Loading Dock Equipment Archives | The Yard Ramp Shop Material Handling
Copperloy Yard Ramps | Portable Forklift Ramps
800-321-4968

Loading Dock Equipment

Loading Dock Equipment And What You Can Expect During Bad Weather

 How To Care For Your Loading Dock Equipment With Changing Seasons 

So how do you care for your loading dock equipment in changing seasons? Lots A Ramps products not only stand up to the test of time but also the impact of weather. For the most part, our equipment is weather-resistant. Typically with almost no ongoing maintenance or repair. Be it a blizzard, tropical rainstorm, below freezing, desert-like humidity or thermometer digits in the 100’s. Basically, if Mother Nature produces it, our loading dock equipment can endure it. Additionally, ensuring that your business continues an efficient and safe operation.

Lots A Ramps metal grating, one of the many great features of the high-quality dock equipment we produce. We employ this with our yard ramps, portable platforms, and other gear. Our metal grating allows rain and snow, along with any other debris or material, to fall through, versus accumulate. This grating improves safety and reduces the risk of accidents during bad conditions and any inclement weather. During icy or snowy weather yes the surface will begin to get slicker than if it were dry. However, as opposed to a flat, solid surface, there is never any need to break up ice, shovel away snow, put down salt or sand, or anything else.

Hydraulic Fluid Versus Mother Nature

Another benefit of our dock equipment to help make your business more productive in all weather conditions is the hydraulic fluid we employ in our products. Dock equipment including our Hydraulic Edge Of Dock Levelers and our Lift Tables. This fluid is able to handle just about any temperature that you are going to come across in the contiguous United States, whether it is January in North Dakota or Minnesota, or August in Arizona or Texas.

Maintenance is minimal for our loading dock equipment. However, we all prepare one or another for Winter so don’t forget your dock equipment.  A few quick steps will go a long way to ensuring that everything remains in optimal condition and working order at all times. Therefore, when temperatures get exceptionally cold, you should check your tire pressure, as low temperatures can greatly reduce PSI. A quick check will alert you to the status of your tires, and give you that extra peace of mind you need.

 When you choose Lots A Ramps, you are going to enjoy the benefits of an entirely no-worry brand. Another feature of our dock equipment is durability and industrial protection to help keep the dock equipment safe as well as your employees. Dock products need to be able to take the abuse seen every day at facilities and Lots A Ramps is no exception. Our gear is built to be tough and durable and employable all across the United States.

Take a look around our website to learn more about all of the loading dock and material handling equipment we produce, and feel free to call our team directly at 800-321-4968 with any questions or for more information. Our Customer Service Representative is awaiting your call.  

Aluminum Van Ramps | 2014 NBA All-Star Game | Credited to Lots-a-ramps

The Yard Ramp Shop Supplies Aluminum Van Ramps for 2014 NBA All-Star Game

The Yard Ramp Shop provides again, this time in supplying aluminum van ramps. The The Yard Ramp Shop team was extremely proud to announce that we were involved in the 2014 NBA All-Star Game. All though they envisioned employing their ramps for props that LeBron or Kevin Durant would use for the dunking competition, this so was not the situation. The ramps assisted the crews’ team involved in the process of setting up this large event. With the massive amount of equipment needing unloading during the rapid-fire succession, properly organized, and put into place. That’s where their efficient and versatile aluminum ramps were up to the task.

Time Is Of The Essence

Having little time for the All-Star Game crew to put together the entire operation and even less time to take it all apart; they outreached to Lots-a-ramps. With the help of our ramps, they were able to get more done in less time, providing for a smooth and successful NBA All-Star Game. Additionally with all the behind-the-scenes and logistical concerns of an event like this requires; the team at The Yard Ramp Shop had no doubt their ramps could do the job right.

Aluminum Van Ramps, Walk Boards And Twin-Lock Ramps Features & Benefits

Lots A Ramps offers a wide range of varieties of aluminum ramps across several different product lines, including aluminum van ramps, twin lock ramps, and aluminum walk boards.

