Getting heavy riding or push lawn mowers in and out of trucks, trailers or garages often proves challenging without proper equipment. That’s where lawn mower ramps come in very handy. This comprehensive guide explores different ramp types and top considerations for safely loading and unloading mowers with minimal hassle.
What are Lawn Mower Ramps?
Lawn mower ramps are sloped platforms used to smoothly load rolling yard equipment in and out of elevated spaces. They provide a guided path for mower wheels to gradually transition between ground level and trailer beds, truck beds, or shed floors without abrupt vertical lifts.
Ramps attach to edges and anchor securely using hooks, latches and fastening points that prevent slipping. Durable metal and plastic ramp models safely support the heavy weight of riders and walk behind mowers – even commercial 72″ deck zero turn mowers weighing up to 1500 lbs.
Using proper ramps suited to mower sizes prevents accidents, equipment damage, or back strain from manhandling mowers over obstacles and elevation changes during transportation or seasonal storage.
Key Benefits of Using Lawn Mower Ramps
While makeshift wooden planks or sheets of plywood can serve as improvised ramps in a pinch, purpose-built loading ramps specifically for lawn mowers offer noticeable benefits:
Added Safety & Stability
Industrial mower ramps provide grippy multi-groove driving surfaces plus raised side rails that channel wheels preventing dangerous slides or tipping sideways off ramp edges.
Adjustable Configurations
Ramps like multi-piece folding models with pivoting ends or adjustable rubber Cameron-style ramps conform to varied widths and entry angles – especially beneficial for restricted space maneuvering.
Weight Capacity Rating Reassurances
Top ramp brands always rate maximum weight capacities to confirm adequate rigidity strength for heavy zero turn riders or multi-person utility vehicle payloads without failures.
Damage Prevention
Maintaining consistent slopes is vital to avoid scraping mower decks or frames during transition. Quality ramp construction ensures proper entry/exit clearance angles every use.
Using specifically designed mower loading ramps matched properly to equipment weights demonstrates far more secure control for users plus protects expensive mowing gear from dents, cracks or breakdowns.
Key Types of Lawn Mower Ramps
While customized metal or expanded metal ramps prove common, today’s assortment of enhanced portable mower ramp options satisfy various unique applications:
Tri-Fold Aluminum Mower Ramps
Top selling style featuring connected 3-section rigid aluminum plates that fold conveniently for compact storage. Extended lengths reach over 9 feet with raised side rails and safety latches.
Telescoping Adjustable Mower Ramps
Telescoping internal slider rails allow single-piece ramps to extend from 5 feet out to 10+ feet for versatile length adjustment capabilities between uses and storage modes.
Heavy-Duty Roller Ramps
Specialty mower ramp designed for ultra heavy zero turn riders and commercial mowers. Dual plastic roller suspension internally absorbs shock loading while providing low friction travel along grooved aluminum surfaces.
Flexible Rubber Cameron-Style Ramps
These extremely adaptable rubber ramps conform across varied widths/lengths and compact tightly when not deployed. Highly portable for transporting in vehicle beds and positioning quickly without fuss.
Fortunately hobbyists and pros transporting all types of push and riding lawn mowers have durable and dependable ramp choices meeting assorted needs and capabilities.
Must Read: Quickly Calculate How Long it Takes to a Mow a Lawn
Key Specifications When Buying Lawn Mower Ramps
Before purchasing mower ramps, several specifications should be evaluated closely to guarantee safe, secure usage moving your particular residential or commercial equipment:
Ramp Weight Rating
Deck ramps should support at least 120% of your heaviest mower’s weight. For a 1500 lb commercial zero turn mower, choose over 2000+ lb minimum capacity.
Ramp Length & Slope
Longer ramps provide gentler driving slopes. But compact length for storage may necessitate steeper inclines that require caution navigating. 8 to 10 feet lengths better balance tradeoffs.
Ramp Width Dimension
Deck opening width is vital for accommodating mower tire tracks without slipping over edges accidentally. Consider tires spacing plus clearance buffer when selecting widths.
Ramp Material and Surface Texture
Grooved aluminum ramps with raised side lips offer positive grip. Flexible rubber Cameron ramps absorb vibration exceptionally well. Both work excellently guiding mowers.
Carefully checking specifications gives homeowners confidence transporting equipment safely up loading ramps, preventing accidents or damage that derails lawn care productivity.
