How to choose a loading ramp
Why the right ramp matters
A dock leveller bridges the height difference between the warehouse floor and the truck bed so forklifts and pallet trucks can drive in and out safely. The right type depends on the handling equipment, the loading area, the vehicles and the building itself. This guide walks through the points to check, one by one.
1. Ramp types and how they differ
Built-in lip dock leveller
Installed in a pit within the loading dock, this is the most common type. A hinged lip at the front rests on the truck bed; the lip is 405 mm as standard, 500 mm on request. Standard capacity is 6 tons.
Telescopic dock leveller
Also built into the structure, but the lip slides forward instead of hinging. The standard lip is 500 mm, with 1000 mm and 1200 mm options. Standard capacity is 6 tons. The longer lip options are worth considering where a gap remains between the vehicle and the dock.
Vertical dock leveller
No construction work is needed, and it stands upright when not in use, taking up no space. It suits buildings where a pit cannot be built or a quick solution is needed.
Flat floor (pit) loading ramp
Designed for buildings on level ground with no loading dock. The platform set into the floor rises up to 1600 mm and is designed for a maximum slope of 12.5%.
Mobile yard ramp
On wheels and moved by forklift. Standard capacity is 10 tons and the adjustable height is 1.2–1.7 m. It is used in open yards without a fixed loading point. See our mobile yard ramp article for details.
2. Loading area height
Start by measuring the difference between the warehouse floor and the truck bed. If the building has a raised loading dock, a lip, telescopic or vertical leveller can be used. On common lip leveller sizes the ramp travel is +550 / −350 mm, so it can meet beds both above and below dock level. If the floor is level with no dock, consider a flat floor ramp or a mobile yard ramp.
3. Vehicle type
Trucks, articulated lorries and containers all have different bed heights. If different vehicles use the same door, the ramp travel must cover all of them. Where a gap remains between bed and ramp, a telescopic leveller with a long lip comes into its own. A mobile yard ramp adjusts its loading end hydraulically to the height of the vehicle.
4. Capacity
Choose capacity based on the forklift's own weight plus the load it carries. Dock levellers have a nominal capacity of 6 tons, which can be increased for heavy work such as paper loading. Common lip leveller sizes, for reference:
- POWERLIFT.R.M.06: 2500 × 2000 mm, closed height 500 mm, capacity 6000 kg
- POWERLIFT.R.M.10: 3000 × 2200 mm, closed height 500 mm, capacity 10000 kg
The mobile yard ramp has a standard capacity of 10 tons and can be built for higher loads on request.
5. Frequency of use and layout
If many vehicles are loaded at the same door every day, a permanent built-in leveller keeps the work flowing; the ramp and lip are controlled separately, so the operator can make fine adjustments. If the loading point changes, use is occasional, or construction is not possible because the building is leased, a mobile or vertical ramp offers more flexibility. For outdoor use the body can be hot-dip galvanised on request.
Send us measurements and photos
Loading ramps are usually built to order and are manufactured in Denizli. Send photos of the site, any dimensioned drawing and details of your vehicles and forklifts via the contact page, and we will work out the right type and size with you. All types are shown on the dock leveller page.
