Length and weight capacity aren’t the only differentiating features of our heavy-duty loading ramps. The type of connection at the top and bottom of the ramps, as well as the ramp surface options, ensure that we have the best ramp options available for your specific trailer and loading vehicles.
End Styles
The end style connection point at the top of the ramp assists in reducing slippage and kick-outs. HD Ramps manufactures several types to accommodate the majority of trailer designs.
Hook End
As the name implies, hook-end ramps feature a curved hook at the end, which locks into trailer rub rails and angle iron trailer sides. Ramps with hook ends also fit into the Alumi-Loc attaching system, which is an optimal accessory for trailers that lack other mounting points. Hook-end ramps provide a more secure connection than plate-end ramps.
Plate End
Plate-end ramps have a flat metal plate at the end, which rests on the trailer. The simplest design, they are adaptable to virtually any trailer. They require tie-down straps to secure them to the trailer to prevent them from kicking out or moving apart during the loading process.
Hook/Plate Hybrid End
These ramps have a hook at the end for trailers that have an appropriate mounting point, but also feature a plate beyond that so they can still be used on trailers that a hook-end ramp can’t be mounted to. The addition of the plate smooths the transition from ramp to trailer.
Pin-On End
Ramps with pin-on ends provide the most secure connection, however they require modification of the trailer itself. Special skid seat attaching brackets must be welded or bolted to the trailer—the ramp end will sit in the bracket channel and lock in place via a large metal pin. Ramps with pin-on ends secure to the trailer with pins, and therefore do not need to be strapped to the trailer before use.
Ramp Surfaces
Depending on the terrain or ground surface you load on, as well as the typical weather conditions you encounter, you might require gapped traction for passing mud and debris, or aggressive traction to ensure equipment or vehicle tires will not slip during the loading process.
Punch Plate Surface
This unique surface design was engineered at HD Ramps to provide maximum traction. Each punched circle has elevated, blunt serrations designed to cut through ice, mud, snow and similar adverse conditions to provide excellent grip while loading and unloading.
Serrated Rung Surface
The classic rung design has been improved by adding serrations to each extruded aluminum rung. The left and right sides are fully braced, and the central gap between each rung allows dirt, debris and rain to pass through without accumulating on the ramp.
Foot Styles
The terminal end of our ramps are designed with two factors in mind: to facilitate the ground-to-ramp transition, and to adapt to different loading heights. To accomplish this, we offer two foot styles: knife, and stub.
Knife Foot
Knife-cut feet provide a smoother transition from the ground onto the ramp, which is especially important if you are loading low-profile vehicles with limited front and rear ground clearance. Properly sized, these ramps provide flexibility for loading most vehicles and equipment.
Knife cut feet are designed to sit flat on the ground with limited flexibility for varying load heights. When used at load heights either above or below the designed range (typically ±6"), the toe of the ramp may bend.
Proper setup of a knife foot requires that you know the load height before purchasing the ramps. This is needed so that the tapered end of the ramp lays flat on the ground to prevent the ramp toe from supporting the weight of the loading process, which could bend the toe.
Stub Foot
Stub toe feet provide the strongest available reinforcement to the end of the ramp. In addition, they provide the greatest flexibility in load height ranges (typically ±12"). The strength of the foot makes it more appropriate for loading heavier equipment or concentrated loads on smaller tires like skid loaders.
Stub toe feet do not provide a smooth transition from the ground onto the ramp, so the type of usable loading vehicles is restricted to those with greater front and rear ground clearance.