Walk boards are built for light and regular duty applications, topping out at 1,500 lbs capacity.

The twin lock ramps though, when combined and locked for manual loading, offer capacities of up to 7,500 lbs. For autoloading, they can be properly spaced apart. 

Capacities of our aluminum van ramps being 2,500 and 4,000 lbs. And widths of 38.5 or 44.5 inches and lengths between 6 and 16 feet. Height ranges may be anywhere from 0 to 16 inches, to 0 to 48 inches.

With a variety of models and specifications, there’s a specific ramp for any kind of facility, operation, vehicle, or circumstance.

For your next big event, or the routine and day-to-day operations of your facility, call Lots A Ramps @ 800-321-4968 and learn more about our material handling and loading dock equipment.

Lots A Ramps | Environmentally Friendly | Loading Dock Equipment

Loading Dock Equipment and  Environmental Friendly Efforts

 

When you buy our high quality, durable loading dock equipment, have peace of mind knowing we’ve gone green. Being environmentally friendly, stepping up and doing our part to do more to conserve and protect our natural resources. Lots A Ramps being committed to making great efforts daily not just go green, but stay green. Employing recycling initiatives and a variety of additional steps which reduce our footprint, utilize energy efficiently, and much more. Our mission to recycle all of the metal and wood we utilize, leaving a small imprint for a better tomorrow. Additionally, now recycling all of our used oils and coolants to ensure that nothing ends up in the trash and seeping into the environment. Employing green in our facilities as well with R-value roofing. Thus, increases heating and energy efficiency, and we utilize high solvent paint which decreases pollutants.

Employing efficiency in our everyday operations. Therefore we have implemented many changes in our workshop. Firstly, reducing our electricity usage for lighting in half, and secondly,  reducing our energy usage for our heating system in half.

Additionally, replacing motors in our machine shops so that they now operate at a fraction of the amps of older models, which also means greatly reduced energy consumption. In one specific instance, an old motor which formerly ran all day and drew excessive amounts of energy has been replaced with a motor which only needs to be run for one hour per day, offering vast reductions in energy usage.

Recycling Our Green To Our Customers

When you invest in any loading dock equipment from Lots A Ramps; not only are you receiving high-quality durable products, you are also investing in a product with longevity. Employing our equipment comes with knowing your investment was built to last for the long haul.  Additionally, our versatile solutions allow you to be more productive, and to work smarter, not harder. Bottom line is you’ve got equipment that’s made with our planet in mind. 

Lots A Ramps is a family business and always looking toward the future. Focusing on designing equipment with durability and the continued long-lasting nature of the product. Employing our goals and dedication to being green, you can feel comfortable that you’re buying more than just a piece of equipment.

Lots A Ramps is proud of our 60-year track record; producing high quality, industry leading, loading dock equipment. And today, we’re equally as proud of our continued efforts to be environmentally friendly, and to help leave the world in better shape than we found it. 

Contact us today to learn more about the equipment for loading docks that we manufacture. You can call our team directly at 888-989-9164 to get started, and we’ll be happy to tell you more about why our loading dock equipment is the best to match your needs.

 

 

 

 

Lots A Ramps | Yard Ramps | Updated | New Generation

,

Proud To Announce Updated Yard Ramps

Lots A Ramps is proud to announce that we’ve updated our already great yard ramps. With a new polished color that offers increased visibility, including high intensity prismatic reflective markers. Black is now the predominant updated color. The yard ramps being made of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) A-572-50 and still feature the industry’s largest level-off, as well as 23-inch pneumatic tires for added stability and maneuverability.

Offering the industry’s largest leveling off section, at 8-feet, on our yard ramps. Most competitors’ only offering a standard of 6-feet. Our updated leveling off section ensures level entry in and out of the truck where equipment, freight or other material loading needs. Additionally, this increases its stability and room to maneuver.

