Yard Ramp | Portable Yard Ramps for Forklifts
Increase Your Loading Dock Capacity with a Portable Yard Ramp
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A yard ramp is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment to expand your loading dock capacity without adding more truck bays. You can move freight from semi-truck to ground and ground to truck in the most efficient way. Adding a portable yard ramp can increase production by loading and unloading trucks anywhere without a dock. Get your drivers back on the road faster saving time and money.
The Copperloy steel yard ramp is engineered to operate faster with more safety features than any other yard ramps for forklifts on the market. Our competitive pricing and lead-times, make it easy to expand shipping capacity with portable forklift ramps.
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What is a Yard Ramp?
A yard ramp, aka yardramp or yard dock ramp, is essentially a fully mobile loading dock. It provides ground-level access to your loading dock and semi-truck trailers and a level surface for transporting materials. They are often called portable loading docks because they can create freight-hanlding centers in nearly any location. Yard ramps are often used in combination with existing loading docks to expand their capacity without having to relocate to a larger warehouse.
The central advantage of a yard ramp is productivity. This equipment allows you to set up freight loading operations pretty much anywhere, so you can use more of your facility space to get more jobs done in less time. With extremely high weight capacities, yard ramps make heavy-duty freight handling much easier and safer, allowing forklifts to safely access shipping containers and truck trailers and perform tasks more efficiently. This not only protects any goods in transport but everyone working in your warehouse.
A yard ramp is a cost-effective way to streamline your supply chain and solve many day-to-day problems at your loading dock. Whether your current dock is at capacity or no loading dock at all, yard ramps will make freight handling easier than ever and help you get more jobs done in less time.
Daily and weekly shipments are a regular part of many businesses in several industries. Most of your supplies, materials, and equipment will be delivered by a semi or box truck, and your business needs to be ready for shipments of nearly any volume. Being able to accommodate freight deliveries is a crucial part of your supply chain, and Copperloy yard ramps can maximize your productivity. Give us a call and speed up your deliveries today!
Get a Quote on a Portable Steel Yard Ramp
Learn about the Capabilities of Copperloy Yard Ramps!
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Yard Ramp Benefits | America’s Ultimate Yard Ramp
Copperloy yard ramps are engineered to maximize space, productivity, and safety with durable construction and several special features. Made in the USA, our one-cylinder ramp design is more stable and uses less pressure to lift the ramp compared to traditional yard ramps with two-cylinder hydraulic systems.
Our enhanced design features deliver:
- Easier operation – The pump location on the outside of the yard ramp frame allows for more convenient access.
- Faster raise times – Vertically position the ramp up to two and a half times faster than the average ramp.
- Less wear and tear – Rotation occurs on the redesigned positioning sleeve instead of the ramp connection, reducing wear on the ramp structure.
- Greater stability – The centrally located cylinder keeps the ramp stable while raising and lowering which means less chance of tipping.
- Solid-filled pneumatic tires – Better handling on rugged terrain while eliminating issues like punctures or air pressure problems.
Learn about the capabilities of Copperloy Yard Ramps!
Copperloy has a wide selection of yard ramp sizes and capacities to fit your requirements. With new, used, and rental purchase options available anywhere in the US, Copperloy can deliver the ideal ramp to fit your budget. For more details on the available sizes of our yard ramps, specifications, and weight capacities, contact the Copperloy team or view the chart below. The Copperloy team can assist you in finding the perfect model for your facility and application.
How Do Yard Ramps Work?
Copperloy yard ramps offer a quick and efficient way to a full functioning freight handling center within minutes. These portable forklift ramps use one-cylinder hydraulic systems to raise and lower to whatever height you need at speeds 2.5x faster than standard industry ramps. This single-acting system also allows the ramp to raise much more evenly than double-acting ramps, so your ramp is always level when you are ready to get to work.
Getting your forklift yard ramp into position just takes a few easy steps. Start by closing the pump release valve, slide the pump handle into the pump opening, and crank until it reaches the desired height. Use a forklift to move the ramp until the lip is completely over the trailer bed and open the release valve to allow the ramp to safely settle onto the carrier floor. Now, you just need to secure the ramp to the truck with the two included safety chains, and you are ready to get to work!
