Knowing the questions to ask and what to look for in a dock ramp are both important to discovering the right one to fit your company’s immediate needs. Once in place, a ramp can be a useful tool in keeping containers and shipments moving quickly through 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 previous work in the industry, I have listed below a 7 bullet checklist for finding your perfect used dock ramp.
1. Define Your Company’s Needs – Doing some pre-work can make all the difference in finding a good fit for your company’s loading needs. 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 determine 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 Yard Ramps– A used dock ramp is typically constructed of either aluminum or steel. Aluminum’s light weight attribute makes it easier to move but is a more expensive material that increases 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 receive the ramp, any included features, and the age of the ramp.
6. Go Nationwide– While buying a used car or boat may be easier 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 throughout the country.
7. Know Your Max Capacity– Max capacity is a huge factor to consider when choosing which ramp to purchase. You can determine the max capacity by adding your forklift weight to the weight of the heaviest container that will be carried.
All these tips will help you secure a piece of equipment you can utilize for years to come. With this 7 point checklist, you can now be confident in your next used dock ramp purchase.
Source: http://www.zimbio.com/Vestil+Yard+Ramps/articles/p39NWz_Biei/7+Point+Checklist+Buying+Used+Dock+Ramp
Based on my previous work in the industry, I have listed below a 7 bullet checklist for finding your perfect used dock ramp.
1. Define Your Company’s Needs – Doing some pre-work can make all the difference in finding a good fit for your company’s loading needs. 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 determine 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 Yard Ramps– A used dock ramp is typically constructed of either aluminum or steel. Aluminum’s light weight attribute makes it easier to move but is a more expensive material that increases 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 receive the ramp, any included features, and the age of the ramp.
6. Go Nationwide– While buying a used car or boat may be easier 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 throughout the country.
7. Know Your Max Capacity– Max capacity is a huge factor to consider when choosing which ramp to purchase. You can determine the max capacity by adding your forklift weight to the weight of the heaviest container that will be carried.
All these tips will help you secure a piece of equipment you can utilize for years to come. With this 7 point checklist, you can now be confident in your next used dock ramp purchase.
Source: http://www.zimbio.com/Vestil+Yard+Ramps/articles/p39NWz_Biei/7+Point+Checklist+Buying+Used+Dock+Ramp
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