While a high-quality loading ramp can offer many benefits for your shipping yard, warehouse, or manufacturing facility, it is important to ensure that it is stored properly when it is not in use. Keeping your ramp out in the open and exposed to the elements can significantly increase the risk of a collision while accelerating wear on the unit over time. Proper storage techniques will significantly reduce wear on your ramp while keeping it out of the way of other equipment, increasing its usable life while reducing repair and maintenance costs. As a leading provider of quality mobile loading ramps for various industries and applications, the team at Dura-Ramp knows that proper storage is crucial for every ramp regardless of how often it is used. That is why we have compiled a list of mobile loading ramp storage tips to help you keep your ramp safe and in good condition for years to come.
Learn about 4 mistakes to avoid when using a mobile loading ramp.
3 Tips for Effective Mobile Loading Ramp Storage
To keep your ramp safe while it is not in use, you will need to perform the following actions:
1. Store the Unit Under Cover
While a high-quality loading ramp will be designed and constructed to withstand harsh weather without a problem, it will still benefit from being stored in a dry space. Ramps are safest to use when dry, especially during freezing conditions. By keeping your ramp under cover, you will limit the potential for ice and reduce the chance of a slip or fall. It is especially important to keep your ramp stored under cover if it has any chips in the powder coat, as these areas can expand due to excess moisture or ice.
2. Lower the Ramp
If your portable loading ramp can move around on wheels, you will need to make sure that the ramp is lowered onto its legs when being stored. This can help to improve the life of the wheels on your ramp and keep them running smoothly, as leaving weight on the wheels for long periods of time can cause uneven wear, flat spots, and punctures. If your ramp has wheel locks, these should also be engaged to minimize the chance of the ramp sliding while in storage.
3. Choose the Right Storage Area
When storing your ramp, the best location for it will be an area that is easily accessible without being in the way of your daily operating tasks. A covered area near your loading bay(s) is typically a good choice, but you can also use a covered area near the side of your facility or by your fence as these locations will allow for safe storage without impeding accessways for vehicles and equipment.
To learn more about portable loading ramps and proper storage techniques, reach out to the team at Dura-Ramp. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products.