Easy Steps for Loading Lawn Mowers using Ramps
Follow this simple process for smoothly getting riding or walk-behind mowers in and out of pickup beds, trailers or sheds via ramps without troubles:
Secure Ramps Properly
Hook ramp attach points over tailgate edges or trailer decking. Rest ramp feet completely flat on ground without teetering.
Inspect Ramp Conditions
Check ramp surfaces and fasteners ensuring no damage or debris before attempting to load expensive mowing equipment.
Load Battery and Fuel Separately
Remove heavy lead-acid batteries off mowers when loading/unloading to reduce risks of acid leaks if tipping. Fuel separately too once docked.
Align Ramp Centerlines
Drive mower straight slowly centering tires in the middle of twin ramp channels without veering left or right accidentally off ramp sides.
Apply Gradual Acceleration
Navigate ramp slopes using delicate, steady throttle not sudden accelerations to avoid shifts in weight or centres of gravity that can influence tipping possibilities.
Employing a few fundamental operating best practices gives equipment owners confidence and control when accessing trailers, trucks or storage spaces with lawn mowing gear via sturdy loading ramps.
Avoid these Top Mistakes Using Lawn Mower Ramps
While convenient aids, misusing loading ramps poses unnecessary equipment hazards for homeowners. Prevent problems by avoiding these key errors:
Overloading Weight Capacities
Pushing rated limits risks collapsing ramps or the equipment sinking unstably through centers. Double-check mower gross vehicle weights (GVW).
Loose Unsecured Connections
All ramp mounting latches link positively into receiver tubes or wrap hooks fully over platform edges so shifting/slipping cannot happen when heavy mowers translate forces and vibrations through them.
Faulty Tires or Loose Parts
Inspect mower tires, pivots and deck assemblies ensuring no cracked wheels, stuck casters or dragging appendages that can catch or cause redirection disasters mid-transfer.
Using Damaged Safety Accessories
Never accept broken side rails, missing end stops or large surface gouges that compromise traction. Repair or replace defectively.
Rushing Loading/Unloading
Hurrying the process heightens odds of driving off centre or too rapidly to properly stabilize questionable weigh distribution transitions that precipitate tipping over disasters.
Remaining attentive and risk-aware using lawn mower ramps properly prevents unfortunate injuries and dented equipment that squander weekends or shorten commercial mowing productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Mower Ramps
What angles should lawn mower ramps sit at?
The smoothest driving angle to prevent bottoming-out mower decks sits between 12 to 17 degrees incline. Extend ramp lengths or use adjustable models to reduce angles under 10 degrees for ultra heavy machines.
Can lawn mower ramps be used on uneven ground?
For best results, position ramps only on flat, solid surfaces so weight transfers smoothly without teetering corners. Use wider ramps or fill minor gaps beneath ramp legs as needed for stability.
Should lawn mower ramps be braked when loading/unloading?
Yes, always engage parking brakes before traversing ramps for controlled slow movements instead of momentum carrying machines faster than tires grip ramps if sudden throttle/brake inputs.
Do lawn mower ramps need protecting from outdoor weather?
Leaving metal ramps exposed risks corrosion and rust accumulation. Use storage bags or buy UV-resistant plastic ramp models to prevent seizing mechanisms or diminished traction from exposure when not in use.
How wide of a lawn mower deck can ramps support?
As a general rule of thumb, ramp widths should extend at least 2 additional inches outside the mower’s overall width or deck width to provide safe tire track margins preventing unforeseen sideways slides off ramps.
Conclusion
Loading heavy riding and walk-behind lawn mowers or commercial zero turn tractors in and out of trucks, trailers or storage safely is made simple with proper ramp equipment. Purpose-built mower ramps provide adjustable lengths, grippy surfaces and raised rails that greatly improve stability getting mowers situated at various elevated heights smoothly. Just be sure to secure ramps rigorously every time, align mower tires centrally along ramp channels, and apply gentle consistent throttle to prevent losses of control or dreaded tipping accidents. And selecting ramp weight capacities that exceed mower weights by at least 20% gives homeowners confidence in supporting machines without failure. Employing sturdy mower ramps matched appropriately to your equipment protects against loading-related damages. So check ramp specifications carefully and remind all household members to remain attentive during loading/unloading to ensure seasons of mowing productivity.