For a more comprehensive understanding of Copperloy yard ramp operation, check out our collection of specs, manuals, and brochures.
Yard Ramp Features
8-FOOT LEVEL OFF
The Copperloy mobile yard ramp has an 8-foot level off feature. This is necessary for forklifts to have easy access onto trucks, loading docks, and platforms. It allows the fork truck to safely enter the trailer at a level approach and without having to stop. This feature makes for a very stable yard ramp and is especially useful on mobile ramps.
15-INCH LIP
The 15-inch lip is designed to firmly rest on the truck carrier body, dock floor or platform. Our mobile ramps come equipped with eight-foot-long safety chains. Chains join the ramp to keep it from pulling away.
HYDRAULIC PUMP
The single-acting hydraulic hand pump design requires half the effort needed to raise ramp compared to other mobile ramps. The pump is relocated so that it is protected away from dirt, debris, damage and makes maintenance easier to perform. The handle is stored out of the way when not in use.
SMOOTH SIDE PLATES
Smooth side plates and safety curbs are standard. They are constructed of high strength steel and enclose all working components, while also protecting them from possible damage from other equipment.
LOW END PLATE
We designed an end plate that is shorter than the wheelbase of most forklift trucks. This way, front-drive wheels can reach high-traction grating, while rear wheels are still on the ground. The plate comes standard with beveling from the underside and helps to provide an easy and smooth ground-level entry. It also eliminates jolts and bumps as the forklifts travel on and off the yard ramp, with or without a load.
DECK GRATING ON OUR YARD RAMPS
High-strength steel is standard on all Copperloy yard ramps. Grating bars are constructed for durability in the roughest of applications. The 1-3/4 inch bar depth allows snow, rain, and other debris to fall through. The serrated grating helps to ensure an all-weather, high-traction running surface.
SAFETY CURBS
7-inch high curbs are standard on all Copperloy ramps to help prevent accidental runoff with a patented box frame.
18-INCH SOLID/PNEUMATIC TIRES
The solid/pneumatic tires are standard on all Copperloy mobile yard ramps and are ideal for all applications. The tires do not require air to fill, are maintenance-free, and have lubricated-for-life bearings.
THE POSITIONING SLEEVE
The position sleeve allows the yard ramp to maneuver 180 degrees which reduces loading/unloading time and increases productivity. The fork slides into the positioning sleeve and the ramp can easily be positioned into place. The positioning sleeve is included with all steel mobile yard ramps. The sleeve is not intended for long-distance towing.
TOW BAR
A tow bar is an option on both steel and aluminum mobile yard ramps that attaches to the lower end of the loading ramp. It allows the ramp to be towed a short distance (within your facility). A towable yard ramp can be maneuvered easily with a forklift. The max towing speed is 5-mph and is not intended for over-the-road towing.
Choosing the Right Yard Ramp for Your Loading Dock
What to choose from our selection of portable yard ramps depends on how you will be using them. Looking for a permanent loading area or do you require a portable loading ramp? What is the maximum weight that your lift trucks will be transporting? (Don’t forget to include the weight of the lift truck.)
Do you require dock-to-ground access or ground-level access to railcars and trucks? Copperloy has been manufacturing yard ramps for over 60 years and our staff is available to consult with you on the best solution for your loading application.
Dock crews prefer Copperloy because our yard ramps are faster and easier to position than any other ramp on the market and have been proven to outperform other manufacturers including Bluff Manufacturing, Vestil, Discount Yard Ramps, and Handiramp. If you’re not sure of your future needs, consider a rental yard ramp or a used yard ramp. All Copperloy used ramps are factory certified and guaranteed.
