Angle for loading ramp
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Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
Angle for loading ramp
I just bought a 4' x 8' trailer from Tractor Supply, partly to be able to haul my lawn tractor. I'm planning to build a little loading ramp. So this is a good chance to dust off my high school trig. What is the ideal angle to stick below for loading? Obviously if I want to hit a given angle, that will influence how long the ramp needs to be. Is it 20%?
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 502
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro, OR
Getting over the break from the ramp to the trailer floor is the math part.
A guy I worked for couldn't haul the mower he built the trailer for!!!
Raise the deck and measure height from ground then the wheelbase.
That will give you a starting triangle.
A guy I worked for couldn't haul the mower he built the trailer for!!!
Raise the deck and measure height from ground then the wheelbase.
That will give you a starting triangle.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 427
Likes: 4
From: Prescott, Michigan
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,405
Likes: 4
If you want to try to remember your high school trig and you need another project, then go for it.
If you want the professionals to take care of it for you,
Folding Lawn Mower Ramps
I had a couple 2X8s with ramp tips mounted on one end to get my mower/snow blower in and out of the truck. Had to stay below 8' so they would fit in the bed. Since I now load the VTX, I have upgraded to an aluminum folding ramp system. They make them for all kinds of applications and are so much better than the home made solutions.
Just my $0.02...
If you want the professionals to take care of it for you,
Folding Lawn Mower Ramps
I had a couple 2X8s with ramp tips mounted on one end to get my mower/snow blower in and out of the truck. Had to stay below 8' so they would fit in the bed. Since I now load the VTX, I have upgraded to an aluminum folding ramp system. They make them for all kinds of applications and are so much better than the home made solutions.
Just my $0.02...
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
Likes: 4
break over is the key - like the way those folding ramps arc to 'level' out the load at the top, but the last line of their site is cautionary 
Not recommended for golf carts, zero turn lawn mowers, heavy small wheeled vehicles, dollies, or wheelchairs.
so what Do they recommend it for and what does "heavy" mean to them ?
Not recommended for golf carts, zero turn lawn mowers, heavy small wheeled vehicles, dollies, or wheelchairs.
so what Do they recommend it for and what does "heavy" mean to them ?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,405
Likes: 4
Anything that would be top heavy would need a longer ramp so it wouldn't tip back while going up.
Youtube is full of examples of other people's failures.
Youtube is full of examples of other people's failures.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 502
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro, OR
A ramp calculator!?! WOW!!
Every time I think something might be missing from the Web, it shows up.
Every time I think something might be missing from the Web, it shows up.
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