Ramp Capacity, Length & Load Height

This guide should help you gauge how long a ramp you require, so if you're in any doubt read the details below. If you still have questions after reading, feel free to give us a call. The crucial thing to know is your load height.

Load Height: this is the vertical measurement from the ground to where you rest the ramp onto.

Guide to the maximum load height is shown in the product description/table, please note the minimum Load Height will be 5% below the maximum height stated on the ramp, to calculate  use (maximum load height - 5% = minimum load height).

For vehicle ramps EU guidelines recommend that no ramps with a gradient greater than 30%  or 1:3.3 should be used. Essentially the load height x 3.3, gives you your ramp length. Furthermore no TUV Certified Ramp is designed to exceed this gradient. Going over this gradient is can cause accident, injury or death and may invalidate the warranty.

Please check the wheelbase measurement of the machine you are loading is suitable for the capacity the ramp can take based on the wheelbase measurement advised. To check your wheelbase, look at the vehicle from side view, the distance between the centre of front wheel and rear wheel (rim centre) is your wheelbase. For machines with an unbalanced weight distribution such as, scissors lifts, paving machinery, steel tracked machinery and machines with low ground clearance we would advise you contact us first, so we can check and advise on the most suitable solution.

For loading cars and other vehicles with either a) Low ground clearance b) Front and/or Rear overhang a gentler gradient is recommended (this will vary depending upon the vehicle). Please also note that most forklifts and pallet trucks are not built to be used on slopes. Please check the manual for the gradient information.

Further information can be seen in this blog article here

How long should the ramp be?

For plant ramps Health & Safety we recommend that no gradient greater than 30% (16.5 degrees) should be used. Furthermore, no TUV Certified Ramp is designed to exceed this gradient. To calculate your gradient simply measure the height from ground level to the loading deck & multiply this by 3.3 to give the optimum length of ramp.

Do the ramps have a minimum load height?

We don’t advise to use the ramps lower than 100mm of the stated max load height as they will not sit flat on the ground. For example, if the ramp has a max load height of 900mm do not use lower than 800mm.

For custom solutions, please contact our ramp specialists

Can the ramps be used over the max load height?

No, the ramp will be too steep. Using the ramp above it’s recommended load height may cause accident, injury or death and will invalidate the warranty.

Should I allow extra capacity in the ramps for safety?

Our ramps that are included in our Vehicle And Plant Ramps section and in our Viper - Premium Heavy Duty Van Ramps sections on our website are manufactured and engineered to European TUV standards. These have been designed, built and tested in accordance with the following technical standards applied by the manufacturer: EN 1090-3, EN 1999-1-1, EN ISO 15613, EN ISO 15614-2, EN 1398:2009.

How do I check the wheelbase measurement on a tracked machine?

Look at the vehicle from side view, the distance between the centre of front wheel and rear wheel (rim centre) is your wheelbase.

Why is the wheelbase measurement important?

The wheelbase impacts the weight distribution - this impacts how much force is put through the ramps and therefore impacts the maximum weight capacity they can take.  

If loading a machine with unbalanced weight distribution (where more of the weight is over one axel), how do I check the capacity the ramps can take will be suitable?

For machines with an unbalanced weight distribution such as, scissors lifts, paving machinery, steel tracked machinery and machines with low ground clearance we would advise you contact us first, so we can check and advise on the most suitable solution.

How durable are aluminium ramps compared to steel?

If the ramps are used sensibly, there is no reason why aluminium ramps should not last as long as steel, and much longer than steel ramps with wooden inserts.

Can I load steel tracked equipment?

The Ramp People have a number of vehicle ramps and plant ramps that are available with a rubber coated surface or milled surface that allows the harder steel tracks to be used on aluminium ramps. The usual vehicle and plant ramps are NOT suitable for solid wheeled machinery.

What is the minimum track width?

The narrowest the tyre/track of the vehicle can be on the surface of the ramp. This is to make sure the weight is spread across the surface to improve the life expectancy of the ramp.

When in use, how do I secure the ramps to my vehicle?

Safety is The primary concern and The Ramp People can provide a number of very secure connection options to suit your vehicle, it is really up to you. Many of our ramps are supplied with our movable safety devices that slide in the aluminium extrusion under the loading lip. This device should be placed between the lorry bed and the tailgate. Once this is in place the ramps will not shift during loading. Another option is to use the drop bolts supplied. The loading lips of the ramps are pre-drilled to accommodate the bolts. Our low loader ramps have underside tie bars for attaching a chain or strap. Our connection options can be viewed here, the standard connection provided is a rest on connection, for alternative connection types the fee is 130.00 € + VAT

Do the ramps have Safety edges?

All products are built flat top/no edges unless specified that edges are required. Products built with edges are production orders and therefore a longer lead time. The edges also decrease the usable width.

What if I need a specific length or width?

The Ramp People can manufacture vehicle ramps to specific needs, please contact a sales advisor for a quotation

Can The Ramp People manufacture special applications/do custom builds?

