- 1.5-metre loading ramps: suitable for light vehicles and for those working in confined spaces. They allow for a limited incline at minimum heights, facilitating positioning and use in mobile contexts;
- 2-metre loading ramps: suitable for small tractors or gardening machinery, offering a good balance between length and slope, ideal for semi-professional use;
- 2.5 metre loading ramps: designed to support heavier vehicles with wide wheels. Ideal for agricultural or maintenance contexts;
- 3-metre loading ramps: offer greater stability and safety, further reducing the angle of ascent. They are suitable for medium-sized agricultural vehicles;
- 3.5-metre loading ramps: longer lengths allow for an even gentler slope, improving comfort of use on heavy vehicles or those with low ground clearance;
- 4-metre loading ramps: designed for industrial applications or very heavy loads, these ramps guarantee structural strength and operational safety even on high gradients.
Foldable models are also available, designed to provide easy transport and storage when not in use. This configuration allows the ramp to be stored in small spaces, making it a practical choice for those who need mobile and temporary use.
What are loading ramps used for?
Aluminium loading ramps are essential tools for transferring vehicles or equipment from one level to another, reducing the difference in height between a lower surface, such as the ground, and a higher one, such as the floor of a trailer or lorry. These devices are mainly used to facilitate loading and unloading operations in agriculture, industry and for the transport of heavy vehicles or machinery. Depending on specific requirements, aluminium loading ramps can be adapted to various operating contexts, allowing operations to be carried out more safely and efficiently.
Below are some practical examples of how aluminium loading ramps can be used:
- Loading and discharge of tractors and agricultural machinery: Using a loading ramp, it is possible to load and discharge tractors or agricultural machinery onto trailers or lorries quickly and safely, avoiding damage to both the vehicles and the support structures. Loading ramps are essential for transporting agricultural machinery, as they minimise the risk of accidents and damage to equipment.
- Handling transport vehicles or motorcycles: Loading ramps are also useful for moving vehicles such as cars or motorcycles, especially in the transport and distribution sectors. The possibility of choosing different lengths and load capacities allows the ramp to be adapted to the size and weight of the vehicles, ensuring stability during passage.
- Use in industrial and logistics environments: Aluminium loading ramps are ideal for loading machinery onto lorries or work platforms. In industrial environments, where heavy and large loads need to be moved, a well-designed loading ramp offers a practical and safe solution for moving equipment between different levels, avoiding the use of more expensive mechanical lifters.
- Use on construction sites and for lifting heavy equipment: On construction sites, ramps are used to facilitate access to heavy machinery, such as concrete mixers or hoists, on raised platforms. The aluminium structure ensures lightness and strength even in demanding work environments.
- Transport of bulky materials in agriculture: Ramps are also useful for loading bulky materials, such as hay or agricultural tools, which need to be moved between fields and transport vehicles. A loading ramp saves time and reduces manual effort.
How do loading ramps work? How are they used?
Loading ramps act as a temporary bridge between two surfaces at different heights, facilitating the transfer of vehicles or equipment. Their main function is to reduce the difference in height between the loading platform, such as a trailer or lorry, and the ground, thus allowing safe and stable passage for heavy vehicles.
The operation of a loading ramp is based on a few key elements:
- Inclination: the length of the ramp directly affects its inclination. Longer ramps allow for a gentler incline, reducing the effort required to move the vehicle and limiting the risk of damage to equipment or vehicles. The optimal angle of inclination must be chosen according to the type of vehicle or equipment to be loaded.
- Weight distribution: each ramp is designed to distribute the weight of the vehicle or equipment crossing it evenly. The maximum load varies from model to model. It is important to choose a ramp with a load capacity suitable for the total weight you expect to move, also considering the additional weight of any accessories or tools that the vehicle may be carrying.
- Non-slip surface: to ensure safety during loading operations, most loading ramps are equipped with non-slip surfaces, which prevent vehicles from slipping in wet or muddy conditions. This is particularly useful for agricultural machinery or transport vehicles that may have dirty or wet tyres.
- Fastening system: many ramps have fastening systems that connect them securely to the surface of the trailer or loading vehicle. These systems prevent movement during use, ensuring stability and safety. Some models use pins or hooks for a more secure anchorage.
Foldable loading ramps are designed to fold up on themselves, providing easy transport and storage when not in use. These models are ideal for those who need a mobile and practical solution. Once folded, the ramp can be easily stored in small spaces, such as the boot of a vehicle or a small warehouse.
Advantages of loading ramps
Loading ramps offer a number of advantages over other methods of loading and discharge of vehicles and equipment. Compared to systems such as cranes or hoists, ramps are simpler, more economical and easier to use, ensuring high safety and versatility in a variety of contexts, from domestic to professional use.
The main advantages of loading ramps include:
- Ease of use: compared to more complex machines such as hoists or cranes, ramps require minimal preparation. Simply position them between the vehicle or trailer and the ground to carry out loading and discharge operations. This reduces operating times and the need for specialised personnel.
- Portability: folding ramps are easily transportable and suitable for temporary or mobile use. Once used, they can be folded up and stored in confined spaces, such as the boot of a vehicle, without taking up too much space.
