be no less than 2.25m.

Ease of manoeuvrability and operator use are important factors when considering which design to choose. The front end of the ramp will normally have a towing hook or attachment device to enable the ramp to be towed by a forklift. Urethane-tyred wheels are ideal for moving the ramp. They are designed to be hard wearing but are inexpensive to replace if necessary. A hydraulic hand pump system will allow for easy height adjustment by the operator.

Light duty yard ramps can be made of aluminium but it is best to obtain one that is constructed of welded steel. This will withstand the rigours of the working environment with the minimal wear. A durable finish to the ramp with high specification paint will inhibit rust.

2) Capacity of Mobile Yard Ramp

The mobile yard ramp needs to be suitable for the cargo it is unloading. Its capacity must exceed the combined weight of the heaviest forklift truck and the heaviest weight of the loads that it will carry.

To anticipate heavy loads ensure the rated capacity of a mobile yard ramp is at least three times the weight of your largest forklift truck.

3) Mobile Yard Ramp Safety

Safety with a mobile yard ramp is very important, especially as you will be moving heavy loads with mobile vehicles on an elevated platform.

Choose a mobile yard ramp that has safety chains to ensure it is securely attached to the back of the vehicle or container. Always use wheel chocks to prevent the ramp moving.

The decking on a mobile yard ramp must have good grip. Open grill sheeting provides a tough, non-slip surface.

Always check the yard ramp for signs of wear and damage before use. Replace any parts as necessary.

4) Availability of Spares

Yard Ramps are built to last but because of the hard working environment in which they are used, damage and wear is inevitable. Only used approved parts for repair and maintenance, ideally obtained directly from the original ramp manufacturer.

At Chase Equipment we have ateam of experienced service engineers who will ensure the mobile yard ramp is maintained in good working condition.

5) Rent or Buy

Renting is the best short term solution if the use a mobile yard ramp is temporary. But because of the expense of transporting a yard ramp to its location, purchasing a mobile yard ramp can be the more cost effective in the long term.

We are a leading international supplier of mobile yard ramps. If you need a mobile yard ramp for a short period due to changing requirements, want to hire long term to minimise capital expenditure or simply would like to try before you buy, give us a call 01902 675 835 or visit our website at http://www.chaseequipment.co.uk/.

Tailored ramp and dock leveller installation

Chase Equipment have recently installed two static ramps and dock levellers for a Worldwide Chemical Company. The shortened Titan 7 mobile yard ramps are fitted to dock levellers on modules complete with traffic lifts and pedestrian access stairs. The scheme is designed to accommodate heavy usage and quick turnaround to vehicles. The static ramps were shortened to give the minimum length of scheme possible (whilst giving a workable ramp gradient) due to turning circle constraints within the road.