The Ramp People manufacture a wide range of aluminium and steel extrusions and have been able to solve many unusual loading problems. Previous projects include purpose made plant ramps for drilling rigs, custom built truck ramps, ramps for unloading barges, vehicle ramps for the MOD and the oil industry along with many specialist plant ramps and car ramps. We can also manufacture bespoke ramps for wheelchairs and disabled access. Modifications undertaken by anyone other than The Ramp People invalidate the warranty.

Can I load a forklift on a plant ramp?

Not without first double checking with an advisor before purchasing. Forklifts are not designed to operate on inclines which means they need a very long ramp. They also have solid wheels which can damage the ramp surface so often we have to supply a reinforced model from our factory.

Can I use a winch to assist loading equipment?

Winches fundamentally alter the normal weight distribution when loading machines and equipment. Stated weight limits are dramatically reduced when using a winch. Winches can be used but great care and attention must be taken, please speak with our sales advisers for help specifying ramps. The most important thing is to keep the rope of winch parallel with the ramp. If you intend to use a winch please make this clear to your sales adviser before purchasing.

Product Dimensions – please note that due to manufacturing techniques and processes all dimensions of products may vary by up to 2% plus or minus of the dimensions shown on the website. The only exception to this is ramp length of our vehicle ramps and loading ramp range – the lengths shown may vary by up to 5% depending upon the connection chosen. If you require a specific length please do let us know and we can advise accordingly.

The ramp I require shows as 'Built to Order', how long is the lead time?

Generally the lead time for built to order loading ramps is 4-6 weeks (please note, during the summer months this can be longer due to factory closures). Please contact our team for an up to date lead time, they also will check to see if we have any alternative suitable ramps in stock for immediate dispatch if you require these sooner.

View our extensive range of Vehicle & Plant Ramps here. 

We understand that in some instances, customers will need to return an item due to a change in circumstances, incorrect sizing or simply changing their mind. Here at The Ramp People we offer a 60 day money back guarantee on all purchases; however, there will be circumstances where a return is not possible. So as to remain transparent with our customers, we have detailed our returns policy below to answer any queries you may have about the process.

Here are the most common circumstances for returns and how we can help;

Change of mind, wrong size or unsuitable item

Sometimes an item is not what you imagined, it doesn’t fit or you just don’t need it any more. In these circumstances, we are happy to offer an exchange or a full refund, no quibble of course, if the item is returned in its original condition, including original packaging, and within 60 days from date of receipt. Please note, items which are advertised as 'built to order', or customised items are non-returnable and non-refundable.

Please take care when returning an order to us as all customers are in charge of the item’s return and covering the cost. We recommend you use a tracked, insured returns method so as to ensure a secure transit.

For an exchanged item, please make a note on the returns form that you wish to exchange the product or call us on +353 1 695 0520. We can deliver new items within our standard delivery policy. Unwanted items should be sent back to our address marked 'Returns Department'.

Item incorrect or damaged on arrival

Upon delivery, please do not sign for the goods unless you are happy with the condition of the product.

We pride ourselves on our excellent customer care and service delivery, however, if an unfortunate incident occurs where you believe you have been sent the wrong item please call us immediately on #353 1 695 0520.

For damaged items, please supply proof of damage with a photo and email it across to our customer support team at hello@theramppeople.co.uk. For any incorrect deliveries, we will always check the part numbers on your order due to using different names for marketing and warehouse storage – we can then arrange for the correct item to be delivered whilst the unwanted item is collected and brought back to us.

A refund or replacement can only be processed once we have received all unwanted items and confirmed any damage.

Faulty items

In the unlikely event of an item becoming faulty, please view our guarantee policies in our terms and conditions.

If your item is within our warranty, we will be able to collect it to either repair or replace, however this can only be done once we have confirmed the fault. If you urgently need the item returned, we advise placing a new order and await the refund for the faulty item.

Items that cannot be cancelled or returned

Under Consumer Contract Regulations, customers have the right to cancel any order for any item bought through The Ramp People on this website including a full refund. Unfortunately, these regulations do not apply to the following circumstances;

• Items that are collected from our premises.
• Items with a product description stating: "Built to order or customised."
• Products that are personalised or made to a customer specification.
• Sealed goods that come with health protection or hygiene regulations that have been un-sealed after delivery.
• Returning any products that present a hygiene risk after being used by the recipient.

What happens next?

Should you need to return any item this must be sent back to our UK warehouse: The Ramp People, Unit 5 Quantum Business Park, Beacon Hill Road, Church Crookham, Fleet GU52 8EA. Our returns details can be viewed here. 

We want you to receive your goods on a timely basis and in pristine condition. Please help us accomplish this by checking the delivery address carefully as noted on the invoice and notifying us immediately if there is an error. Upon delivery, please do not sign for the goods unless you are happy with the condition of the product.

Customers are responsible for any returned goods until they reach our warehouse as stated in this returns policy. None of these terms or conditions affect your statutory legal rights.

Once the item is returned back to our warehouse, please allow 1-2 working days for the items to be checked. Once the items have been checked and the condition is as agreed, a credit note will be emailed across to you. Please note, once the credit note has been provided refunds take up to 7 days.

The Ramp People work in line with Consumer Contract Regulations to ensure your consumer rights are looked after.