These updated yard ramps create easy access to any loading facility, truck or platform. Creating peace of mind, the convenience offered for all loading needs and trust that our equipment is built to last. We’re proud of the hard work, engineering, and craftsmanship that went into planning these ramps (and that goes into every yard ramp we make). All of our loading dock equipment is made by us, in the USA.

Next Generation Yard Ramps

These next-generation yard ramps are still manufactured with the industry’s loading/unloading needs in mind. Offering greater safety and traction during the loading or unloading process. Lots A Ramps yard ramps also come with a dual-action hydraulic pump for quick height adjustment from 38 to 65 inches. When not in use, the pump handle easily stores on the side of the ramp. 

Engineered to maximize space, productivity, and safety making this the next-generation ultimate yard ramp. Employing a one-cylinder yard ramp design uses less pressure to lift the ramp compared to traditional yard ramps employing a two-cylinder hydraulic system.

The Updated Yard Ramp benefits:

  • Easier operation – The pump location on the outside of the yard ramp frame allows for more convenient access.
  • Faster raise times – Position the ramp up to two and a half times faster than the average ramp.
  • Less wear and tear – Rotation occurs on the redesigned positioning sleeve instead of the ramp connection, reducing wear on the ramp structure.
  • Greater stability – Centrally located cylinder means less chance of tipping.
  • Solid-filled pneumatic tires – Better handle rugged terrain and also reduce the chances of punctures or air pressure problems.

Variety, Variety, Variety!

Lots A Ramps, we offer a wide variety of yard ramps, including several different product lines. Our extensive range of yard ramps comes with maximum capacities to 30,000 pounds and are available in either steel or aluminum construction.

With a reputation for durable and versatile yard ramps, we also offer edge of dock levelers, lift tables, dockboards and dock plates, platforms, dock lifts, and more. In other words, with all of these different models and specifications, there’s a specific ramp for any kind of facility, operation, vehicle, or circumstance.

For information on our new yard ramps, call 800-321-4968 and learn more about our material handling and loading dock equipment.

Yard Ramp Rentals | Lots A Ramps | Best On Market

,

Lots A Ramps Now Offering Yard Ramp Rental

Looking for the best yard ramp rentals on the market? Lots A Ramps has you covered. They are now offering factory certified ramp rentals for their customers.

While prior they have typically only sold yard ramps, they understand that some businesses they serve sometimes have different needs. No matter what your business industry serves they can provide. Now offering rentals on equipment, in hopes to fill in those gaps and provide an accessible solution.

Reasons For Renting Versus Buying

So, why would you consider renting yard ramps for your facility as opposed to buying?

Short-Term Need:

No matter the industry, occasionally you may experience fluctuations in demand. Seasonally-based demand changes or, a short-term client with an immediate need, you have to be able to handle that load. No longer worry about being tied down with extra costs for equipment that you won’t need after a few months.

What do yard ramp rentals offer?

Yard ramp rentals offer a low-cost solution for businesses looking to increase their productivity, their efficiency, and even the safety of their workplace. No longer worry of needing an excess of capital upfront, which is crucial today as so many businesses have been continuing to tighten their budgets. For a low upfront investment, you gain a major return.

Unpredictable Future:

If your business has an unpredictable future, why commit to assets and equipment that won’t be a great fit. That includes not only a downturn in business but also for rapidly growing enterprises as well. Why buy new gear that won’t even be heavy duty enough to handle your workload, if you keep growing at this rate for another year? By renting equipment, you can get what you need, when you need it, and continue upgrading or downgrading as necessary.

Lots A Ramps Quality:

Lots A Ramps offers proudly American-made yard ramps and loading dock equipment of the highest quality and standards. Products being durable and built to last and all of their ramp rentals are guaranteed to live up to that account. All equipment offered for rental is factory certified and fully guaranteed, so there is no need for any added risk or concern on your part.