- Versatility of use: loading ramps are suitable for a wide range of applications, from agricultural machinery to road vehicles, offering effective solutions for the transfer of heavy vehicles. In addition, thanks to the variety of lengths and load capacities available, models can be found for domestic, semi-professional and professional use.
- Safety during operations: the non-slip surfaces of the ramps ensure stability even in difficult environmental conditions, such as rain or mud. This makes them particularly suitable for use in agricultural or industrial contexts, where the ground can be uneven or slippery. The fastening system also prevents accidental movement during use.
- High load capacity: depending on the model, the ramps can support weights ranging from a few hundred kilograms to several tons. This makes them suitable for both hobby use and industrial applications where very heavy vehicles need to be moved.
Types of loading ramps
Aluminium loading ramps differ mainly in their length, which directly affects the inclination, and in the maximum load capacity they can support. At AgriEuro, aluminium loading ramps are available in different lengths, each designed to suit specific loading and discharge requirements. The main lengths available are:
- 150 cm loading ramps. These ramps are ideal for loading and unloading light vehicles, such as motorcycles, quads or small gardening equipment. With a reduced length, the 1.5-metre ramps are perfect for operations that require a steeper but still safe incline. They are particularly useful in confined spaces or for those who need a quick and manoeuvrable solution.
- 200 cm loading ramps. The 2-metre ramps offer sufficient length for loading and discharge of medium-sized vehicles, such as riding-on mowers or small agricultural machinery. Their greater length compared to the 1.5-metre model allows for a less steep slope, facilitating the passage of vehicles with greater stability.
- 250 cm loading ramps. The 2.5-metre ramps are suitable for loading heavy equipment or vehicles with wide wheels. These ramps offer a good compromise between length and load capacity, further reducing the angle of ascent and increasing safety during loading and unloading operations.
- 300 cm loading ramps. The 3-metre ramps are perfect for larger vehicles and machinery, such as tractors or medium-weight agricultural equipment. Their length reduces the incline and makes it safer for heavy vehicles to drive over them. They are widely used in agriculture and industry, where safety and stability are paramount.
- 350 cm loading ramps. The3.5 metre ramps are ideal for loading heavy vehicles at higher heights. With a gentler slope than shorter models, these ramps offer greater safety when manoeuvring tractors or large agricultural vehicles. They are suitable for both semi-professional and professional use, thanks to their high load capacity and resistance.
- 400 cm loading ramps. The 4-metre ramps are the perfect choice for industrial applications or very heavy loads. Thanks to their length, they allow for a minimum incline, facilitating the passage of vehicles with wide wheels or heavy machinery. These ramps are ideal for those who need a sturdy and stable solution for safely loading and unloading heavy vehicles.
Technical characteristics of loading ramps
Loading ramps have several technical characteristics that affect their strength, ease of use and ability to adapt to various operational requirements. The main characteristics include the structure, maximum load capacity and length of the ramp. Each element plays a specific role in choosing the most suitable ramp, ensuring safety and efficiency during use.
Fixed loading ramps
Fixed loading ramps are so called because they cannot be folded or collapsed. This feature makes them more sturdy than folding ramps, but also less versatile in terms of transport and storage. Their rigid structure is designed to offer maximum stability during the loading and discharge of heavy vehicles, making them ideal for stationary use or situations where the ramp does not need to be moved frequently.
The advantages of fixed loading ramps include:
- Robustness and stability: the non-folding structure ensures greater resistance to heavy weights, allowing use with heavy machinery such as tractors and agricultural vehicles.
- Greater load capacity: as they are designed to remain fixed, these ramps can support higher loads than folding models.
- Durability: the solid structure reduces mechanical wear compared to mobile or folding ramps, increasing the product's useful life.
Folding loading ramps
Folding loading ramps owe their name to their ability to be folded, a feature that makes them extremely practical and versatile. Unlike fixed ramps, they can be easily folded into a more compact shape, allowing for easy transport and convenient storage in small spaces. This makes them particularly suitable for those who need to move frequently or use ramps in different workplaces.
The advantages of folding loading ramps include:
- Ease of transport: thanks to the possibility of being folded, these ramps take up less space and can be easily loaded onto vehicles for transport, making them ideal for those who need a mobile solution.
- Compact storage: when not in use, they can be stored in smaller spaces than fixed ramps, such as the boot of a vehicle or in small warehouses, without taking up too much space.
- Greater versatility: the ability to fold and transport them anywhere makes them perfect for occasional use or for those who work in different environments and need a ramp that is always available.
Despite their many advantages, folding ramps may have slightly lower load capacities than fixed models due to their articulated structure. In any case, they remain a practical and reliable solution for those looking for a lightweight, manoeuvrable and easy-to-transport ramp.
Ramp structure
The structure of loading ramps is designed to offer strength and stability based on weight and intended use. There are three main types of structure:
- Lightweight structure: made of materials such as aluminium, it is ideal for mobile or temporary use. These ramps are easy to transport and install, but have a limited load capacity compared to heavier structures.
