Skip Ramps

Different Types of Skip Ramp

There are different types of skip ramps available for different job uses that have different features that make them more ideal for the job that they are being used for. Below is a list of 3 different types of skip ramps;

Steel Mesh Ramps

These are designed with a high traction, open grid surface that lets dirt, water and mud drain through the floor of the ramp to keep the walkway of the ramp clear and slip resistant whilst in use.

Aluminium Ramps

These are lightweight and easily moveable. These ramps are also slip resistant and ideal for home renovation jobs or jobs requiring frequent relocating, because the ramp is easy to store away.

Timber Ramps

These are often custom built ramps, that are built on the site of the job for temporary use. These ramps usually lack certified weight capacities and the safety

Essential Safety Features

There are a few safety features in place on skip ramps to ensure that they are the safest that they can be when being used;

Anti-Slip Surface

From raised treads to cross bars or open mesh patterns, these features all help the ramp to maintain grip in wet and/or muddy conditions.

Safety Sides (Curbs)

These are raised edges along the sides of the ramp to prevent wheel barrows or feet from slipping off the side of the ramp.

Securing Mechanisms

These can be in the form of pins, chains or hook-style end plates, all of which are designed to lock the top of the ramp into place to the lip of the skip securely to prevent the ramp from moving when it is in use.

Weight Capacity

Be sure to ensure that the Safe Working Load (SWL) for the ramp is NOT exceeded by the combined weight of the wheelbarrow, the user and the materials in the wheelbarrow.

How to Choose the Right Skip Ramp

There are 3 key points to consider when ensuring that you are choosing an ideal skip ramp for your job;

The Height

Measure the height of the skip that you are using, (not all skips are the same size). This is to ensure that you get a long enough ramp for a safe incline on the slope.

The Width

Your ramp of choice needs to be wide enough to accommodate the equipment that you are using on it, for example, is the ramp wide enough for a dual-wheel wheelbarrow or a motorised mini dumper if they are being used on the ramp?

Transport

If you are going between job sites often, then a lightweight aluminium ramp is better for easily packing away and unpacking often, this type of ramp is also easier to store in the rear of a small van or truck.

Still unsure which Skip Ramp?

What Weight Does a Skip Ramp Usually Take? And What Size is a Standard Skip Ramp?

A standard skip ramp usually has a Safe Working Load (SWL) of either 300kg or 600kg. This depends on whether the ramp is designed for wheelbarrows or mini motorised dumping trucks. Below are the capacity, use and standard size for a standard skip ramp and a heavy duty skip ramp;

Standard Skip Ramp (wheelbarrow Access)

Capacity – These ramps typically have a Safe Working Load of up to 300kg.
Use – These ramps are designed for users with a wheelbarrow.
Design and Size – These ramps are typically made from strong aluminium metal, and usually are approximately 3 metres to 5.7 metres long with a width of approximately 560mm to 600mm.

Heavy Duty Skip Ramp (Mini Motorised Dump Truck Access)

Capacity – These ramps typically have a Safe Working Load of up to 600kg.
Use – These skip ramps are designed to support heavier equipment such as mini motorised dumping trucks.
Design and Size – These ramps are usually made from foldable steel or alloy sections with adjustable legs for added stability for ensuring that they can withstand the heavier loads. These ramps are usually approximately 4 metres in length and have an approximate width of 780mm to 950mm.