If you have any questions or you’re looking for more information, call  800-321-4968. Always ready to discuss your needs and help you get started with a great yard ramp rental to handle any unforeseen or short-term need, or simply provide an affordable solution for increasing efficiency and productivity.

Dockboards Verses Dock Plates | Keeping Customers Informed

,

Dockboards vs. Dock Plates | Which One Works More Efficiently For Your Industry?

Lots A Ramps explaining the difference between a Dockboard and a Dock Plate. Most times these get confused with one another.  Our goal at Lots A Ramps is to keep customers informed. Therefore, you can understand which one works more efficiently for your industry.

Let’s begin with the features of each one:

Dock boards

  • Provide loading and unloading capabilities in heavy-duty applications
  • Bridge any gaps that can be a safety concern.
  • Offer ease when using forklifts and other material handling the equipment.
  • Available in steel, aluminum with bolt-on steel curbs, and aluminum with welded curbs.
  • Capacities up to 20,000 pounds
  • Curbs to prevent runoff. 

Dock plates

  • Bridge a gap from one area to another in material handling operation.
  • Have a flat piece of metal with a slight bend for an easy transition.
  • Available in either steel or aluminum.
  • Capacities up to 17,000 pounds.
  • Don’t have curbs.

Additional Information For An Easier Decision

Deciding between dockboards and dock plates starts with the capacity your facility needs and type of application. If need heavy-duty applications with higher capacities and employing forklifts, dock boards are the best solution. However, if you’re not using these for heavy-duty loading and unloading, then a flat dock plate that offers an easy transition from one place to another is the more economical choice. 

When it comes to deciding on a dock plate over a dockboard, keep in mind that dock plates do offer many advantages. Occasionally,  a dockboards curb can get in the way especially with extra high-unitized loads where fork trucks cannot lift loads above the height of side curbs. For this instance dock plates are the better option. Additionally, dock plates are great for irregular or sharp turns, where, again, a dockboards curb could get in the way.

What’s the maximum capacity you will need? Interestingly, the extra capacity that dock boards are able to achieve comes from the structural addition of curbs. 

Lots A Ramps offers custom dock boards and custom dock plates to meet any requirement or unique challenge. Our custom manufacturing and fabrication team can engineer exactly what you need from start to finish! When it comes to safe material handling, our inventory does not end at dock boards and dock plates. We offer customers a wide variety of American-made mobile yard ramps that provide a loading and unloading facility where one isn’t already established. This wide range of equipment includes mobile yard ramps, dock-to-ground ramps, truck ramps, and forklift ramps. 

To learn more about what Lots A Ramps can do for your material handling needs, by calling us directly at 800-321-4968

Fiberglass Ramps Vs. Aluminum Ramps | Lots A Ramps | Moving Forward

,

Fiberglass Ramps Verses Aluminum Ramps for the Moving Industry

Fiberglass Ramps Verses Aluminum; What’s the best choice for your moving company? Moving companies employ their ramps daily to load and unload from their vans and trucks. Deciding what type of equipment to utilize is very important for their business. Which gear offers the most effective competitive edge, significant cost-savings, or both. Which should you choose, and why?

Fiberglass Ramps

These ramps offer a minimal upfront investment for your company and they’re also lightweight, making them easy to handle. Additionally, they typically offer a gripping surface. This being a strong feature, what one might not realize is that it’s also a short-lived one. They, unfortunately, need to be frequently refinished or replaced, after between two and five years of usage. This, in the long run, will offset that initial low price. Not only that, but the inconvenience of repair or replacement is another detractor, which leads to the company unexpectedly shorthanded during a busy period.

Aluminum Ramps

Aluminum ramps, a product that will last indefinitely. These ramps will not require any repair, including any downtime associated with the repair. With well constructed, they’ll hold up to the rigors of daily usage with ease. Additionally, most people wrongly assume that aluminum ramps will be bulkier and heavier than fiberglass, however, that’s not accurate. Including the added safety features is another benefit of these ramps. When investing in a unique, versatile and convenient solution, you can always depend on our high quality, proudly American made equipment.

