![]() For a tractor, a mid-deck zero-turning-radius mower or an ATV, that means you should back up the ramps and drive down. ![]() You should not block clear up to the trailer leave room for some lowering under load.Īlways keep the drive wheels uphill when loading or unloading. Do not put the blocks or jackstands under the ramps that can allow the ramps to come loose from the trailer when the machine rolls onto the trailer. This can be prevented by putting blocks or jackstands under the rear of the trailer. Some machines are light enough that no support is needed, but, when loading heavier lawn and garden equipment such as compact tractors onto trailers, the weight of the machine going up the ramp can raise the rear of the truck. Also, be sure to set the parking brake on the truck to keep it from moving while loading or unloading. It is important to fasten the ramp to the truck in some way (for example, with anchor chains or a locking lug on the flap) to prevent the ramp from coming off the truck or trailer bed. The momentum of the tractor or ATV can move the ramps backward away from the truck or trailer and cause the ramps to drop to the ground. A common type of accident occurs when a driver starts down a ramp and suddenly hits the brakes. Most ramps have a lip or flap that hooks over the bed of the truck or trailer, but many of the lips or flaps are flat and do not keep the ramp from moving backward. With many mowers, a low loading angle is needed to avoid having the mower bottom out on the top of the ramp when the machine rolls off the ramp and onto the truck or trailer. Obviously, lower loading angles are safer, but longer ramps are heavier and more difficult to store. The longer the ramp, the lower the loading angle. Larger trailers sometimes have two integral ramps these also offer the advantage of being fastened to the trailer. In some ways they are safer than other ramps because they are securely fastened and are generally full-width. These are usually designed only for light lawn and garden equipment or ATVs. Many small trailers have a combination tailgate/ramp that drops down for loading. You can tack pieces of ribbed rubber, mesh fencing or expanded metal to the top of the boards (Figure 3). Wooden ramps tend to be slick - especially when wet - so you should add something to the surface to provide traction. You can buy kits with brackets for the top, or you can bevel the boards at the top and bolt a piece of angle iron underneath to latch onto the truck or trailer (Figure 2). You can make your own wooden ramps from 2x12 lumber. Do not exceed the rated load capacity of the ramps. Some aluminum ramps are curved this can add strength and also provides a flatter angle at the top. Some come in separate pieces others fold up for hauling. These ramps are adequate for light machines. There are some safety issues involved in using ramps.Īluminum loading ramps for lawn tractors and ATVs are common (Figure 1). Loading equipment onto a truck or trailer usually requires the use of loading ramps.
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