7 Significant Points for Buying a Used Portable Dock Ramp

Knowing the questions to ask and what to look for in a dock ramp are both significant to discovering the right one to fit your company’s immediate requirements.  Once in place, a ramp can be a useful tool in keeping containers and shipments moving quickly by your doors.  Buying new though isn't an option for all those looking to purchase a yard ramp.  Lucky for them the used dock ramp industry is bustling with energy.

Based on my last work in the industry, I have listed below a 7 bullet points for finding your wonderful used dock ramp.

1.      Define Your Company’s Requirements– Doing some pre-work can make all the difference in searching a good fit for your company’s loading requirements.  Knowing the type of containers you will be working with, the environment in which your dock will be in, and how frequently you will be utilizing the ramp will help you verify a price point as well which style will work best.

2.      Find a Reputable Dealer – There are many small and big dealers out there ready to make some pretty enticing deals to get your business.  Just like you would interview and research your new doctor or insurance agent, you should also research your yard ramp dealer.  What have been other customer’s experiences?  How long have they been working with yard ramps?  Make sure you find a dealer with the knowledge and reputation to be your partner.

3.      Aluminum or Steel – A used dock ramp is typically constructed of either aluminum or steel.  Aluminum’s light weight attribute makes it simpler to move but is a more expensive material that enhances the overall price.  Welded steel is more cost effective but does not work well in temperatures below the freezing point.

4.      Safety Check – Take the time to inspect the goods before you buy.  Typically dock ramps should have both safety guards and handrails for forklift and employee safety.  Also look for signs of rust or corrosion on the undercarriage and other welded points.

5.      Know the Details – Take time to read the agreement details in any documents you sign.  You should be fully aware of the length of warranty or if one is even provided.  You should also know how you will get the ramp, any included features, and the age of the ramp. 

6.      Go Nationwide – Whereas buying a used car or boat may be simpler accomplished close to home, you should not limit yourself to your surrounding areas when looking for a quality used dock ramp.  With the power of the internet you can find and locate a huge assortment of ramps overall the country.

7.      Know Your Max Capacity – Max capacity is a huge factor to consider when choosing which ramp to purchase.  You can verify the max capacity by adding your forklift weight to the weight of the heaviest container that will be carried.

In order to get used portable loading dock ramp at rental it is significant to check it at the time of taking it to your place. In order to get a ramp that is best suited for your requirements, contact the popular dealer Yard Ramp Guy.

10 Safety Tips For Used Hydraulic Yard Ramps

For years, the hydraulic yard ramp has been a significant tool business owners have utilized to easily move freight in and out of the dock door.  Employing just a forklift and operator, the yard ramp can rapidly unload a tractor trailer in no time at all. 

Features

Hydraulic yard ramps are great ways to simply move product in and out of the truck to your warehouse.  Whether you are buying new or used, the hydraulic yard ramp can immensely speed up the process at the dock. Featuring either steel or aluminum welded construction, these ramps are durable yet simple to use by just one employee.  They also need little maintenance and are easy to maintain.

Safety Tips for Hydraulic Ramps

Keeping safety in the forefront is significant to both the general well-being of your employees and to the cargo being handled.  Having a serious hazard could jeopardize the movement of product resulting in loss time and a decrease in revenue.  Luckily for business owners employing safety whereas using a used hydraulic yard ramp is actually quite easy.  Follow these helpful tips to safeguard your employees and loads from harm:

•  Use safety clamps and chains to securely attach the ramp to the truck
• Regularly inspect your ramp for weaknesses, rust, or excessive wear and tear
• When buying used, check the hydraulic yard ramp for any major defects that may be affect the overall usage of the unit.
• Post signage that includes the weight capacity of the ramp along with proper procedures and steps to take if an accident does happen.
• Keep the ramp’s platform clear of debris creating a clean path for the forklift
• Properly train your employees on the correct usage of the ramp.  Also ensure that all forklift operators are fully certified to maneuver the lift.
• Do not carry more than the maximum weight capacity of the ramp.  Make sure to include the forklift in the overall weight. 
• Replace any found damaged parts.
• Drive at a steady, smooth pace when moving up and down the ramp.
• Avoid quick, jerky movements when raising and lowering the ramp to the desired height.

Equipment to Consider

There are many accessories that have been designed to make the job even easier.  What products you move and how and where you move them will help determine the right add-ons for your individual business.  Some accessories include dock seals, dock levelers, and dock platforms.  There are also a number of safety accessories to keep your employees and cargo out of harm’s way. These contain safety rails, ramp clamps, and ramp curbs.  Lastly a tow bar is a very helpful tool when moving and positioning your hydraulic yard ramp.

Whether you buy new or used, a hydraulic yard ramp will permit you to meet trailer heights with ease and efficiency.  Knowing the ramp’s features, following safety guidelines, and utilizing the proper accessories will all make sure your ability to properly implement a hydraulic yard ramp into your warehouse processes.  I hope you found this blog helpful in increasing your familiarity and understanding of this useful manufacturing tool.

A Beginner’s Guide to Unloading a Truck

Are you a new small business owner?  Feeling a little sheepish and awkward around the tractor trailer drivers when they deliver your goods to the warehouse?  Don’t fumble around while loading and unloading your product.  There are many tools and pieces of equipment out there to not only help you with the process but also to make you feel like a pro.  Stationary yard ramps, dock levelers, and more are all built with the end user in mind.  Utilizing the right outfits will get your product moving freely though the dock doors while simultaneously creating less work for you.  Want to save time and money?  Then read on to learn more about some helpful tools to implement into your business practices.

Steel and Stationary Yard Ramps

Yard ramp, forklift ramp, and loading dock are all common names for the same thing. Both Steel and stationary yard ramps are highly effective at helping move your product from the trailer to the warehouse floor.  Steel yard ramps allow the user to move the ramp wherever the need may be both inside and out.  These ramps easily position themselves straight to the processing area and can typically adjust to the height of the trailer with ease.  If you are looking for a more permanent solution than stationary yard ramps can help.  A stationary yard ramp provides great stability and durability while allowing the operator to position it in the necessary area.  If you do not have a permanent docking bay or are in need of any additional docking area than the yard ramp is right for you.

Forklifts

The forklift is by far the most important piece of equipment you need to look and act like a cargo pro.  Knowing how the forklift works and being able to safely maneuver it are both important in keeping you and your product safe.  A well-maintained forklift is easy to acquire whether you are looking to purchase one new or used.  Along with your forklift, you will want to complete a course on the proper usage of it.

Other Tools of the Trade

There are many other tools of the trade to help you complete your loading process.  Dock boards and platforms create additional space at the dock area often bridging a gap between the trailer and the dock.  A dock leveler will create a smooth transition for your forklift during the transportation of cargo.  One of my most favorite add-ons is the dock seal.  This “cushion” goes around the dock door to close the gap between the trailer and the dock during loading and unloading keeping the elements out while maintaining a constant temperature in the warehouse.  Additionally cargo bars, stabilizing jacks, and dock mirrors are supplementary tools that will keep you moving along both safely and efficiently.

  

Feeling a little more confident on your loading skills?  Whether you are in retail or manufacturing, business owners that utilize the right equipment will enjoy increased efficiency and faster turnaround.  The end result leads to greater profit and dividends.   Employ some of these units into your current system and you will soon be reaping the benefits.  And the next time that gruff driver comes to your dock door you can load and unload your product like the true professional you are.