Just when you thought high school maths was behind you… here comes trigonometry, back in action — and this time, it’s actually useful. When it comes to choosing the right Loading Ramp for your machinery, understanding the angle of your load and the clearance of your machine makes a real difference.
Whether you’re moving a car, scissor lift, ride-on mower, skid steer, or any other type of equipment, selecting the right ramp setup isn’t just about safety (although that’s a big one) — it’s also about making your job easier, faster, and way less stressful.
Let’s break down the key things you need to know to make sure your ramp setup is safe, practical, and perfectly suited to your gear.
Why Ramp Length Really Matters
Let’s start with the basics — ramp length directly affects the steepness of your loading angle, and that loading angle determines how easy (or dangerous) your load-up process is.
For most standard applications, the ideal loading angle is between 18° and 22°. This range hits the sweet spot that’s recommended by engineers, equipment manufacturers, and seasoned operators alike. It’s steep enough to keep your ramps a manageable length, but not so steep that you’re pushing your equipment — or yourself — into dangerous territory.
If the angle is too steep, especially with heavier machines or those with small tyres and low torque, you risk slippage, engine strain, or bottoming out. On the other hand, a ramp that’s too shallow might be unnecessarily long and harder to move around — so it’s all about balance.
But here’s the kicker: the slope isn’t the only thing that matters…
What If You Have Low Clearance Machinery?
If you’re working with low-clearance equipment — like scissor lifts, electric pallet movers, zero-turn mowers, or even certain forklifts — the angle isn’t just about the slope of the ramp. It’s also about how your machine interacts with the ground and the ramp during the entire loading process.
There are three key points to watch out for:
1. Approach Angle
This is the angle at which your machine meets the ramp at ground level. If the nose or any undercarriage parts of your equipment sit low, they could hit the ramp before the wheels even get on.
2. Ramp-Over Angle
This occurs at the peak of the transition — where your machine moves from the ramp onto the trailer or truck bed. If the underside of your equipment is flat and low, it could scrape or get stuck right at the top of the ramp.
3. Departure Angle
The point at which the rear of your machine clears the ramp and rests on the trailer. With poor planning, your machine might bottom out here, causing serious damage.
Even with a “standard” ramp angle, low-clearance machines may need longer ramps to create a shallower, more manageable slope and avoid making unwanted contact with the ground or ramp.
How Do You Know If Your Machine Will Clear?
Good question — and this is where things get smart.
At SureWeld, if we suspect there might be a clearance issue, we don’t just guess. We’ll ask you to send over some key measurements from your machinery and your truck or trailer setup, including:
- Deck height (from ground to trailer/truck bed)
- Ground clearance of your machine
- Length between axles or wheelbase
- Overhangs at front and rear
With this info, we run a clearance check and often sketch up a quick simulation of your load-up process. This gives us a visual representation of how your machine will interact with the ramp and helps us identify any problem areas — before you get stuck halfway up a ramp in real life.
Don’t Forget Handling Practicality
While all the angles and safety concerns are crucial, there’s another thing people often forget: you still have to move the ramps!
A longer ramp means a gentler slope, but it also means more weight, more bulk, and more hassle — especially if you’re working solo or setting up multiple times a day. So we always consider the trade-off between usability and portability.
Depending on the size and material, some aluminium ramps are lightweight and easy to carry, while others may need a team lift or built-in handling features like wheels or handles.
Pro tip: If you’re moving ramps frequently, ask us about lightweight or folding ramp options.
The (Not-So-Scary) Maths Behind It
Here’s where that trigonometry comes into play — but don’t worry, we’ve simplified it for you.
The angle of a ramp is calculated using:
Ramp Length = Deck Height ÷ sin(angle)
Now, if maths isn’t your thing, no sweat. We’ve crunched the numbers for you and put together a handy reference chart that shows the optimal ramp lengths for a safe angle (18°–22°), based on your deck height.
| Ramp Length | Minimum Deck Height | Maximum Deck Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1600mm | 465mm | 560mm |
| 2400mm | 710mm | 860mm |
| 2900mm | 865mm | 1050mm |
| 3300mm | 990mm | 1200mm |
| 3500mm | 1050mm | 1275mm |
| 3600mm | 1080mm | 1310mm |
| 3700mm | 1110mm | 1350mm |
| 4000mm | 1205mm | 1460mm |
Example: If your trailer has a deck height of 1050mm, you’ll want to go for a ramp in the 2900mm to 3500mm range depending on the clearance needs of your machine.
Additional Tips for Safer Loading
A great ramp setup starts with the right length, but safety also depends on how you use it. Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:
✅ Secure Your Ramps
Always ensure your ramps are securely fastened or locked into place before driving your machine up. Many ramp accidents happen because ramps shift under load.
✅ Check the Surface
Look for non-slip surfaces or serrated treads that give you extra grip — especially in wet or muddy conditions.
✅ Consider Weight Ratings
Make sure your ramp’s rated load capacity suits the weight of your machine plus the operator if they’ll be on board.
✅ Maintain Regularly
Inspect your ramps often for signs of bending, cracking, or wear, especially around the hinges or locking mechanisms.
Why Customisation Matters
Sometimes, even with the best charts and calculations, standard ramps aren’t quite right. That’s when a custom solution really shines.
At SureWeld, we offer ramps in a wide range of lengths, widths, load ratings, and configurations — including:
- Folding or bi-fold ramps
- Extra-wide options for tracked equipment
- Aluminium construction for easier handling
- Integrated safety locking systems
- Tailored designs for your exact machinery and transport setup
With a custom ramp, you can strike the perfect balance between safety, efficiency, and ease of use — without compromising on durability.
Final Thought: Still Unsure?
Still unsure? Don’t worry — you’re not expected to figure it all out alone.
Choosing the right loading ramp isn’t just about buying what’s available — it’s about getting a solution that’s built for your machine, your vehicle, and your work style. And that’s exactly what we do best.
You can get in touch with SureWeld, and we’ll help fit you with the right ramp setup for your needs — whether you’re moving compact gear or heavy-duty plant equipment.
No guesswork. No headaches. Just the right ramp, every time.
