The HEEVE PRIME-SERIES YARD RAMP is a manually operated dock leveller designed to bridge height differences between a vehicle loading bed and the ground surface when a permanent loading platform is unavailable. This instruction manual provides comprehensive details on the ramp's structure, usage, technical specifications, safety regulations, and daily maintenance.
Function Description:
The primary function of the HEEVE PRIME-SERIES YARD RAMP is to facilitate the loading and unloading of goods from vehicles, particularly in environments without fixed loading docks. It serves as a portable ramp that allows forklifts and other material handling equipment to safely traverse between ground level and a vehicle's loading bed. The ramp is manually operated, with hydraulic systems (manual, AC mains power, or DC battery power) for height adjustment, enabling it to adapt to various vehicle heights. Safety features such as guard rails, safety chains, and wheel chocks are integrated to ensure secure operation.
Important Technical Specifications:
The yard ramp's capacity is a critical factor, and users must calculate the dynamic capacity before use to prevent overloading and potential injury. The static load refers to the rated structural capacity when the load is not in motion, while the dynamic load accounts for factors like speed, number of wheels, frequency of use, and grade percentage during operation. The manual provides a calculation example: for a 4-wheel forklift with a total operating weight of 5,000kg and a heaviest load of 2,000kg, the total maximum weight is 7,000kg. Applying a dynamic factor of 1.5 (for 4-wheel forklifts), the minimum required capacity for the yard ramp is 10,500kg. Users are advised to round up to the next available capacity.
The HEEVE Prime-Series Forklift Dock Ramps / Yard Ramps are available in various SKU numbers with different static load capacities and hydraulic types:
- H0055, H0056, H0057: 8-Tonne Static Load Capacity (Manual Hydraulic, AC (mains power) Hydraulic, DC (battery power) Hydraulic, respectively).
- H0058, H0059, H0060: 10-Tonne Static Load Capacity (Manual Hydraulic, AC (mains power) Hydraulic, DC (battery power) Hydraulic, respectively).
- H0061, H0062, H0063: 12-Tonne Static Load Capacity (Manual Hydraulic, AC (mains power) Hydraulic, DC (battery power) Hydraulic, respectively).
- H0064, H0065, H0066: 15-Tonne Static Load Capacity (Manual Hydraulic, AC (mains power) Hydraulic, DC (battery power) Hydraulic, respectively).
The regular dimensions of the yard ramp are:
- Overall width (Outside): 2,134mm
- Internal width (Usable area): 1,886mm
- Overall length: 10,300mm
- Adjustable Height Range: 1,100mm to 1,580mm
- Unit Weight: 3,000kg to 4,000kg
The ramp is composed of an approach ramp(s), inclined ramp area, landing area, support legs, moving wheels, guard rail, safety chains, lip plate(s), and wheel chocks. The hydraulic system is pre-tested and debugged at the factory, requiring no personal adjustment.
Usage Features:
- Unloading and Moving: If an overhead crane is unavailable, a forklift with a minimum capacity of 4,500 kg (or two 2,500kg forklifts) is required to unload the ramp. When moving the ramp on-site, a suitable forklift should be used, ensuring sufficient operating space and a clear path, with a spotter assisting the operator. The support legs must be fully retracted, and the support frame height adjusted to provide 100mm to 200mm clearance off the ground. The ramp should be secured to the forklift with a chain or strap, and wheel chocks removed before moving.
- Positioning for Use: The ramp is raised using a crank handle to 100mm higher than the vehicle height or dock floor. It is then moved into position so the lip plate overlaps the vehicle/dock floor when folded down. It is crucial never to back the vehicle up to the ramp, as this can cause damage and unsafe conditions. The support legs are then lowered to the needed height. The ramp must never be used without the support legs in place. If the trailer has airbag suspension, the air should be released before loading. Safety chains must be connected to the trailer or dock, leaving three chain links slack; they should not be attached too tightly.
- In Use: Vehicles should traverse the ramp at a slow, steady speed, preferably in low gear, avoiding stops or gear changes on the ramp to prevent excessive wear and damage to tires. Forklift trucks should ascend and descend with their forks tilted back and raised sufficiently to avoid contact with the ramp deck.
- Safety Precautions: Only qualified operators, trained and authorized, should operate the ramp. Operation is restricted to level and firm ground surfaces. Overloading the ramp is strictly prohibited, as it can lead to axle deformation, damage, collapse, or overturning. Before each use, the ramp must be checked for stability, damage, oil leaks in the hydraulic system, and tire damage. Any faults found during inspection mean the ramp should not be used. Movement with a forklift should be as straight as possible, and the unit must not be offset. Personnel are strictly forbidden from accessing the ramp during raising or lowering. Hydraulic lifting cylinders should not be continuously pressurized at maximum travel. Safety chains should be tight and horizontal but allow for vehicle height changes. Only genuine spare parts should be used. Wheel chocks must always be used when the ramp is in use. Sudden stops in transit should be avoided, and the rated capacity must not be exceeded.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of the yard ramp.
- Hydraulic Oil: The hydraulic oil must be kept clean and free from water and other impurities. It should be replaced once per year. The type of hydraulic oil depends on the ambient temperature: N32# anti-wear hydraulic oil for temperatures less than or equal to 36°C, N46# anti-wear hydraulic oil for temperatures exceeding 36°C, and aviation grade hydraulic oil for temperatures below zero or during extreme frozen weather.
- Inspections: All components, including frame structure weld joints, for deformation, oil leaks, wheel bearings, paint protection, lifting points, fixing chains, and all moving parts, must be inspected regularly. The ramp should not be used if any faults are found. It is recommended to record inspection results in an inspection book.
- Warranty: The product comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty from the date of accepted delivery, covering defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. The warranty is non-transferable and covers only the original end purchaser. It does not cover products repaired, modified, or altered by unauthorized parties; subjected to unusual physical stress (e.g., overloaded ramps, corrosion); damaged by natural disaster, misuse, abuse, accident, or negligence; or consumable items. Product damage incurred during shipping must be noted on the Bill of Lading to validate the warranty.
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