Selecting the Right Ramp
At Thorworld we recognise that not every user has the same requirements for a container ramp; we believe in providing a selection of ramps, giving you the choice to select a ramp which is not only cost effective but suitable for your operation. Operationally there are two distinct styles of ramps to suit your preferred method of entry and towing:
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| Integrated entry type: Constant slope along full incline section of ramp. Movement by standard FLT fork secured into towing hitch. | Folding entry type: Entry ramps fold up to allow towing behind a FLT via external towing pocket. Fixed entry angle to ramp, regardless of ramp height before transition onto main incline section. |
Our ramps are also classified by usage:
- Standard: Ideal for the majority of situations where ramps are used 3-4 times per day, typically on a one-shift system. These represent our most economic range of ramps for standard use.
- Deluxe: Recommended for medium to heavy-duty continual use for one-shift operation. These represent an economic, robust and durable product able to stand up to this type of usage.
- Super Deluxe: Recommended for heavy-duty continual multi-shift usage or 24/7 operation. These are our most robust and durable products, and are suited to the harsh conditions typically seen in the recycling industry.
Specification List:
| Class | Capacity (Kg) | Ramp Type |
Length (m) |
Level-Off Section Length (m) |
Usable Width (mm) |
Height Differential (mm) | ||
| Min Poss. |
Max Poss. |
Max Recomm. |
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| Standard | 6,000 | 10 | 10.9 | 1840 | 2240 | 950 | 1680 | 1070 |
| Standard | 7,000 | 10 | 11 | 1840 | 2240 | 950 | 1680 | 1070 |
| Standard | 7,000 | 11 | 11 | 1840 | 2240 | 950 | 1680 | 1070 |
| Standard | 10,000 | 11 | 11 | 1840 | 2240 | 950 | 1680 | 1070 |
| Deluxe | 7,000 | 7 | 11.4 | 2400 | 2240 | 890 | 1680 | 1070 |
| Deluxe | 10,000 | 6 | 12.2 | 2400 | 2240 | 890 | 1680 | 1250 |
| Deluxe | 10,000 | 7 | 11.4 | 2400 | 2240 | 890 | 1680 | 1070 |
| Super Deluxe | 12,000 | 6 | 12.2 | 2400 | 2240 | 890 | 1680 | 1250 |
| Super Deluxe | 15,000 | 6 | 12.2 | 2400 | 2190 | 890 | 1680 | 1250 |
| Optional Extras / Accessories | ||||||||
| Wheel Chocks: Wheel Chocks are required when operating Mobile Yardramps. A minimum of two ramp chocks and two vehicle chocks are recommended. | ||||||||
| Electrical pump upgrade: An alternative to the standard hydraulic hand pump is the option of an electrical pump, this can be used to raise the ramp with the press of a button. The electrical pump is available in three types, 110V, 240V, and 415V 3-Phase depending on the power available on site. Please note: The 110v pump is not compatible with our 12,000 or 15,000kg capacity ramps. Additional accessories on the ramp may also affect the powerpack suitability – please discuss this with your sales contact. | ||||||||
| Three-Wheeled FLT’s: All our Yard Ramps are designed, tested and approved using four wheeled trucks. It is important that we advise that if three wheeled trucks are to be used this puts 50% extra point loading onto flooring and as a result additional flooring supports will be required to prevent damage. This option is priced extra for the standard models and included automatically with the Deluxe and Super Deluxe models. | ||||||||
| Handrails: If pedestrians need to walk on the ramp, we strongly recommend full length handrails to both sides. | ||||||||
| Anti-slip Grit flooring may also be required to the entry and exit sections of the ramp, particularly if pedestrians will be on the ramp. | ||||||||
| Non-Standard colour: Ramps are painted Red as standard. We can paint in non-standard colours by request, at an additional cost. | ||||||||
| External FLT Towing Adaptor: Folding Entry Type ramps are towed behind your FLT. When turning tightly, ‘internal’ towing pockets on FLT’s can cause the ramps to bind – external pockets are therefore required to prevent damage and improve usability. If your FLT has an internal towing pocket, we can provide an adaptor to suit – please ask for prices/details. | ||||||||
| One-Man Operation (Telescopic) Tow Adaptor: This adaptor can be retro fitted to Folding Entry Type ramps. This allows the ramp to be moved in a similar way to Integrated Entry Type ramps, for one-man operation. | ||||||||
Raising and lowering of ramps for height adjustment is achieved by means of a hand operated hydraulic pump, which raises the ramp. To lower, a valve is released and the ramp lowers. The hydraulic system used allows the ramp to safely ‘float’ with the vehicle during loading/unloading, ensuring maximum safety at all times.
Capacities stated are total load, but all our ramps are tested in the worst case scenario; with the total load applied through a single axle, which occurs when a fully loaded FLT brakes harshly. Important: Check that other manufacturers’ ramps are the same, not simply UDL.
Special ramps can also be manufactured to your specification, subject to quotation.
See the Accessories section for information on accessories available, and recommended, for use with our container ramps.
Points to consider:
Some important points to consider when purchasing a mobile ramp include:
- Future Proofing – Consider the likelihood of any changes to operations within the company; it is always better to future proof by over specifying rather than under specifying.
- Capacity or Rated Load – The weight of the greatest moving load (including goods, persons and transport equipment) for which the product is designed must be accounted for. Be aware whether quoted capacities are Total Load (Uniformly Distributed Load: UDL), or Single Axle (Dynamic Load) capacities; under heavy braking it is quite feasible to have the full weight of the fork truck acting through its front wheels only, therefore it is important to ensure the single axle rating of the mobile ramp is sufficiently high.
- Frequency of use – High frequency usage, such as shift working, can cause damage to a mobile ramp which is only designed for relatively infrequent use.
- Load dimensions – The container ramp should take into account the goods being loaded or unloaded. Narrow, high side curbs will hinder the loading of wide items. Long, items may catch the inside roof of the container if the level off top section is too short.
- Fork lift type – 3-wheeled fork trucks for example will put additional pressure on the flooring of a mobile ramp; hence it is important to ensure the manufacturer has accounted for this in the ramp they suggest. It is also important to check the trucks to be used are capable of running safely on the incline at which the container ramp will be working at, and have no clearance problems. Operating on the incline of a container ramp can also severely reduce the running time of electric powered trucks – check with your supplier for more information.
- Height range – The maximum recommended incline of a container ramp is 7 degrees or 1 in 8, though many yardramps are capable of raising beyond this angle. When specifying a mobile ramp, it is important that you are aware of the maximum height range required, i.e. measure the highest and lowest vehicles used on your site, and ensure the ramp is capable of reaching these positions.
