When it comes to buying a yard ramp, you’ll find that there are many options available. However, not all of the options are good. If you want to buy a good forklift ramp, then you should consider the following factors.
Deck Grating/Checkered Ramp Plate
The deck grating or checkered plate is used for heavy duty applications, such as loading and unloading trucks or other heavy equipment like tractors or trailers. This type of ramp is made from recycled materials such as steel or aluminum which makes them ideal for commercial applications where they are used regularly.
High-Strength Supporting Legs
The legs of any type of ramp must be strong enough to support the weight of whatever is being carried onto it without bending or breaking under pressure. The strength of supporting legs varies depending on whether they are designed for industrial or commercial purposes, but all types must be able to withstand pressure when carrying heavy loads over long distances without collapsing under pressure.
Hydraulic Cylinder/Undercarriage
Ramps have a cylinder that controls the movement of the ramp and its angle of incline. The cylinder is made up of a piston rod connected to a hydraulic cylinder with a piston inside it. This piston pushes oil through the tubing and out to the ends of the ramp where it does its work moving the boards up or down. The better built ones have multiple pistons for more control over different parts of the ramp (such as two sets for raising or lowering). They also tend to be much more expensive than single piston models.
Pump Station
This is where you attach your pump to fill up your cylinders with fluid so they can do their job. This can come in handy if you're working alone or if you've got someone else helping out who doesn't want to carry around an extra piece of equipment just for filling up those cylinders again and again (or even if you're going to be using it all day long).
Lip and Safety Chains
The lip is where the vehicle touches down on the ramp when it comes down off its trailer or truck bed. A good lip is rounded with no sharp edges so that it does not damage your car’s paintwork when you use it. The safety chains act as a secondary safety mechanism in case something goes wrong with your ramp and makes it impossible for you to stop safely on your own.
The Guard Rail
The guard rail is one of the most important parts of your ramp and can make or break whether it is safe for you to use or not. You should look for one that has been made from high-quality materials, with a smooth finish that doesn’t cause any scratches or marks on your vehicle. An adjustable guard rail is especially useful if you plan on using different types of vehicles on your ramp and want to ensure they are all protected in the same way.
Conclusion
Ultimately, there are two main features you need to look for: durability and sturdiness. Most of these options will be built with similar materials, which means the only way you're really going to notice a difference is in the quality of craftsmanship. So, if you can get a good look at a ramp before purchasing it, do so! If not, consider buying from an established brand that you trust. Or better yet, wait until you can physically see the ramp and then make up your mind about which one you prefer.