Factors in Choosing a Forklift Ramp

If you need to purchase a forklift ramp, this isn’t a decision you can make just off the top of your head. There are a number of factors to consider before making a purchase. That’s because there are a variety of different options to choose from. What, then should you consider? Here are a few factors that will matter.

Do You Need Mobile or Stationary?

A mobile ramp will include wheels so that it can be moved from trailer to trailer or from one container to another very easily. (How to Select a Ramp for Forklifts, Trailers, and Docks) If you know the ramp will be moved around, then a mobile model may be the best option. However, if you don’t plan on moving it, a stationary model may be right for you. It will be sturdier and will connect directly with the container, trailer, or building you need it to.

What Length Do You Need?

You do have to consider the length of the ramp so that the forklift can get the right clearance and tilt to actually get loads off the ground. You will need to look at your location and determine the length of ramp you require. In many situations, a 36 foot forklift ramp will be ideal since it gives 6 foot of level ground clearance as well as a 30 foot straight ramp.

Do You Need Special Options?

Many ramps come with hydraulic adjustment systems and it is a good idea to look for this feature. That’s because with hydraulics, the ramp can be adjusted to suit your loading and unloading space perfectly. It will make work go more smoothly and it will certainly be safer for your workers.

Do You Need Extra Features?

If you determine that you want mobile forklift ramps, then you will also need tow bars and ramp clamps so that it can be moved around and properly secured when put in place. If you purchase a stationary ramp, then you may wish to choose a sling to make the ramp more stable. In either case, make sure you purchase the right accessories to ensure your forklift ramp can be used properly and to ensure your workers are safe whenever they use the ramp and other equipment.

A forklift ramp isn’t just useful if you need to move supplies from trailers or from a warehouse, it is actually vital. Otherwise, you will have no way of getting the forklift to the goods, so you will not be able to do business. Choosing the right ramp means keeping the right factors in mind as well. You need to choose the right ramp that has the right features and length. If you take the time to make the right decisions in advance, you will have no problem making the ramp work properly in your facility.

How to Determine the Forklift Ramp Safety

There aren’t a lot of businesses that need to have a use for a forklift ramp. These are ramps that allow for the movement of the forklift and the goods that it is carrying to be moved from one level to another. Most often the goods are moved from the yard of a cargo area to a different level of that same area. This can be a simple maneuver for an experienced forklift operator. Even thought a forklift is a pretty standard form of work tool for any loading area, the use of these machines is going to provide many safety risks.  To operate a forklift legally the driver has to undergo training and take a test in order to hold a certificate of operation. This is like a license for forklift operators which show a certain acumen and expertise in the area of operating a forklift. Following are a few helpful hints to help maintain forklift ramp safety in the workplace.

It is important to start off by understanding that the forklift is going to ride and control differently depending on the weight of the load being carried. The driver has to make adjustments, especially as they maneuver up or down a forklift ramp.  The safe movement of the products is the major goal and there are a few safety guidelines that need to be followed specifically when it comes to operating on this slanted surface in one piece.  The first thing that an operator must do is to slow down as they approach the ramp. This would seem like common sense but as the ramp is approached the speed needs to be lowered consistently. Many people would approach the ramp with more speed to gain momentum for the climb but not with a forklift. Higher speeds will cause accidents because the center of gravity is easily thrown off by a machine of this design. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to forklift operation.

Other things that a person can do the make a forklift ramp safer is to move the forklift in reverse up a ramp when the forks are empty. This allows both the forks to be protected and for any bystanders to be able to avoid an injury from a misguided fork. This also means to drive frontwards down a ramp as well when the forks are empty. This is the safest mode of transportation when it comes to forklift operation.

It also makes a lot of sense for the operator to tilt the forks to the back when carrying a load of any kind on a forklift ramp. This will move the weight of the load more over the front tires. This will make the balance of the load better and provide much less chance for the load to fall over and crush a worker or the operator of the vehicle. Stability is the key when it comes to driving and operation a forklift.  With a load on the forklift, it should be driven up the ramp frontwards providing the most stable and safest mode of forklift operation.