Lots A Ramps aluminum ramps included features:

  • 3-inch runoff curbs – Fiberglass ramps typically offering only a 1-inch runoff. 
  • Shark tooth decking-  Providing a non-slip deck surface for safe operation without ever needing replacement.
  •  8-foot level offs – Providing easy access to trucks, and loading docks.
  • 12-inch lip-  Providing an overlap of ramp frames and rest solidly on the truck carrier bodies, dock floors, or platforms.
  • 15-degree grade angles.
  •  Heavy duty but also lightweight and easy to move.

While fiberglass ramps certainly have their applications, at the end of the day, the heavy workloads and demands of the moving industry proves better served with aluminum ramps. offering a lower overall price of ownership, superior durability and enhanced safety features, and they’re underrated in terms of how easy they are to move around and work with. 

Lots A Ramps manufactures high quality, durable and American made aluminum ramps. Call the team at 800-321-4968 to learn more about their full lineup of ramps and other equipment.

 

Custom 35,000 Lb. Mobile Yard Ramp | Credited to Lots-a-ramps

, ,

First-Ever Custom 35,000 lb Mobile Yard Ramp 

No, but seriously a 35,000 lb Mobile Yard Ramp. Yes, you read that correctly, no wonder why The Yard Ramp Shop has earned their bragging rights. Obviously, there is no custom design, manufacturing or fabrication job to big or intimidating for their team to complete. They take pride in these custom job’s and have all the reason to be able to. They can solve any daunting problems, and meet any formerly unparalleled commitments that others cannot. So no wonder why Stanek Netting Company inquired with them first. Stanek was in need of a heavy duty mobile yard ramp, 35,000 Lb’s to be exact. This industry already employs a forklift that weighs 24,000 Lbs and the loads they move range from 6,000-10,000lbs. therefore the need for a 35,000 Lb. capacity ramp.

Details, Details, Details, Please

The ramp ended up being 36 feet long, that’s as long as a standard telephone pole. The width of the ramp was 84 inches, that’s equivalent to the length of a  California King Size mattress. The ramp was made with A572-50 high strength steel with a 50,000 lb. minimum yield, one of the strongest materials in the industry. Being built to last, this beast will undoubtedly hold up to the daily demands of its mastering industry. Additionally, you know that The Yard Ramp Shop is all about safety when it comes to their ramps. This beast included features all of the great safety features and components that are standard on their yard ramps; making it the best possible solution.

There is no taming Lots-a-ramps

Their expert in-house engineering team can handle any challenge or problem you’re facing. By employing state of the art equipment and their 70,000 sq. ft. facility, they accept any challenge to design and fabricate a solution that meets and exceeds your expectations. Additionally, everything we make is proudly made in the USA. With more than 60 years of experience helping facilities and industries complete their jobs more efficiently and effectively. Don’t hesitate to call Lots-a-ramps’s team directly at 800-321-4968 with any questions or to indulge them about the unique specifications you have for an upcoming project.

Once again from Lots A Ramps to The Yard Ramp Shop Hats off to you and the amazing job you accomplished.

Fabricated Steel & Aluminum Ramp | Horseshoe Casino | Credited To Lots-a-ramps

,

The Yard Ramp Shop Fabricates aluminum ramp for Horseshoe Casino in downtown Cleveland.

The Yard Ramp Shop fabricated a steel and aluminum ramp precisely meeting the needs and specifications of their client. Every performance, act, and show performed at the Horseshoe has its own gear that needs to be hauled in and out; including all types of bulky audio and video equipment. A defeating task without the proper ramps in place. The Horseshoe Casino is now equipped with stage ramps that will hold up over the long haul, safely and effectively meeting their needs for years to come.

