We’ve all heard of them. Maybe you’ve even got a set in your shed. But have you ever considered the importance of matching your loading ramps to your needs?
Whether you’re loading a motorcycle, heavy machinery, ATV or wheelchair, loading ramps come in all shapes, styles and sizes. And it’s our job at Ramp Champ to find your perfect match.
This guide will cover…
- What Are Loading Ramps?
- Different Types Of Loading Ramps
- What Are Motorcycle Loading Ramps?
- What Are ATV Ramps?
- What Are Loading Ramps For Heavy Machinery?
- What Are Loading Ramps For Wheelchairs?
- How To Get The Right Loading Ramp
History Of Ramps
You’re probably not surprised to learn that ramps aren’t a new thing.
In fact, it’s believed one of the earliest ramps dates back to Ancient Greece where it was used as a tool to drag ships and materials. Not only that, there’s evidence that ramps were used to move materials for the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge. In other words, a really long time ago.
The Temple of Queen Hatshepsu of Egyptat Deir al-Bahri, Thebes, Egypt (worldhistory.org)
Three-masted LODORE in dock with crew and loading ramps, Washington State, between 1892 and 1906 (Washington University Libraries Digital Collections)
And over time, ramps have evolved to not only move objects — but people.
Today, they come in all shapes, sizes and styles — from alloy wheelchair ramps to folding motorcycle ramps to rubber kerb ramps.
But at the end of the day, they all share the same goal: to move things from A to B easily and safely.
So, What Are Loading Ramps?
Loading ramps, more specifically, refer to ramps that are used to move objects, materials or people from the ground to a vehicle or container.
But not all loading ramps are created equal. And for good reason, because the ramp you use for a wheelchair should be different to the ramp you use to load a 5-tonne excavator.
So, let’s take a look at the different types of loading ramps, as well as their features and what to consider before you hit “buy”.
Different Types Of Loading Ramps
What Are Motorcycle Loading Ramps?
Motorcycle ramps help you move your favourite toy from the ground to a trailer or ute so you can hit the open road in search of adventure. Because let’s face it, nothing will put a dampener on a weekend away like a motorcycle load gone wrong.
But first, there are different styles and features to weigh up.
Our favourite (and most popular) styles are…
- Non-folding, multi-use ramps — they’re lightweight and available in a range of sizes
- Curved folding ramps — folding design allows for compact storage
- Side-walk ramps — to walk your motorcycle up and load it solo
Motorcycle ramp features to look out for are…
- A lightweight and corrosion-free material (like aluminium)
- Secure connection points (like a locking pin) for maximum safety
- An anti-slip surface
What Are ATV Ramps?
An ATV ramp helps you move your four-wheeler from the ground to a trailer or ute so you can head out to the bush for the weekend. Booyah!
But just like a motorcycle ramp, there are different styles and features to weigh up.
Our favourite (and most popular) styles include…
- Aluminium folding ATV ramps — a pair placed side by side
- Aluminium curved 3 piece loading ramp — with two side ramps to walk your ATV up and down or load it solo
ATV and UTV ramp features to look out for include…
- A lightweight and corrosion-free material (like aluminium)
- Secure connection points (like a locking pin or straps) for maximum safety
- Clearly defined load ratings (that match your ATV)
- Ramps for sale as a pair
- An anti-slip surface
What Are Loading Ramps For Heavy Machinery?
Whether you’ve got an excavator, skid-steer loader or bobcat, choosing the right heavy machinery loading ramp isn’t something you wanna mess around with. You wanna do the job right to minimise any safety concerns.
See, loading heavy and durable machinery requires a tough ramp to get the job done (not just any old ramp off the shelf).
There are a few things to consider before you buy a loading ramp for your heavy machinery…
- How much does your machinery weigh? Hint: remember to include the “wet weight” of your machine, adding on fluids like fuel and oil.
- What rung type do you need? Steel track machines will need ramps specifically designed for steel tracks (like our Sureweld Steel Track range).
- What size length do you need? This one’s a biggy, because if your ramps are too short (steep) for your machine, you run the risk of sliding or rolling!
- Do they have secure attachment points? Like a locking plate and pin.
- Are they certified to international standards? Looking for certifications like ISO 12100:2010 will tell you if they’re the real deal.
Popular heavy machinery ramps are…
- Heeve 2.5 Tonne Aluminium Loading Ramps
- Sureweld 3-Tonne Aluminium Loading Ramps
- Whipps 5-tonne aluminium loading ramps
To find the best ramp for your heavy machinery, check out our Machinery Loading Ramp Buyer’s Guide or learn What Size Loading Ramp Do I Need?
What Are Loading Ramps For Wheelchairs?
Wheelchair ramps are an important part of everyday life for those with reduced mobility. And they come in many forms — whether it’s a doorway ramp, vehicle ramp or permanent ramps outside public buildings.
More specifically, wheelchair loading ramps are used to move wheelchairs or mobility scooters into vehicles and vans. For many of us able-bodied people who don’t think twice before we get into the car, it’s hard to imagine what this is like.
Our popular wheelchair loading ramps include…
- Heeve Lightweight Telescopic Ramp — can be used on low vans, vehicles and steps
- Heeve Aluminium Folding Van Ramp — ideal length for vans, mini trucks and SUVs
- Aluminium Permanent Wheelchair Van Ramp — designed to be mounted on the floor of a van
Wheelchair loading ramp features to look out for are…
- A lightweight material (if you plan on moving them often)
- High-traction surface and side rails for added safety
- A suitable weight capacity for your situation
- A suitable length to ensure the slope isn’t too steep (for occupied wheelchairs a slope of 10° is recommended, for unoccupied wheelchairs the slope can be up to 12 - 13°)
- Secure connection points (like a locking pin) for maximum safety
To find the best wheelchair loading ramp, check out our Wheelchair Ramp Buyer’s Guide
How To Get The Right Loading Ramp
At Ramp Champ, we have Australia’s largest range of ramps.
While a lot of stores will focus on a broad range of products, we focus solely on ramps. This means we do one thing and do it really well.
We have thousands of high-quality ramps in our store so you can easily find a loading ramp that’s suited to your needs.
Here’s how you can find the right loading ramp, whether it’s for a motorcycle, heavy machinery or something else entirely.
Browse our range
With Australia’s largest range of ramps, it’s best to start by browsing our website and filtering different options based on your situation, needs and preferences.
Record your measurements
Once you’ve found a ramp you’re interested in, record the height of your van, vehicle or trailer. This will ultimately determine the length you need to make it a safe gradient. Then, you can use our Ramp Calculator to make sure the ramp you’re interested in is the right fit. As a general rule, a safe gradient is…
- Occupied wheelchairs: 10°
- Unoccupied wheelchairs: 12 - 13°
- Heavy machinery and motorcycles: 16 - 23°
Consider ramp features
Finally, weigh up what features are important to your situation. Do you want an added layer of safety? Choose a ramp with side rails. Do you want to move it around a lot? Choose a lightweight material. Do you need compact storage? Choose a bi-fold option.
At Ramp Champ, we’ve been helping our customers find the right loading ramp since 2016. If you have any questions, give us a buzz on 1300 913 047 or email us at [email protected]
