Aluminum Ramp flex

admin

I've always loaded this machine into the back of my trucks with ali ramps.  I use 9', 3,000 capacity to get it in the back of my flat bed dump.I just bought these 12', 3,000 capacity ali ramps to load into my new rear mount.  The machine weighs 1800, I weigh165, extra counter weights 250, and grapple 250.  So say about 2500 lbs.I'm wondering if you guys feel the flex shown is "normal".  I was thinking about adding a drop down leg in the middle, just in case.
Reply:Now I am no expert but the flex really didnt look that bad to me. If you look at aluminum flat bed trailers they are bowed up in the center and take a certain amount of weight to flatten them out. I would think they were designed to have a certain amount of flex. If you took that flex away it may cause stresses in  other areas.Making as much progress as a one legged duck in the middle of a pond, just going in circles.
Reply:No expert here, but I didn't see anything out of the ordinary.You know when they say 3000# capacity, they build-in quite a bit of safety factor, right?In other words, they're not going to fold at 3,001#. Probably more like 5000# or 7000#On the other hand, if a drop-down leg makes you feel better, by all means, bolt one on.Last edited by Kelvin; 11-13-2012 at 03:21 PM.
Reply:I am totally aware of the safety factor.I discussed this with the manufacturer and they would not release the information.  The 3,000 lb WLL is a percent of the actual breaking strength oblivious.  Well is should be at least.  Such as there is with all my gear.It's just worry some, it's a long way to fall!  I ate it off the short ramps into my other truck once, operator error though, not equipment error.  But boy was that scary!
Reply:Better safe than sorry.  I am in a walking boot right now due to torn ligaments (not work related).  If you had a fall and an injury, even like mine, it will give you lots of time to plan that center brace.It may not be necessary, but if it gives you piece of mind, I think it is worth it.  Too much stress can kill you anyway.The Lord has declared, "This is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man"  Moses 1:39Link: My name is John, and I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.-- ColdCreekWorks.com --
Reply:It's not to much if it goes back to normal. which it did. that really wasn't a lot of flex for a 12' ramp. even at that steep of an angle.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:I don't see anything wrong with that video.  Just be certain you are always carefull and always working on firm level ground.  Set those ramps down on a slippery or sandy or muddy surface and all bets are off!- MondoMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Thanks guys.Good to hear the second opinions.
Reply:Remember, everything is made in China now so 3000lb doesn't necessarily include a safety factor.  I had a ramp fail while loading a motorcycle recently.  It flexed about like that during a normal load.  It lasted 7 years loading every couple of weekends.  It had been plagued with cold welds since day one.  I learned to weld aluminum fixing all of the bad welds.  Finally one of the hinges simply broke.I would personally use steel ramps for such a case.  Remember, aluminum gets weaker every time you load it even if you are within the rated load.Last edited by 76GMC1500; 11-14-2012 at 01:30 AM.
Reply:I agree that the flex looks ok.  Are you able to tie the ramps to the truck so they don't slip off.  I loaded my ATV in my truck for years thinking I didn't need to tie the ramps to the truck until one day one slipped off.  After a $1000 tailgate and a sore arm I never load with out using the safety cables.  It could have been a lot worse.Dan
Reply:Ya,I strap them and pin them through the deck.On my other truck, and other set of ramps, they kicked out from under me one day breaking the straps.  It made a great day not so great with the machine on it's side in a driveway.From there on I pin them and make sure the truck is 100% secure.
Reply:Originally Posted by brendonvI've always loaded this machine into the back of my trucks with ali ramps.  I use 9', 3,000 capacity to get it in the back of my flat bed dump.I just bought these 12', 3,000 capacity ali ramps to load into my new rear mount.  The machine weighs 1800, I weigh165, extra counter weights 250, and grapple 250.  So say about 2500 lbs.I'm wondering if you guys feel the flex shown is "normal".  I was thinking about adding a drop down leg in the middle, just in case.
Reply:I have been looking for some ramps like you have. Mind sharing the manufacturer and where you got them?
Reply:Discount ramps were less than helpful with discussing their ratings.  Plus they did not have the foldable ones I was looking for.These are made in USA by http://www.fivestarmfginc.com/.  I'm not sure if you can buy direct from them, but mine are from http://www.dambachramps.com/
Reply:I would be more worried about loading/offloading in the rain. now, THAT sounds like a disaster in the making...
Reply:Originally Posted by brendonvDiscount ramps were less than helpful with discussing their ratings.  Plus they did not have the foldable ones I was looking for.These are made in USA by http://www.fivestarmfginc.com/.  I'm not sure if you can buy direct from them, but mine are from http://www.dambachramps.com/
Reply:Mine are 12', those are 9' ramps you linked too.  Couple feet makes a big difference when loading at that height.  They don't make 12' 3,000 capacity ramps, according to two of their sales reps.One other set they had where 12', but they rated them per axle.  They could not give me an over all weight rating, just per axle rating, which meant nothing to me.I might however upgrade machines sooner or later, and discount ramps does have nice, non folding high capacity weight rating ramps.
Reply:Originally Posted by brendonvMine are 12', those are 9' ramps you linked too.  Couple feet makes a big difference when loading at that height.  They don't make 12' 3,000 capacity ramps, according to two of their sales reps.One other set they had where 12', but they rated them per axle.  They could not give me an over all weight rating, just per axle rating, which meant nothing to me.I might however upgrade machines sooner or later, and discount ramps does have nice, non folding high capacity weight rating ramps.
Reply:I am happy with the ramps I found, and I know the specs.Was just curious others opinions on whether or not the flex was normal.  I never had ramps this long, so it was  a concern to me.I am positive I am under the working load rating, so I'll give it hell for a while!
Reply:If you really want to know, take out an accurate 6" ruler and measure ALL the critical cross sections, we can take a shot at calculations of stress, displacement and approx safety margin with actual loads.  A photo / sketch of the ramp cross section would help.  Let us know if our estimates of displacement seem to match actual.  --zip