Angle for loading ramp

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Jul 29, 2014 | 01:10 PM

E Bjornstad

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Former Vendor

Joined: Jun 2014

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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%?

Jul 29, 2014 | 01:40 PM

BossGasser

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Joined: Sep 2013

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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.

Jul 29, 2014 | 07:55 PM

senix

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Joined: Aug 2008

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From: Frederick, MD

Break over is the deal killer. I load mine in the bed of the truck with some motorcycle ramps and it clears.

If that gives you any ideas

Jul 30, 2014 | 07:07 AM

wingedone

Tuned

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 427

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From: Prescott, Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossGasser

Raise the deck and measure height from ground then the wheelbase.
That will give you a starting triangle.

Then use this ramp calculator to determine minimum length.

Ramp Calculator

Jul 30, 2014 | 08:54 AM

thomabb

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 2,405

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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...

Jul 30, 2014 | 09:07 AM

jdadamsjr

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Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 11,314

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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 ?