- Medium structure: combines a good balance between weight and strength, suitable for semi-professional use or for medium-sized vehicles. This structure provides greater strength than the lightweight structure, while maintaining good manoeuvrability.
- Heavy structure: designed to withstand heavy loads, such as tractor-mounted or heavy vehicles. Made of resistant materials, such as steel, this structure offers maximum stability, but may be less suitable for those who need frequent transport.
Maximum load capacity
The maximum load capacity of a loading ramp indicates the maximum weight that the ramp can support. This information is important for safety during use and varies depending on the type of ramp:
- Lightweight ramps have a maximum load capacity that makes them suitable for lighter vehicles, such as motorcycles or small equipment.
- Medium-duty ramps are suitable for medium-sized vehicles.
- Heavy-duty ramps can support loads of up to 7,880 kg, making them ideal for tractors, agricultural machinery and heavy vehicles.
It is essential to choose a ramp with a load capacity suitable for the weight of the vehicle or equipment to be loaded, in order to avoid deformation or collapse.
Ramp length
The length of the ramp is another important factor, as it affects the angle of inclination during loading. Loading ramps are available in lengths ranging from 150 cm to over 400 cm.
A longer ramp reduces the angle of inclination, making it easier to transfer vehicles without excessive effort. Shorter ramps are ideal for light vehicles or for those who need to move frequently; longer ramps ensure greater safety when loading heavy vehicles.
Guide to purchasing loading ramps
Choosing the right loading ramp depends on a number of key factors, such as the type of vehicle or equipment to be loaded, the frequency of use and the environmental conditions in which it will be operated. Careful consideration of these aspects will ensure safe and effective use of the ramp.
1. Type of vehicle or equipment to be loaded
The nature of the vehicle or equipment to be loaded directly influences the choice of ramp. Here are some useful considerations:
- Light vehicles (motorcycles, quads, small garden tools): choose folding ramps with a maximum load capacity of up to 1,000 kg. Thanks to their light weight and manoeuvrability, these ramps allow for safe and quick loading operations without requiring overly heavy structures.
- Medium-sized vehicles (garden riding-on mowers, ATVs, small agricultural machinery): choose ramps with an intermediate load capacity of up to 3,000 kg. Medium-sized ramps with a good length to reduce the incline are ideal for facilitating loading and reducing the risk of slipping.
- Heavy machinery (tractors, agricultural vehicles, construction machinery): choose heavy-duty ramps with a load capacity of up to 7,880 kg. These fixed, sturdy and stable ramps provide the necessary safety for operations involving heavy vehicles.
2. Frequency of use
The frequency with which the ramp is used is another important factor. If the ramp will be used frequently or in different locations, it is advisable to choose a folding model for ease of transport. For sporadic use or on stable surfaces, however, fixed ramps can offer greater strength and stability.
- Occasional use: for those who only need a ramp occasionally, folding ramps are the best solution. The ability to fold them allows for easy transport and storage, reducing bulk.
- Frequent or professional use: for those who use the ramp daily in a work environment, fixed or heavy-duty ramps, which offer greater durability and load capacity, are preferable.
3. Environmental conditions
The environmental conditions in which the ramp will be used also play a key role in the choice. Slippery, muddy or uneven ground requires ramps with special safety features:
- Wet or muddy conditions: choose ramps with non-slip or perforated surfaces, which improve vehicle grip and reduce the risk of slipping in agricultural environments or construction sites.
- Uneven ground: if loading takes place on uneven or sloping ground, it is better to opt for longer ramps as they reduce the incline, making it easier for vehicles to pass over them.
The best brands of loading ramps available on AgriEuro
At AgriEuro, you can find a selection of the best brands of loading ramps, known for their reliability, durability and build quality. Each brand offers specific solutions for different operational needs, ensuring safety and durability.
Here are the main brands available:
- Gierre loading ramps: Gierre is a renowned brand for the production of sturdy and durable ramps, suitable for heavy loads. Specialising in professional solutions, Gierre offers a wide range of products for industrial and agricultural use.
- STP loading ramps: STP stands out for its lightweight and foldable ramps, perfect for those who need a portable and easy-to-use solution. The brand is particularly appreciated for its balance between quality and practicality, offering ramps with good load capacity and manoeuvrability.
Why buy loading ramps on AgriEuro?
Buying loading ramps on AgriEuro offers numerous advantages, guaranteeing a safe and convenient purchase. AgriEuro is a leader in the e-commerce sector for agricultural and gardening equipment, offering a wide range of loading ramps selected from the best brands on the market.
The main reasons to buy from AgriEuro include:
- Fast and free shipping: thanks to its internal logistics centres, AgriEuro guarantees fast deliveries throughout Italy with no additional shipping costs.
- Spare parts always available: AgriEuro offers a wide range of spare parts for all purchased products, allowing customers to keep their ramps efficient and functional at all times.
- Attentive and personalised after-sales service: AgriEuro's customer service team is ready to support buyers at every stage, from purchase to product use, with a dedicated and personalised service.
Thanks to these services, purchasing from AgriEuro guarantees product quality and a simple and secure purchase. Discover the loading ramps available on AgriEuro and find the perfect solution for your loading and discharge needs.