How to Choose the Right Aluminium Loading Ramps for Your Earthmoving Equipment
Loading heavy machinery onto a truck or trailer is a daily task, but it’s one that requires precision, respect, and the right gear. Choosing the wrong set of loading ramps isn't just a risk to your equipment; it’s a major workplace safety hazard.
When it comes to durability, engineering, and compliance with Australian safety standards, the Digga Aluminium Loading Ramp range sets the benchmark. However, because these ramps are precision-engineered for specific loads and machine types, you can’t just grab any set off the shelf.
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to choose the correct Digga loading ramps for your earthmoving setup.
1. Know Your Total Wet Weight (The Capacity Rule)
The most critical factor in selecting a ramp is its Weight Capacity. Digga rates their ramps per pair, but you must calculate the absolute maximum weight the ramps will ever need to support.
Never rely solely on the manufacturer’s dry "operating weight" of your mini excavator, skid steer, or track loader. To find your true weight, you must add:
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The bare machine weight.
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A full tank of fuel and all fluids (Wet Weight).
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The operator's weight.
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The heaviest attachment that will be fitted during transport, usually the nest of Buckets
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Any extra attachment loads or materials on the machine e.g., a rock breaker, hydraulic grab, or auger drive.
Tip: If your total calculated wet weight is 2.8 tonnes, don’t squeeze onto a 3-tonne rated ramp. Give yourself a safety margin and step up to the 3.5-tonne rated capacity. Quick calculation: The full weight + 25%
2. Match the Ramp to Your Machine's Tracks (Tyre vs. Track Ramps)
Different machines distribute their weight differently, and Digga designs specific rungs to accommodate this. Using the wrong ramp type can severely damage both the ramp and your machine.
Rubber Tyre & Rubber Track Ramps - LR (Loading Ramps)
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Best for: Rubber-tyred skid steers, wheeled loaders, and standard rubber-tracked mini excavators.
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The Design: These feature a smoother, closely spaced rung design. The smooth surface prevents the "bumpy" ride that can damage rubber tracks and tyres, while maximising grip for rubber compounds.
Steel Track Ramps - LRU (Loading Ramp Universal - will suit Rubber Tyres and Tracks as well)
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Best for: Heavy steel-tracked excavators or drill rigs.
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The Design: Steel tracks will chew through standard aluminium rungs. Digga’s steel-track compatible ramps are specifically engineered with reinforced, heavy-duty billet rungs designed to handle the high-impact, concentrated pressure of steel grousers without slipping or warping.
Note: Never run steel tracks on standard rubber-track ramps.
3. Calculate the Correct Length and Loading Angle
The length of the ramp dictates the steepness of the climb. If the ramp is too short, the incline will be too steep, risking a machine tip-over or causing the machine's undercarriage to bottom out on the edge of the tipper or trailer tray.
Digga recommends a maximum tray height of 1200mm for a set of 3.5m long ramps.
4. Choose the Right Pin/Connection Style
How the ramp secures to your truck or trailer tray is vital to stop the ramps from kicking out backwards when the machine begins its climb. Digga ramps generally offer different head types to suit your transport setup:
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Pin Method (Standard): The ramp head sits flat on the tray, and a heavy-duty steel pin drops through the ramp directly into a pre-drilled hole in your truck or trailer deck. This is highly secure and the industry preferred method.
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Tongue Method (included): For fold down sides. The ramp head features a slide in "tongue" that can be put in between the folded down side and the tray. The eliminates the need for drilling holes in the tray.
- Chain Method (Anchor Loop and D-shackle supplied): The anchor loop and D-shackle can be attached by a chain to prevent it from moving away from from the truck or trailer.
Why Choose Digga Aluminium Ramps?
Digga ramps are manufactured using high-grade, certified structural aluminium. They are lightweight enough to be handled by an operator but incredibly strong, featuring:
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3-Year Structural Warranty for peace of mind.
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CE Certified design with a 2:1 safety factor.
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Patented rungs that provide maximum traction in wet or muddy conditions.
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Bottom rungs reinforced to handle the initial impact when the machine first drives onto the ramp.
Summary Checklist for Ordering
Before you order your next set of Digga ramps, make sure you have these four pieces of information ready:
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What is the total maximum wet weight of the machine + attachments?
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Is the machine on rubber tyres, rubber tracks, or steel tracks?
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What is the height of the truck or trailer tray from the ground?
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Does your tray require a pin, tongue or chain connection?
Investing in the correct set of high-quality aluminium ramps keeps your site compliant, protects your machinery from costly loading accidents, and ensures everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.
See the full range of Digga Loading Ramps here https://www.earthmovingwarehouse.com.au/collections/loading-ramps
