Loading ramps are essential tools to facilitate the movement of goods, vehicles and equipment between floors of different heights, such as between a van and the ground level.

They are commonly used in industrial, logistical and agricultural contexts, but also in domestic or artisanal settings, when it is necessary to overcome differences in height in a safe and practical way.

Types of ramps

Not all ramps are the same: depending on the use, type of load and frequency of use, it is important to choose the right ramp. Here is an overview of the main types:

🔹 Fixed or folding ramps – light and easy to handle

These ramps are the ideal solution for those who need a versatile ramp, easy to transport and use occasionally. Made of lightweight aluminum, they weigh little and are often equipped with an integrated handle or a locking system that makes them easy to move.

They are perfect for loading small machinery, garden tools, suitcases or wheelchairs onto vehicles or sidewalks. The typical load capacity varies from 150 to 1750 kg, which makes them unsuitable for very heavy vehicles, but perfect for home use or small craft jobs.

In addition, many versions have knurled or perforated surfaces to prevent slipping, even in rainy conditions.

🔹 Professional ramps for heavy loads

Designed for those who work in the industrial, agricultural or logistics sectors, these ramps are built with high-resistance materials, such as reinforced extruded aluminum or galvanized steel, and are capable of supporting very heavy weights, up to 12,000 kg.

They are particularly suitable for loading/unloading agricultural vehicles, excavators and other heavy vehicles. Thanks to their structure, they guarantee stability even with small diameter wheels or wide tires.

They often have a marked anti-slip profile, and some models include fixing hooks or shaped heads for safe anchoring on platforms and boxes. The length varies greatly, depending on the difference in height to be overcome: the longer it is, the gentler the inclination will be, reducing the risk of accidents.

🔹 Ramps with side edges or non-slip surfaces

In addition to the choice between light or heavy-duty ramps, it is also essential to evaluate some safety-related features, such as the presence of side edges or non-slip surfaces.

Ramps with a safety side edge are designed to prevent lateral slipping during loading or unloading, especially in situations where the maneuver is not precise or when operating at speed. They are suitable for both large vehicles and smaller loads, such as two-wheeled trolleys, motorcycles or manual machinery.

As for the sliding surface, all ramps are supplied as standard with a non-slip finish, usually consisting of a transverse step structure, which guarantees good grip in most operating conditions.

However, for more critical contexts – such as movement on steep slopes or in the presence of liquids, mud or dust – it is possible to request a version with a “millerighe” non-slip surface, i.e. a sheet metal with closely spaced reliefs, which offers superior grip and greater safety even in extreme conditions.

For more information, or to request a personalized quote, please contact us by writing an email to info@sos-imballaggi.com OR by calling us at 0173212325

How to choose the ramp that best suits your needs

Choosing the right ramp depends on several factors. Here’s what to consider:

• Type of load: light, medium or heavy? If you need to load a lawnmower it’s different than loading a quad or an excavator.
• Height to overcome: the greater the difference in height, the longer the ramp must be to maintain a safe slope.
• Size and weight of the ramp: if you need to transport it often, a foldable and lightweight version is better.
• Frequency of use: occasional use or daily professional use?
  🔍 Practical example:

Occasional use: do you need to load a motorbike onto a van? A foldable ramp with a capacity of 200-300 kg is enough.
Professional use: do you work in logistics and unload pallets with pallet trucks? Choose a long, sturdy ramp with a non-slip surface.

Choice of length:

The choice of length is a fundamental aspect to ensure safe use of the ramp, the latter is calculated based on various factors:

– Loading height: The distance between the ground and the point where the ramp ends (usually the cargo area of ​​a van) The greater this height, the greater the length of the ramp must be to avoid excessively steep inclinations
– Ramp inclination: it is advisable to maintain a maximum slope between 20% and 30% depending on the type of load
– Product weight: another fundamental aspect is the weight of the vehicle/equipment that must be loaded, on the basis of this it is good to consider that the shorter the ramp, the greater its capacity will be, but at the same time the greater the inclination that the latter will assume

Based on this we can indicatively determine that:
– In the presence of a height of 30 cm it is recommended to use a ramp with a length of 1500 mm
– In the presence of a height of 50 cm it is recommended to use a ramp with a length of 2000 mm
– In the presence of a height of 70 cm, it is recommended to use a ramp with a length of 2500 mm
– In the presence of a height of 85 cm, it is recommended to use a ramp with a length of 3000 mm
– In the presence of a height of 100 cm, it is recommended to use a ramp with a length of 3500 mm

For more information, or to request a personalized quote, please contact us by writing an email to info@sos-imballaggi.com OR by calling us at 0173212325