If ever you have the pleasure of enjoying live music or another performance at the Horseshoe Casino in downtown Cleveland, remember that was made achievable by the The Yard Ramp Shop team. 

The Yard Ramp Shop proudly assisted Horseshoe with their needs for ramps assisting with loading/unloading of equipment for their concerts and shows.

The Yard Ramp Shop Producing Solutions

Having the ability to match an existing facility and/or any other equipment currently in use, and that’s why custom design, manufacturing and fabrication capabilities from The Yard Ramp Shop are so important. Furthermore, with their in-house engineering team, state of the art equipment and a massive 70,000 sq. ft. facility ready and waiting to be at your service. 

Producing a range of solutions for this type of need, including aluminum stage ramps and twin-lock ramps. Additionally, The Yard Ramp Shop also produces aluminum walk boards and aluminum van ramps. Consequently, there’s always a specific product which will be right for your job; working with you to produce something tailor-made as well.

Twin-lock ramps

Twin-lock ramps, available in capacities of 6,000 lbs or 7,5000 lbs per pair, locked widths of up to 38 inches. Different lengths, including 10 & 12 and feet length, with corresponding functional height ranges of 20-28, 25-34 and 29-40 inches. Features include; shark tooth decking, offering a safe and durable non-slip deck surface.

Need more information with a custom project for material handling/loading dock equipment.  call their team directly at 800-321-4968 today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mobile Yard Ramp | Means Flexibility | Lots A Ramps

,

Mobile Yard Ramps Adds Flexibility To Your Facility

Why should you choose mobile yard ramp instead of a concrete ramp?  Considering an upgrade or add-on to your current loading dock and leaning towards a permanent concrete ramp? Mobile yard ramps are actually superior in a variety of ways. Here are the key benefits you’ll enjoy by choosing a mobile ramp as opposed to a concrete one. 

Flexible Versus Permanent:

While a “permanent” solution may seem best initially, it’s actually not advantageous. Being flexible with room for growth, adapting to a new standard, or if necessary to scale back. Think about it, there’s not much more permanent than concrete. The business and industry world is constantly changing; permanent solutions will end up trapping you and make it difficult to change moving ahead.  

Quickly Versus When Then? 

Lots A Ramps offers a wide range of in-stock ramps ready to ship to your facility within days of ordering. Upon delivery, you can begin putting it to use. Concrete, on the other hand, needs to be planned and executed, which takes extensively more time. It’ll take several weeks, or longer, for the process to be complete and the concrete to be set. Not to mention that you can’t even really pour concrete when it’s too cold, limiting your options until the next season.

Flexible, Flexible, Flexible!

When employing a mobile yard ramp or a dock to ground ramp, you’ll have far more flexibility on-site. There is no flexibility with a permanent concrete placement. Flexibility to change the setup and operation of your facility to account for any unforeseen change or circumstance. Some would call this priceless.

Changing Seasons 

Concrete ramps become hazardous in bad weather conditions. With snow, rain, and even light ice, yard ramps will still be functional thanks to their metal grating surface, which allows the precipitation to pass through. Concrete simply lets it all accumulate, and will require shoveling and salting, all the while offering reduced traction. With a mobile ramp, your facility safely functions no matter the climate or season.

Permanent Weight Versus Mobile Solutions

If you’re renting a site, it’s unlikely that the owner or landlord wants you to build a concrete ramp on their property. Further, if space wasn’t designed for it, you’re going to create drainage issues by adding a concrete ramp. None of these are easy issues to tackle and add are an additional cost to consider with concrete ramps.

No longer need your mobile ramp? Whether you’ve outgrown it or you’re moving onto another project, you can sell your used yard ramp. Concrete is a cost you’ll never recoup. Undoubtedly, there are many great advantages to choosing a yard ramp at your loading dock as opposed to building a permanent concrete ramp.

For more information on the full line of material handling equipment, including mobile ramps and dock to ground ramps, call the team at 800-321-4968.