How to Choose the Right Container Ramp?

The conveyance of goods is essential in the modern world. So it’s difficult to imagine what we’d do without the container ramp—a fast and simple way for companies to move commodities between the ground and a container. Or, in industry lingo, the “stuffing” and “destuffing” of products.

There are a variety of container ramps sold in the market, and the one you require should correspond with the exact size of your container, how you intend to use it and the type of material you’ll be transporting. In this guide, we’ll explain how to buy the right container ramp.

Height Range

The maximum incline of a container ramp is 7 degrees or 1 in 8, although several yard ramps are designed to raise beyond this angle. When choosing a portable ramp, it is crucial that you are mindful of the ideal height range required, i.e., measure all the vehicles used on your work site, and make sure the ramp is capable of reaching these positions.

Capacity or Rated Load

The weight of the biggest moving load in your business (including material, workers and transport vehicles) for which the ramp is designed must be taken into account. Always check what the stated capacities are for total load (uniformly distributed load: UDL) or for single axle (dynamic load) capacities. Under intense braking, it is quite possible to have the entire weight of the forklift moves on its front wheels only. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the single axle rating of the forklift container ramp is high enough.

Forklift Type

For example, a 3-wheeled forklift will exert more pressure on the surface of a container ramp. Hence, it is essential to confirm that the manufacturer has considered this in the ramp they sell. It is also worthwhile to check the vehicles to be employed are capable of operating safely on the slope at which the container ramp will be utilized and have no issues with clearance. Using on the incline of a container ramp can also significantly lower the running time of battery-powered forklifts. Consult with your manufacturer for more details.

Future Proofing

Think about the odds of any changes to operations within your business. That’s why it is always better to be future-proof by over specifying instead of underspecifying.

Frequency of Use & Load Dimension

The frequent use, especially in the situation of shift working, can result in damage to a container ramp that is only engineered for minimal usage. Also, before buying the container ramp, you should consider the size of the goods being loaded or unloaded. Narrow, high-side curbs will impede the movement of wide items. Long items may touch the inside roof of the shipping container if the level off-top section is very short.

Review Connection Point Options

Container ramps must fit firmly with the link point of your shipping container. Different container forklift ramps will achieve this in different ways. Some have cutouts that will go over and around your container locks. Others have a lip lock that covers the container locks completely. And some of the others are attached to the container’s edge without touching the locks at all yet have chains you can lock into the given spot to prevent slippage.

Select a Suitable Traction Surface

The traction surface you select will depend on your vehicle and your climate on the jobsite. Smooth surface coatings are preferred for dry conditions, while grit coatings are preferred in areas of heavy precipitation. On the other hand, diamond plate has strong anti-skid properties no matter what the climate at the place of work, and punch plate surfaces offer better traction for forklifts in icy and snowy environments.

To Summarize

To put it simply, choosing the right container ramp boils down to your operational needs like load capacity, durability, safety features, and so on. A well-designed container ramp guarantees error-free loading and unloading, eliminates the risk factor and improves productivity. Always validate for quality build, proper weight support, and anti-slip surfaces. If you require a reliable and durable lifting solution, contact Mostar Lift without any second thought. They are recognized for their lift platforms all over the world and focus on long service life, safety and durability.