Car ramp thickness ?

[ned]

Cool this is a good mission, I like it.


I telephoned a company here in Ireland that stock galvanised planking, for industrial flooring and so on.

I read on their website that they make 6 meter lengths. I'm looking for 6 meters because thats roundabouts 17 feet.
I measured my Diahatsu Fourtrak to be 17 feet and I reckon that length will accomodate most cars.

So I rang the company and asked about the 6 meter lengths. He said he had them in stock, but when I asked him would they take the weight of a vehicle, 1.5 tons, he said no, not without re-enforcing.

So maybe keep that in mind when you are looking.

I think what we are looking for is the type of metal used in ramps for plant trailers, the type they load mini-diggers with. Havnt looked for this stuff yet, dont know where to look.

I'd rather get a pre-made piece of metal that wouldn't need re-enforcing.

 

[J.F]

http://www.therampcompany.co.uk/plant-machinery-ramps/

 

[ned]

okay i wonder will they be prohibitively expensive....

a cheaper alternative would be 20x40 box, unsure of wall thickness, with angle in between. Much like traditional small car ramps just way beefier with the 20x40 box.

 

[owas]

sorry to dig this thread up from the past. Have become interested in doing something like this myself. Did you ever make one Paul?

That grating plank stuff is good looking. Im not sure if its the same stuff, maybe different thickness, but similar is used for galvanised steel scaffolding planking, and it seems to be cheap.

IIRC, they're only 2mm thick, flat sheet punched and rolled or bent on edges, end plate tacked on .. with two small bits of flat bar inside as handles ... not something I'd drive a car on

 

[Wedg1e]

I know a guy with one of those Hamer lifts (with a farm jack at each corner)... it wobbles a bit once the car is up but seems to work fine.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

I know a guy with one of those Hamer lifts (with a farm jack at each corner)... it wobbles a bit once the car is up but seems to work fine.

I've got a proper Jackall and not one of the Chinese "farm jack" copies. It was had little use and no abuse yet I don't trust it not to collapse without warning when raising or lowering. These type of jacks are notorious for doing this.

 

[Woody.v8]

I've forgot I'd even started this thread
The need is still with me for such ramps so will go with the galvanised planking and intend getting prices tomorrow of 3m / 10' lengths.
http://www.prmetals.com/Category/Grating/Plank-Grating (US company so for example of what's available only)
http://www.pcpgratings.co.uk/planks.html
I'll report back on my "findings" idc

Did you ever find a supplier for this Paul?

 

[armalites]

I've got a proper Jackall and not one of the Chinese "farm jack" copies. It was had little use and no abuse yet I don't trust it not to collapse without warning when raising or lowering. These type of jacks are notorious for doing this.

Only if used incorrectly, broken jaws,arms,finger can all happen

Whenever I jack something with mine I put a D shackle through one of the holes just below the mech, that way no matter what happens it can't go any further than that. You also use that technique when lowering by putting it a few holes down, yes it adds extra time but peace of mind.

Most of the biggest dramas are when people release the handle wil under load and lowering, it will spring to the top and drop the next pin and then bounce all the way to the bottom hitting everything in it's arc.

This is a useful read for any owner
http://www.goodwinch.com/Learning/using-high-lift-jacks-part-1/

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

I have the 900kg hydraulic ramps from cj autos....they are very sturdy with a good mechanical lock but I will probably buy a lift from strongman tools next if I ever get a chance to get down my garage. If you would like an idea of the deck thickness let me know and I can measure it. They are fairly cheap anyway to be honest....I thought about making some myself but in the end I decided that for the amount they cost I'd rather have something that is designed and tested for the load. Carries my big V70 too no problem!

http://www.cjautos.eu/product_p/cr01.htm

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Sorry...I have the blue ones which I think are 1300kg