How to Choose a Mobile Yard Ramp
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To choose a mobile yard ramp, add the weight of your heaviest loaded forklift to its heaviest load and pick a ramp rated above that. Then pick a width with enough usable deck for your forklift, confirm the ramp's height range reaches your trucks and docks, and check that the grade works for your forklift.
This guide follows that order using Copperloy's steel mobile yard ramps. We carry 11 Copperloy models from 16,000 to 30,000 lb in 70", 84" and 96" widths, plus the yard ramp towbar. See all loading ramps.
What is a mobile yard ramp, and do I need one?
A mobile yard ramp is a portable steel ramp that lets a forklift drive from the ground straight into a trailer, shipping container or onto a dock. You wheel it into position, raise it to the trailer bed with a hand pump, chain it to the trailer and drive up.
You need one if you load or unload trailers without a permanent loading dock, need extra dock capacity in busy seasons, or load in outdoor areas, job sites or rail yards. Because it moves, one ramp can serve several spots around your yard.
How much capacity do I need?
Copperloy says to base capacity on the combined weight of your forklift and its maximum load. Look up your forklift's weight (often on the data plate or in the manual), add the heaviest load it will carry up the ramp, and choose a ramp rated above that total.
Example: a forklift that weighs 9,000 lb carrying a 5,000 lb pallet puts 14,000 lb on the ramp. A 16,000 lb ramp covers it. If your loads might grow, or a heavier forklift sometimes uses the ramp, step up to 20,000 lb or more. Copperloy ramps come in 16,000, 20,000, 25,000 and 30,000 lb, with custom capacities up to 35,000 lb on request.
How wide should the ramp be?
Look at the usable width, the deck between the safety curbs, not the overall width. Your forklift needs to fit between the curbs with room to steer.
| Overall width | Usable width | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 70" | 62" | Most electric and propane forklifts |
| 84" | 76" | Wider forklifts and more room to maneuver |
| 96" | 88" | The widest forklifts, side-loading equipment and maximum deck clearance |
Measure your widest forklift across its tires, and allow extra room on each side so the operator doesn't have to drive tight to the curbs.
Will it reach my trucks?
Measure the bed height of the trailers, containers or docks you load, and make sure it falls within the ramp's deck height range. Copperloy's 70" wide 16,000 lb ramp adjusts from 36" to 59". Every other model adjusts from 38" to 65". A 15" lip overlaps the trailer bed, and 8-foot safety chains secure the ramp to the trailer while you load.
Is the grade safe for my forklift?
Grade is rise divided by run. Every Copperloy steel ramp is 36' long: a 28' incline plus an 8' level-off. The level-off lets forklifts enter the trailer on a level approach without stopping, and gives extra room to reach loads at the back of the truck.
As a rough example, raising the ramp about 48" over the 28' incline works out to about a 14% grade. Two limits apply: the ramp itself, and your forklift's gradeability rating from the manufacturer. Use whichever is lower. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(7) also requires that on grades over 10%, loaded forklifts travel with the load upgrade.
Steel or aluminum?
The ramps we list are steel, with electro-forged serrated steel grating that gives traction in rain and snow and lets debris fall through. Copperloy also makes lighter aluminum ramps with the same steel grating deck. Email us for a quote.
How do I move and set up the ramp?
- Positioning sleeve (included): a three-point forklift connection with 180° rotation, for moving and turning the ramp in tight spaces.
- Towbar (optional): the Copperloy towbar lets a forklift tow the ramp at up to 5 mph for longer moves within your facility. It is not for over-the-road towing.
- Raising: a single-acting hydraulic hand pump raises the ramp ½" per stroke through one central cylinder.
- Tires: 18" solid/pneumatic tires that need no air and can't go flat.
- Safety curbs: 7" curbs on both sides help keep the forklift on the deck.
What about delivery?
Copperloy ramps ship on a flatbed from Twinsburg, OH, and weigh 5,350 to 8,370 lb. Two forklifts are required on site to unload, and liftgate delivery is not available. Freight is quoted at the time of order, and ramp sales are final, so confirm your capacity, width and height range before you order. Copperloy warrants structural parts for 2 years, the grating for 1 year and hydraulic components for 6 months.
Copperloy mobile yard ramps we carry
All models are 36' long with an 8' level-off. A yellow finish is available on every model.
| Model | Capacity | Overall width | Usable width | Deck height range | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SYR16-70-36PL8 | 16,000 lb | 70" | 62" | 36" to 59" | 5,350 lb |
| SYR16-84-36PL8 | 16,000 lb | 84" | 76" | 38" to 65" | 5,990 lb |
| SYR16-96-36PL8 | 16,000 lb | 96" | 88" | 38" to 65" | 6,817 lb |
| SYR20-70-36PL8 | 20,000 lb | 70" | 62" | 38" to 65" | 5,480 lb |
| SYR20-84-36PL8 | 20,000 lb | 84" | 76" | 38" to 65" | 6,120 lb |
| SYR20-96-36PL8 | 20,000 lb | 96" | 88" | 38" to 65" | 6,940 lb |
| SYR25-70-36PL8 | 25,000 lb | 70" | 62" | 38" to 65" | 6,440 lb |
| SYR25-84-36PL8 | 25,000 lb | 84" | 76" | 38" to 65" | 7,130 lb |
| SYR25-96-36PL8 | 25,000 lb | 96" | 88" | 38" to 65" | 7,570 lb |
| SYR30-84-36PL8 | 30,000 lb | 84" | 76" | 38" to 65" | 7,870 lb |
| SYR30-96-36PL8 | 30,000 lb | 96" | 88" | 38" to 65" | 8,370 lb |
Common questions
What is the difference between a yard ramp and a dock ramp?
A mobile yard ramp is portable and runs from the ground up to a trailer, so you can load without a loading dock. A dock-to-ground ramp attaches to an existing warehouse dock so forklifts can drive between the dock and the ground.
Can I use a yard ramp in snow and rain?
Yes. The serrated steel grating gives traction in wet weather, and snow, rain and debris fall through it.
Can I get a custom size or capacity?
Yes. Copperloy builds custom sizes with capacities up to 35,000 lb. Email us for a quote.
Can I return a yard ramp?
No. Mobile yard ramp sales are final, so check capacity, width and height range before ordering. If your ramp arrives damaged, note it on the delivery receipt before signing and contact us within 48 hours.
Need help choosing?
Tell us your forklift's weight and width, your heaviest load, and the bed heights of the trucks or docks you load. We'll recommend a ramp and quote it with freight to your address.
- Email: support@mywarehouseworld.com
- Phone: (929) 577-4339, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST
- Chat: use the chat button on any page
Written by Neel Doshi, founder of My Warehouse World.