Just when you thought you’d left high-school maths far behind, trigonometry decides to make a comeback. The good news? This time, it’s actually useful. When you’re choosing a loading Ramp for machinery—whether it’s a skid steer, scissor lift, mower, compact excavator, or anything in between—understanding a few basic measurements, angles, and load-up principles can save you a whole lot of trouble.
A properly selected Ramp isn’t just about getting your machine from the ground onto a truck or Trailer. It’s about doing it safely, smoothly, and without damaging your equipment. And as any operator will tell you, the wrong Ramp angle or poor clearance can quickly turn a simple load-up into an expensive headache.
This guide breaks down the key things you need to know: why ramp length matters, what angles are considered safe, how clearance affects your load-up, how to know whether your machine will bottom out, and how simple maths can help you make the right choice—without actually having to be a maths genius.
Why Ramp Length Matters More Than You Think
Ramp length isn’t just about convenience or reach. It directly determines your loading angle—aka how steep the climb is for your machine.
If the Ramp is too short, the slope becomes too steep. That means:
- The machine has to work harder to climb.
- The operator has less control.
- The risk of slipping, tipping, or losing traction increases.
- Low-clearance machines are more likely to scrape or bottom out.
If the Ramp is too long, you may run into a different set of issues:
- The Ramp becomes more difficult to handle and transport.
- It may exceed the space you have available at your worksite.
- It can interfere with load-up space, especially in tight areas.
The Ideal Loading Angle: 18°–22°
Most engineers and experienced operators agree that the safest loading angle for general machinery is between 18° and 22°. This range gives you:
- A manageable slope
- Comfortable traction for most wheeled or tracked equipment
- Reduced risk of slipping in wet or uneven conditions
- Enough clearance for many standard machines
But remember—this range is only the starting point.
Some machinery can handle steeper slopes. Some equipment needs a flatter incline. And some machines—especially low-slung units—have specific clearance limitations that change the whole process.
Clearance: The Hidden Factor Most People Forget
Even if your Ramp angle is in the recommended range, your machine still might not clear safely. Clearance issues are especially common with:
- Scissor lifts
- Ride-on mowers
- Sweepers
- Boom lifts
- Forklifts
- Pavers
- Towed equipment
These machines tend to have:
- Low ground clearance
- Sensitive undercarriages
- Long wheelbases
- Components that sit close to the ground, like batteries, chassis crossbars, or hydraulic housings
The Three Angles That Matter
To make sure your load-up is safe, you need to understand three key clearance points:
1. Approach Angle
This is where your machine first meets the Ramp from the ground.
If the angle is too sharp, the front of the machine may hit the Ramp before the wheels reach it.
2. Departure Angle
This is where your machine rolls off the Ramp onto the truck or Trailer deck.
If the angle is too steep, the back end can scrape, drag, or become stuck.
3. Ramp-Over Angle
This is often the most overlooked and most problematic angle.
The ramp-over point is where the machine transitions from an inclined Ramp to a flat deck.
Machines with long wheelbases or low centres can “see-saw” over this point and become stuck—or worse, cause damage.
Even if you’re using the correct loading angle, these smaller clearance angles can still cause problems. That’s why low-clearance machinery may require a ramp longer than the usual recommendation.
How to Know If Your Machine Will Clear Safely
This is where a proper clearance check becomes invaluable.
When clearance might be an issue, ramp suppliers often ask for a few key measurements:
- Deck height of your truck or Trailer
- The wheelbase of your machine
- Ground clearance at the lowest point
- Overhang measurements
- Tyre size or track height
- Machine weight
From these measurements, a ramp specialist can create a quick simulation or sketch showing your machine moving up the Ramp.
This will highlight:
- Any spots where the machine may scrape or bottom out
- Whether the approach and departure angles are safe
- Whether the Ramp needs extra length
- Whether the Ramp should be repositioned for optimal loading
- Whether a different style of Ramp may suit your machine better
Brands like SureWeld Ramps often provide this service, helping operators identify potential clearance issues before they turn into real-world accidents or machine damage.
Handling Practicality: Ramps Need to Be Moved, Too
While safety and performance are the primary priorities, practicality is also important.
Longer Ramps provide a gentler angle, but they also:
- Weigh more
- Take up more storage space
- Require more room to set up
- It can be more difficult for one person to move
If you’re frequently loading up in tight areas—such as construction sites, residential driveways, or urban streets—you’ll want to choose the longest Ramp you can practically handle without making life harder on yourself.
This is where:
- Lightweight aluminium Ramps
- Foldable options
- Integrated handles
- Reinforced but light structural designs
…all make a meaningful difference.