Check out our selection of steel and aluminum portable yard ramps below:
You may also be interested in these types of yard ramps
Specialty Ramps:
Dock Board:
Edge of Dock Leveler:
Steel Yard Ramp Options
Specification Table
| Model Number | Capacity (lbs) | Length (feet) | Width (in) | Approx Weight (lbs) | Range (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SYR16-70-36PL8 70″ Steel Yard Ramps – Forklift Ramp with 16,000lb Capacity | 16000 | 36 | 70 | 5350 | 38-65 |
| SYR16-84-36PL8 84″ Steel Yard Ramp – Forklift Ramp with 16,000lb Capacity | 16000 | 36 | 84 | 5990 | 38-65 |
| SYR20-70-36PL8 70″ Steel Yard Ramp – Forklift Ramp with 20,000lb Capacity | 20000 | 36 | 70 | 5480 | 38-65 |
| SYR20-84-36PL8 84″ Steel Yard Ramps – Forklift Ramp with 20,000lb Capacity | 20000 | 36 | 84 | 6120 | 38-65 |
| SYR25-70-36PL8 70″ Steel Yard Ramp – Forklift Ramp with 25,000lb Capacity | 25000 | 36 | 70 | 6440 | 38-65 |
| SYR25-84-36PL8 84″ Steel Yard Ramps – Forklift Ramp with 25,000lb Capacity | 25000 | 36 | 84 | 7130 | 38-65 |
| SYR30-84-36PL8 84″ Steel Yard Ramp – Forklift Ramp with 30,000lb Capacity | 30000 | 36 | 84 | 7870 | 38-65 |
Aluminum Yard Ramp Options
Specification Table
| Model Number | Capacity (lbs) | Length (feet) | Width (in) | Approx Weight (lbs) | Range (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS16-70-36PL8 70″ Aluminum Yard Ramp with 16,000lb Capacity | 16000 | 36 | 70 | 4700 | 38-65 |
| AS16-84-36PL8 84″ Aluminum Yard Ramp with 16,000lb Capacity | 16000 | 36 | 84 | 5600 | 38-65 |
| AS20-70-36PL8 70″ Aluminum Yard Ramps with 20,000lb Capacity | 20000 | 36 | 70 | 4800 | 38-65 |
| AS20-84-36PL8 84″ Aluminum Yard Ramp with 20,000lb Capacity | 16000 | 36 | 84 | 5700 | 38-65 |
| AS25-70-36PL8 70″ Aluminum Yard Ramp with 25,000lb Capacity | 25001 | 36 | 70 | 5700 | 38-65 |
| AS25-84-36PL8 84″ Aluminum Yard Ramps with 25,000lb Capacity | 25001 | 36 | 70 | 5700 | 38-65 |
Types of Yard Ramps
Create a Portable Dock Anywhere with Mobile Yard Ramps
Companies can create a dock anywhere with a mobile yard ramp by easily converting open yard space into a portable loading dock. Yard ramps provide a safe, efficient method to load/unload freight with forklifts and access the back of the truck. A yard ramp is a cost-effective way to expand freight handling capacity beyond the physical loading docks in a facility.
Portable Yard Ramps
The yard ramp acts as a portable loading dock ramp and an ideal solution for shipments that need to go from ground level to the truck and a fast method to unload a truck to the ground. Copperloy offers both aluminum ramps and steel ramps depending on your weight and application requirements. Rentals are available and ideal for short-term projects.
Portable Steel Yard Ramps
Copperloy portable steel yard ramps are available in different base materials. However, steel is the standard base for yard ramps. As a leader in custom steel fabrication, Copperloy has mastered the craft of high-strength steel specifications and integrated features such a serrated steel grating for added traction. Manufactured in the USA, steel ramps are built for durability and made to last.
Dock-to-Ground Ramps
Our dock-to-ground yard ramps provide a stationary, semi-permanent solution and are typically fixed to the dock for fast, efficient loading/unloading solution handling weights up to 30,000 lbs. Copperloy dock-to-ground ramps can be custom built to the specifications of your dock for a safe, versatile way to expand the capability of your loading dock.
Ground-to-Truck Yard Ramps
Ground-to-truck ramps allow for easy ground-level access to semi-trucks. Copperloy yard ramps allow for maximum safety and productivity when unloading and loading. Designed for industrial use, ramps are available in aluminum or steel based on your material handling requirements.
Heavy-Duty Portable Loading Docks with Dock Platforms
For facilities with limited space or no permanent dock exists, portable loading docks can provide a cost-effective solution for parallel loading when used with dock-to-ground or yard ramps. Copperloy’s portable loading platform features durable steel construction that can handle capacities up to 60,000 pounds. Their unique design allows lift trucks to easily make right-angle turns. Multiple portable loading docks can be connected when larger portable loading docks are required.
