RAMPS. If you are any kind of outdoor guy or gal in the South, you probably have a set. Ramps are important and useful for loading four-wheelers, lawnmowers and various sports and farm equipment. Whether homemade or store-bought, the use of loading ramps can be very dangerous if the proper safety equipment and the right style of ramp is not used.
•Weight rating. Ramps should be rated to handle the weight of the equipment to be loaded, plus anything added to the equipment plus the weight of the operator. Any manufactured ramp should be plainly marked with a load rating. Check the manufacturer’s published weight of your equipment, add the operator’s weight, then add an extra 20 pounds for gasoline and added accessories. The combined weight should never exceed the published capacity of the ramps.
•Length. The length is calculated based on the height of the truck you are loading into. The formula is 2.2 inches of ramp length for each inch of height. If the truck bed is 30 inches from the ground, multiply 30 X 2.2, and you need a ramp that is at least 66 inches long.
•Style. Equipment with minimal ground clearance, such as a lawn mower, will usually load better with an arched ramp. This will keep the deck from hanging at the point the ramp meets the truck. Also, equipment with smaller tires will require a ramp with solid or closer mesh grid.
•Width. Measure the equipment across from the outside of each wheel, and set the ramps accordingly to minimize the danger of running off the side.
•Safety. I have seen many people neglect to secure the ramps to the vehicle, and I have seen a few end up on their back on the ground. If your equipment pulls with the rear wheels, the ramp can be kicked out when the front wheels clear the ramp going onto the truck. The best way to secure ramps is to run a strap from about the middle of the ramp to the bumper of the truck and pull it tight.
•Traction. Most manufactured metal ramps have grids or holes in the bottom to provide traction. Many times, wooden ramps allow tires to slip, especially if there are wet or muddy conditions. Installation of metal strips (cleats) or non-slip tape can help correct this problem.
Homemade wooden ramps should always be inspected for signs of rot or decay that may weaken them. Be safe and remember, help is just around the corner at your local hardware store.
