Loading ramps: positioning, use and maintenance

Loading ramps are utilized in a variety of sectors including:

• Excavation, loading and unloading mini-excavators, mini-loaders, wheeled and tracked excavators, backhoe loaders.

• Building sector, moving hydraulic platforms, aerial platforms, telescopic lifters, power barrows.

• Agricultural sector, loading and unloading motor cultivators, compost spreaders, fruit harvesting wagons.

• Green area maintenance, grass cutters, mini tractors, motor hoes.

• Leisure activities, facilitating transport of motorbikes, quad bikes, jet skis.
  
  

How to position, use, and maintain a loading and unloading ramp for earth moving machines?

Positioning and fixing

1. Before positioning the ramp, check that the means of transport is securely parked on a solid level surface. If the vehicle has a rear dumper, check that this is locked in a horizontal position (down).
   
   

2. Position and secure one ramp at a time using the relevant fixing method for the ramp model.
   
   

3. The fixture of the ramp to the vehicle must comply with the model type. If a fixing pin is used this must have a diameter of 13 mm, a length of at least 60 mm, and be made from C40 carbon steel or superior.
   
   

4. After positioning, check that the maximum angle of slope of the ramp is within 30% or that the angle formed between the ramp and the ground is not greater than 16°. This precaution ensures that the foot of the ramp remains perfectly flat on the ground.
   
   

Type of fixture of the ramp

 

Use

First check that the ramp length is adequate for the vehicle to be moved. This can be established using the following formula:

Then:

1. Check that the pair of ramps have the same code (unless using a single ramp). Also check that the weight of the vehicle is within the capacity of the ramp as shown on the ID plate applied to every ramp.
   
   

2. Check that the distance between the ramps is correct for the front axle width of the vehicle to be moved.
   
   

3. Check that the width of the ramp is equal to or greater than the width of the wheels and/or tracks of the vehicle to be moved.
   
   

4. The transit of steel tracked vehicles requires ramps with special applications (e.g. fitted with rubber strips). These must extend outside of the side edges of the ramp and be very securely fixed in position. 
   
   

5. The vehicle should ascend and descend at a speed between 1 and 2 Km/h.
   
   

6. Do not make sudden or sharp steering actions to correct the direction.
   
   

7. Do not brake or accelerate sharply.

Maintenance

1. After use, clean the ramps of any dirt accumulated during transit (e.g. mud, stones, oil, grease): this good practice avoids vehicles from slipping when ascending or descending.
   
   

2. Do not use cleaning products that contain degreasing agents based on halogenated organic solvents.
   
   

3. Check the condition of the ramps periodically, before and after use. If any faults are identified (e.g. cracks in the welding, structural deformations, etc.), request a check by the manufacturer.
   
   

4. It is forbidden to use ramps exhibiting faults before written clearance is received from the manufacturer.

ITR brand aluminium loading ramps

ITR loading ramps are designed and constructed at ITR Meccanica's Modena site, the large ITR USCO production centre. Thanks to a continuous improvement approach, rigorous structural calculations, analysis of finished items, and careful risk assessment, ITR brand loading ramps can guarantee high safety standards. In line with the ISO 9001 standard, the production process also complies with stricter internal quality controls. ITR loading ramps are available for the transport of mini-excavators, mini-loaders, lift trucks, and utility machines, both wheeled and tracked, within the range of 1500 to 12000 kg.

How to choose the correct type of ramp?

The configurator provided on the website makes it easy to identify the most suitable type of ITR Ramp, which can then be ordered online in the dedicated e-commerce section. 

The essential parameters to establish which ramp is best suited to your needs are:

1. Machine weight (e.g. 3500 kg)

2. Calculate the height of the loading platform 

3. The machine's axle distance

P = Axle Distance

4. The machine type

5. Whether the vehicle is wheeled or tracked

6. The length of the ramp required to correctly load and unload the vehicle relative to the platform. (If the specific length is not known, this can be derived by considering a maximum inclination of 16,5°).

The choice of the most appropriate ramp, and strictly following the other precautions described above, are determining factors to avoid damaging the vehicle to be loaded or unloaded, or the ramp itself, and above all for ensuring safer work conditions for operators.