Watch this video to find out answers to the frequently asked questions about TransQuip's Ramps

Safer, flexible, more cost-effective Ramps

Safe, efficient loading and unloading of vehicles and machinery are essential to the smooth running of everything from family farms to civil contracting. It's also something that should be top of mind when looking at compliance with equipment transportation requirements, best work practices, and managing health and safety responsibilities - particularly on busy, or remote sites.

While loading and unloading equipment is a daily task for many, that doesn't mean it's not potentially dangerous. Often, making sure it is done correctly every time, comes down to the selection of well-engineered vehicle loading ramps which are appropriate for the job at hand. Along with their careful deployment, management, and maintenance.

Safety is at stake

As you'll be aware, there's a lot at stake here if something goes wrong. People can be seriously injured, high-value machinery can be damaged, companies can suffer through the loss of reputation or insurability, and there's also the impact of downtime and reduced productivity to be considered.

TransQuip's Ramps range of robust, cost-effective, purpose-designed portable trailer ramps and vehicle loading ramps are the solution. Kiwi-made from locally-sourced materials to suit our country's unique needs and operating conditions, they're suited to both tyred and tracked vehicles and machinery.

Comprehensive loading ramp range

With weight ratings from 750kg right up to 7500kg, Ramps are used nationwide to load everything from ATVs and ride-on lawnmowers to excavators and loaders, keeping businesses moving and on schedule. Check out this video to see the ramps in use.

In addition to standard sizes, TransQuip can also provide customised, heavy-weight, individually designed and engineered solutions - read about one example of customised ramps here. Folding ramps for ATVs and mower ramps are also available and even hire (#2036 6 Ton set) for those occasional or one-off jobs that crop up.

Made from a unique aluminium extrusion for maximum strength, with a design that provides peace of mind, affordable Ramps are also proof that best practice can be cost effective too.

Feature-rich to protect people, businesses

Features include rungs running right across the inside width of the ramps. This makes them particularly well equipped to give the vital support needed when loading or unloading heavy machinery or vehicles. For additional safety, a lip on the side of all ramps ramp helps protect against human error and the machinery slipping off the ramp or, worse still, tipping over.

TransQuip Ramps are also lightweight (just 7kg to 68kg per ramp) so there's no machinery needed to move them around. That means they're quick and easy to deploy - at both ends of the journey - saving valuable time and man hours. And no loading bays, trailers or extra vehicles are required, which is ideal especially when working on remote or challenging sites.

Having said that, care should always be taken to clear and level the site before the ramps are deployed and the vehicle or machinery is unloaded. Otherwise, extra time and risk can be added and that's something nobody wants or needs.

Ramps aluminium loading ramps are also durable and rust-proof - important in a country where we have regions that get up to 6,813mm of rainfall a year! It also means that even repeated wash-downs after a muddy load will never be a problem.

Making the right loading ramp choice

Choosing the appropriate loading ramp for the job is vital.

Just remember the three rules of thumb:

Consider the weight of the vehicle or piece of machinery. That includes factoring in the weight of the operator, fuel, gear, and anything else that will be onboard when it's being loaded or unloaded. Then choose a loading ramp that at least matches, but preferably exceeds, that weight.

Check the tyre width of what you'll be loading. It must be less than the running surface on the ramp, so the transfer is secure and goes smoothly.

Get the gradient correct for the vehicle type. A 20-degree gradient is generally optimal. And never more than 30-degree. (Vehicles with low clearance, however, may need a lesser gradient than 20%) Calculate the gradient using the height from the ground to the truck deck.

Next to having made the right choice of ramp, fitting the ramp to the truck is one of the most critical steps in transporting heavy machinery. It's here, unfortunately, that accidents are most likely to happen.

TransQuip Ramps are supplied with a set of pins. Vital to operator and vehicle safety, these ensure the ramp is secured to the truck or trailer and won't slip off. The ramps have a strong head plate, with pre-drilled hole(s), which attaches to the edge of the truck's deck. If you have a new truck or one that doesn't already have corresponding holes drilled, your local engineering company will be able to help you with that.

Taking Care of Details

On every job, take a bit of time to ensure that everything is lined-up perfectly before loading or unloading begins. If you're getting ready to unload, ensure that the vehicle's or equipment's position hasn't shifted in transit and isn't about to move or roll off. Adjustments should never be made halfway up or halfway down the ramp. Once loading or unloading has begun it is not generally safe to stop. If something seems like it might be a bad idea, it generally is!

We'd also strongly recommend having a spotter in place to make sure everything goes smoothly as the driver may not have a clear line of sight. And ensure that anybody who is not essential to the task is well away, just in case.

To prevent damage to ramps, or vehicles slipping from a loading ramp or trailer ramp, careful inspection before and after use is important. That means removing any stones, dirt, or debris, and checking the rungs.

If a rung on the ramp does get damaged over time, or a pin gets lost, TransQuip can help with spares. In the case of rungs, these can easily be fitted by your local engineering company.

Got more questions on aluminium loading ramps or safely loading and unloading vehicles and equipment? TransQuip's expert team are always on hand to make sure you get the best advice on everything from the correct loading ramp size for your needs to safety tips.

Check out TransQuip's Ramp range here...

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