Practical loading dock equipment guides from Holon. Compare mobile yard ramps and hydraulic dock levelers, prepare your site measurements and request the documents for your proposed model.
Mobile Dock Ramp vs Hydraulic Dock Leveler
Start with the loading route. A mobile dock ramp creates a forklift route from ground level to a truck or container. A hydraulic dock leveler bridges the gap between an existing raised loading bay and a vehicle floor.
| Selection point | Mobile dock ramp / yard ramp | Hydraulic dock leveler |
|---|---|---|
| Typical starting point | Forklift operates at ground level in a yard or warehouse approach. | Forklift operates on a raised loading dock. |
| Space to review | Ramp length, approach, turning space and loading surface. | Dock platform, vehicle position, pit and building structure. |
| Height matching | Review the ramp model’s adjustment range against vehicle floor heights. | Review the leveler’s operating range relative to dock height. |
| Installation planning | Check ground conditions, positioning, restraint and the manufacturer’s operating instructions. | Confirm the model-specific pit drawing, structural interfaces and electrical supply. |
| Movement between locations | Designed for repositioning; handling method depends on the selected model. | Installed at a defined loading bay. |
Holon offers 6–30T mobile dock ramps and 8T and 10T hydraulic dock levelers. Capacity alone does not establish suitability: dimensions, loaded forklift conditions and the loading route also need review.
How to Select a Mobile Yard Ramp
Send the following information before selecting a ramp. A model rating should not be chosen from the cargo weight alone.
- Operating load: forklift model and weight, maximum cargo weight and any attachments. Ask Holon to confirm the proposed model for the complete operating conditions.
- Vehicle heights: minimum and maximum truck or container floor height at the actual loading location.
- Clear width: forklift width, cargo width, vehicle door opening and the required working clearance.
- Site space: available length, approach direction, turning area and any obstructions. Include a measured sketch and photos.
- Ground and operating conditions: surface, slope, drainage, indoor or outdoor use and loading frequency.
- Commercial scope: quantity, destination country or port, requested options and any project-specific requirements.
Confirm rated capacity, adjustment range, usable deck width, restraint method and operating instructions on the quotation and approved model documents. Different capacities and configurations may use different dimensions; do not assume every ramp shares the same height range.
Dock Leveler Pit & Installation Requirements
Before preparing a pit, request the installation drawing for the exact dock leveler model and configuration. The platform’s outside dimensions are not a substitute for a confirmed pit drawing.
- Measure the dock height and the minimum and maximum vehicle floor heights.
- Confirm platform dimensions, rated capacity, lip arrangement and the intended forklift loading conditions.
- Provide existing pit dimensions, photos and drawings where available.
- Confirm pit dimensions and tolerances, support and fixing details, embedded components, bumper position and drainage provisions with the equipment supplier and site engineer.
- Confirm the site’s voltage, frequency and phase, electrical connection requirements and control location.
- Agree installation responsibilities and the inspection, functional testing and handover procedure before use.
Civil and electrical work should follow the approved model drawing and the site’s engineering requirements. Holon’s different product series and document versions may have different operating ranges and configurations. Use the documents issued for the model in your quotation.
Request Model Documents & a Site-Specific Quote
Ask for the specification sheet, dimension or installation drawing and operating documentation for your proposed model. Email site photos and drawings to manager@holonmachine.com, or send your requirements through our enquiry form.
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