The (Not-So-Scary) Maths Behind Ramp Angles
If you’re allergic to maths—don’t worry. You don’t need to remember anything more complicated than one basic formula:
Ramp Length = Deck Height ÷ sin(angle)
That’s it.
This formula tells you how long your Ramp should be based on:
- The height of your truck or Trailer deck
- Your preferred loading angle
Let’s break that down more simply:
- Higher deck → you need a longer Ramp
- Steeper angle → you can use a shorter Ramp
- Flatter angle → you need a longer Ramp
Most operators prefer to stick with the safe 18°–22° window. So here’s the good news—you don’t actually need to calculate anything.
Quick Reference Table: Safe Ramp Lengths for Common Deck Heights
Below is a simple chart that shows you the minimum and maximum deck heights suitable for different Ramp lengths (based on that 18°–22° angle range).
This means you can match your Ramp length directly to your deck height—no trigonometry exam required.
| Ramp Length | Minimum Deck Height | Maximum Deck Height |
| 1600mm | 465mm | 560mm |
| 2400mm | 710mm | 860mm |
| 2900mm | 865mm | 1050mm |
| 3300mm | 990mm | 1200mm |
| 3500mm | 1050mm | 1275mm |
| 3600mm | 1080mm | 1310mm |
| 3700mm | 1110mm | 1350mm |
| 4000mm | 1205mm | 1460mm |
Example: What Ramp Length Do You Need for a 1050mm Deck Height?
Based on the table:
- A 2900mm Ramp
- Or a 3300mm Ramp
…will fit safely within the 18°–22° range.
But if your machine has low clearance or a long wheelbase, the longer Ramp may be the safer option.
This is where that clearance simulation becomes the deciding factor.
Choosing the Right Ramp Style for Your Machinery
Ramp length and angle aren’t the only considerations. You also need the right type of Ramp.
Here are some common Ramp styles and when they’re most suitable.
1. Machinery Loading Ramps
Best for:
- Excavators
- Skid steers
- Compact tractors
- Rollers
- Small dozers
Features:
- High load rating
- Reinforced beam structures
- Durable tread surfaces
2. ATV or Light Vehicle Ramps
Best for:
- Mowers
- ATVs
- Ride-on equipment
- Small utility vehicles
Features:
- Lightweight
- Easy to carry
- Moderate load capacity
3. Flat Deck Loading Ramps
Best for:
- Scissor lifts
- Pallet jacks
- Wheeled machinery with low clearance
Features:
- Often wider and flatter
- Reduced lip angles
- Ideal for low-ground-clearance machines
4. Forklift or Industrial Loading Ramps
Best for:
- Warehouse equipment
- Heavy-duty industrial machinery
Features:
- Heavier construction
- Strong support beams
- Often designed for daily high-volume use
Make sure the Ramp you choose is rated for:
- The full weight of the machine
- Any attachments installed
- Any load the machine might be carrying
When in Doubt, Always Check Your Machine’s Specs
Before buying or using any Ramp, make sure you verify:
- Total machine weight
- Attachment weight
- Centre of gravity
- Wheelbase
- Track type
- Ground clearance
- Manufacturer restrictions
Some machines have strict loading guidelines. Others can only be transported in specific orientations. Some require specialised Ramps due to unique geometry.
And remember—worn tyres, sagging suspension, added fuel, or modifications can change your machine’s loading characteristics.
How a Professional Ramp Supplier Helps You Choose Correctly
A reputable Ramp supplier doesn’t just sell you whatever length is on the shelf.
They should ask the right questions—and lots of them.
Expect them to ask things like:
- What machine are you loading?
- What’s the total weight?
- What’s the deck height of your truck or Trailer?
- How often do you load/unload?
- Do you have space for longer Ramps?
- Is the machine low clearance?
- Will the Ramps need to be moved by one person?
Companies like SureWeld Ramps specialise in matching Ramp design to machinery type, ensuring that every clearance angle, weight rating, and safety factor is properly accounted for.
The result?
A Ramp setup that is safer, smoother, and far less stressful to use.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right loading Ramp isn’t guesswork—it’s a combination of proper measurements, safe angles, understanding your machine’s design, and accounting for clearance.
A well-matched Ramp:
- Reduces loading risks
- Prevents bottoming out
- Improves operator control
- Protects your equipment
- Makes day-to-day work faster and safer
Whether you’re loading small equipment or heavy construction machinery, the right Ramp makes all the difference. Take the time to measure properly, use the safe angle range as your guide, and, when in doubt, rely on a trusted Ramp specialist to double-check your setup.
If you get the Ramp right, everything else becomes easier.
