Yard Ramps & Portable Loading Ramps

Yard Ramps, also called Portable Loading Ramps or Portable Loading Docks, are a safe and cost effective answer to many loading dock issues. JMH has more experience and has built more yard ramps than anyone, by far.  Our standard design translates into a custom solution that is quickly delivered to your job site and lasts for many years.

Yard Ramp Applications Most yard ramps perform one of two functions. They allow traffic from the ground up into a truck bed or from the dock level down to the ground. Which of these jobs you choose to do will dictate which of the designs will be most apporiate for your application. Dock-to-Ground Stationary Yard Ramps Dock-to-ground and back, normally indicates that either a vehicle or forklift needs to be moved back and forth. If the dock is in the 39" to 60"+ range then a 30' all incline yard ramp is the choice that makes the most sense. A width that allows for the equipment plus some manuvering room and a decision about a few accessories and you have a perfect solution for your loading dock. Our most popular yard ramp model for this application is our 16SYS7030NU (the NU stands for no undercarriage...if you don't need to move the yard ramp you can save the money). Ground-to-Truck Portable Yard Ramps Ground-to-truck has the same decision elements plus the need for a level off zone at the top before your load enters or leaves the truck. The length of this level off is dictated by your truck and load length (the most popular length is 6'). When you apply a capacity requirement of three times forklift truck capacity and a couple of accessory decisions your perfect solution becomes clear. We find that our 16SYS8436L model yard ramp is our most popular. Choosing a Yard Ramp  Most loading done by forklift trucks into semi trailers works best with 30' of ramp and then a level-off area (usually) 6'.  Many competitors will try to beat our price with 20' to 24' of ramp but when on the job will present the driver with a very steep grade and sometimes not easily overcome by their forklift truck.  JMH's design can be scaled back all the way to a 15' MiniRamp or extended to 50' or longer dependent on your application.   A yardramp capacity should be a working capacity and not just what the structure will hold up.  JMH Yardramps start at 12,000 lbs go to 16,000 lbs, 20,000 lbs and up to 60,000 lbs.  Specials can even be rated above that.  We find that the majority of applications are served very well with either the 16,000 lbs or the 20,000 lbs model.  Both of these units are in stock and available for immediate shipment from 8 of our 12 warehouses conveniently situated around the US.  Many competitive brands list their capacities with no allowance for velocity (speed at which your business loads and unloads) or durability (how long the loading ramp can do it’s job and be safe).  JMH uses a rule of thumb of three times the forklift truck capacity (rated on model number plate on dash of forklift) as a starting point. i.e. 6,000 lbs capacity forklift X 3 = 18,000 lbs or 20,000# Yardramp.   If the velocity is brisk and there are multiple shifts your JMH representative might recommend upgrading to a 25,000 lbs unit….this would give you heavier gauge structure and more beams on shorter centers.   We might recommend a unit with a thicker grating material….we start at 1-3/4” while others start at 1-1/4”.

Portable Loading Docks Yard ramps when used with our portable loading dock allows you to set up a complete dock (servicing multiple truck positions) anywhere you have access to real estate. Portable Loading Docks Portable Loading Docks also known as Mobile Dock Platforms allow a forklift to make 90 degree turn into a truck and/or boxcar. Used primarily where space will not allow a standard Yard Ramp to be used. Place a Portable Loading Dock in front of any dock or railcar door and you will be able to serve three loading/unloading positions at the same time. Portable Dock affords 90 degree turnability for safe forklift maneuvering. Portable Dock is a fast, economical way to expand your dock area and increase freight handling capabilities without the expense of site or concrete work. Portable Docks can easily be relocated to other areas of your yard where a free-standing loading dock may be needed. This means more trucks or railcars can be serviced while freeing up other critical dock doors. For remote areas, Portable Loading Docks along with a Yard Ramp can serve as a satellite unloading area. Optional adjustable, telescoping legs of 44" and 55" allow elevations to meet most dock height requirements.