Special Thorworld Ramp Solves Vehicle Access Problem
Installing a made-to-measure Thorworld yard ramp to allow vehicles to drive into a basement unloading area has solved a problem and saved money for DX, the leading independent next-day business mail company.
DX recently acquired additional premises on an industrial estate in London. Due to the sloping ground there was no direct way for vehicles to enter a planned unloading area, as the road level was over a metre above the basement floor.
The solution came in the form a special Thorworld loading ramp, which was designed and manufactured to the customer's requirements. It measures 4.5 wide x 8m long and has a maximum weight capacity of 8,000kg. It was delivered in two sections and assembled on site.
Vans and 7.5 ton trucks use the ramp, which is bolted to the concrete floor, to reverse down into the basement unloading area. Once inside, the shutter doors are closed and locked so as to provide a secure area while the vehicles' contents are transferred into the sorting department.
Mike Stone, Chief Operating Officer for DX, the UK's leading independent mail and courier company, said: "Having the ramp has proved to be an economic, highly efficient and simple solution to the access problem we faced. The alternative would have meant costly and lengthy construction work."
Conventional Thorworld ramps are available as Standard, Deluxe and Super Deluxe (light, medium and heavy duty) models, with 6,000kg, 7,000kg, 10,000kg, 12,000kg or 15,000kg capacities and in lengths from 11 to 12.2 metres. Ruggedly built of solid beam construction, they have a serrated open grid deck for positive traction in all weathers, and are ideal for fast and efficient loading and unloading of vehicle trailers by fork truck, particularly where there is no raised loading dock.
The Super Deluxe/Recycling Ramp is available in both 12 and 15 tonne capacities and they are ideal for heavy duty applications, typically on a consistent three-shift operation, in the most rigorous working environments such as the recycling industry.
The Deluxe Ramp is available in a 10 tonne capacity and is ideally suited for medium duty applications, such as continual use on a single shift basis.
The Standard Ramp is available in 6, 7 and 10 tonne capacities, which are suitable for light duty applications where the ramp may only be in use up to 3-4 times a day.
A hand operated hydraulic pump quickly raises the ramp to the required height and they are equipped as standard with 1.8 metres of safety chain on each side for securing the ramp to the truck or loading dock.
CE marked, they fully conform to all European quality and safety standards and legislation. And, if necessary, they can be quickly and easily moved between different locations.
Bespoke models can be supplied to meet individual requirements and a comprehensive service and maintenance back-up facility is available to help ensure that the ramps are always kept in top condition.
A ramp rental facility is also provided through the company's RentARamp operation, with a sale or return option.
Thorworld is firmly established as a leading, one-stop, single source supplier to the loading bay and materials handling sectors, and is recognised as both a leader and innovator in the provision of quality engineered equipment.
BSI registered with ISO 9002 accreditation since 1992, as well as CE mark certification, it was one of the first companies in the industry to achieve the ISO 9001:2000 international quality management standard.
In addition to its mobile yard ramps, Thorworld provides a wide range of high quality loading & unloading equipment and loading bay accessories & safety aids, such as: dock shelters & seals, dock levellers, modular loading docks, dock plates & boards, dock & vehicle bumpers and wheel chocks, as well as the Truckloada mobile yardlift and the Dockloada scissor lift platform.
Published: 02/03/2009