Applications of High-Capacity Yard Ramps
Typical uses of our heavy-duty, high-capacity steel yard ramps include:
- Industrial equipment applications
- Construction equipment, machinery, and supplies
- Flatbed truck unloading/loading
- Military applications such as loading military vehicles and equipment
- Tractors, skid steers, bobcats, and other heavy equipment
- Heavy equipment rentals
- Warehouse equipment
- Car and vehicle ramps
Portable Yard Ramp Safety
Although Copperloy portable yard ramps are designed with safety features, operating a forklift on a ramp should be done with the utmost caution. Prior to using the ramp, it is important to thoroughly review the owner’s manual. Only trained personnel should operate the ramp.
It is extremely important to ensure that the ramp is properly secured before loading and unloading tasks. View the owner’s manual for a full overview of instructions and precautions. We also recommend reviewing the OSHA ramp guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the difference between a yard ramp’s positioning sleeve and towbar?
The positioning sleeve comes standard on our steel mobile ramps. It is used to get the ramp into the position of the trailer. The towbar is used for towing the ramp around your facility short distances (3-5mph max speed). However, the ramp is not designed for road travel.
2. What kind of tires are on the mobile yard ramp?
The standard tires are 18″ solid/pneumatic tires. The tires do not require air to fill, are maintenance-free, and have lubricated-for-life bearings.
3. What are the height ranges of the ramps?
The standard height range of the mobile yard ramp is 38″-65″. The standard height range for the dock to ground ramp is 38″-60″. We can customize any ramp to unique height requirements.
4. How are the ramps secured?
All of our ramps ship with safety chains to secure them. Mobile yards ramps are chained to the trailers. Dock to ground ramps are bolted to the face of the dock with brackets and chains provided.
5. Are rental yard ramps available?
Yes, Copperloy has a variety of factory-certified ramps for rent and available for short-term loading dock ramp solutions. Factory-certified ramps ensure that all components are in working order and are safe for operation, ensuring your yard ramp improves efficiency and productivity. If you’re looking for yard ramps for sale right now? Check out our shipping container ramp rental, used yard ramps, and yard ramp rentals.
Benefits of Copperloy yard ramp rentals:
- Factory certified and guaranteed
- Rentals are available anywhere in the United States
- Performance of the industry-leading ramp
- Enhancing efficiency and versatility
- Ensures employee safety
- Notable productivity increase
- Easily withstanding industrial and warehouse settings
- Users can test out the ramp before fully investing
Feel free to contact a Copperloy representative for a cost analysis of new, used, or dock ramp rentals.
6. Can I use yard ramps on a slope?
We strongly recommend avoiding slopes when using yard ramps for forklifts. A forklift can travel load trucks with gradients ranging from 5%-12.5% or 2.86°-7.13°. However, heavier loads should not be handled at anything more than a 3%-5% gradient, and it is best to stick to a 10% maximum even for lighter loads. Just because you technically can operate forklifts on a 12.5% gradient does not mean it is always safe.
If you are using a metal yard ramp to load trucks, try to find ground that is as level as possible. The gradients above are simply guidelines for direct dock-to-truck loading. Adding additional slope to a ramp will quickly exceed these guidelines, preventing safe travel for forklifts on and off the truck.
Any situation where a slope looks too steep could be unsafe for forklift operators. A steep incline increases the risk for loads toppling and potentially causing serious injury. Always use your best judgment whenever you set up operations to protect employees.
7. Stationary vs Portable
Get the best yard ramp pricing and 3-day quick ship. Typical yard ramp applications are to load from the ground to a truck bed or dock level to the ground. It’s the easiest, fastest way to load/unload a truck using a forklift. Often called warehouse dock ramps, this stationary ramp allows for extra capacity and the ability to load more trucks than you have dock bays.
The dock-to-ground ramps may be used as car ramps to get vehicles your dock height or forklift ramps. For ground to truck applications, our standard yard ramps provide enhanced mobility with a tow motor. Our ramps also use one-cylinder hydraulics to quickly raise or lower to the truck height. These mobile ramps are the ideal solution for high-volume loading tasks where a row of trucks needs loading simultaneously.
JH Industries, Inc.
Copperloy
America's Ultimate Yard Ramp & Dock Equipment
1981 East Aurora Road
Twinsburg, Ohio 44087
P: 330-963-4105 | 800-321-4968
F: 330-963-4111
