Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Our old snowblower weighed less than 200 lbs and I was able to wrestle it into a Ford van. When I bought a nearly 300 lb  Ariens, I knew this wasn't going to happen.

Most of the big box stores and others sell the Highland ramp kit. It's two aluminum extrusions that bolt onto a 2"x8" or 2"x12" plank to make a ramp for $25 or so. They work very well - the 2x8 deflected very little even with me and the snowblower on it at the same time. The planks are $6 each or so and can be used for other projects if you don't have a recurring need. I like the nice aluminum ramps but had no place to store them.

One caveat - they come with carriage bolts that are hard to tighten. I replaced them with hex head bolts.

There are  optional kits for the bottom, antii-skid pads, etc. Highlandusa.com.

Hi...

Be careful w/ wood planks... can be slippery...

I found out when the Deer garden tractor I was backing down took an early exit off the planks !

After that I added wood-lath cleats  every 6" on 'em... helped some...

Dave...

One big danger with any ramp is that it can slip and drop, especially if you are loading on a smooth surface. The aluminum ATV ramps I use came with nylon safety straps that I cinch tightly to the rear frame crossmember on my trailer.

You don't want that 400 pound OPE to come down hard on its side, or on your leg!

John

I've got that very same ramp kit for 2x12's and use it for my shed...works great...

I have the same I used on 2x8 and when I take the mower on or off the deck rubs on the clips and could take the ramp loose from the tailgate.  I see they provided some pins for you to stick into your tailgate, but I don't want to drill holes into my tailgate. 

Dave___in___CT wrote:

Amen Dave - been there.

The ramps DO work well. I have had some VERY heavy OPE on mine in excess of 800lbs. Just work SLOWLY...

Marty

I use Carry On Trailer Corp Ramps that I got from Lowes for $120.  I am able to load my 32" mower into the back of my pickup bed with no problem. The mesh cover means NO slipping! And no big holes that scare you as you are loading!!!



http://www.carry-ontrailer.com/

Harbor fright .com has some 6ft X 9" steel ramps on sale till june 9th for $39.99.

I have an inclosed trailor & made 2 sets of 3' ones out of them. They work great.

For this price you can't go wrong

TheBuck101 wrote:
Harbor Fright - that's great!

I sometimes buy big, clunky steel tools from them, like the 20 T hydraulic press I bought last week for $115. There isn't too much those Chinese political prisoners could screw up with a bunch of steel angles.

But most of their smaller shop tools and hand tools are just plain scary.

John Davies

They don't fold though, and I saw them for $49.99.  That would be an awsome price for $39.99 though. 

Being in the small engine repair business - I've seen lots of ramps.  I've also seen a lot of boo boos with ramps.  Hours of sitting back laughing with your popcorn.  All ramps that are built strongly enough to support the weight of your machine should be fine.  It's all in what you are comfortable with.

Sherri

PS - If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.