Split ramps for equipment trailers

[Hay Dude]

Why are split ramps so rare and seldom seen on flat deck equipment trailers?
They seem so useful and when spring assisted, very easy to flip up.
They make a trailer instantly capable of loading any wheel configuration or size or rubber tracked machinery. The reinforced wire mesh is smoother for large tractors or small diameter tires on zero turns.
When in the upright position, they do a great job holding hay bales or equipment from accidentally rolling off.
So why do equipment trailers continue to come with those awful slide-in ramps or the skinny, kind of dangerous stand up ramps? I have been loading & unloading equipment for 35 years and still think they are undersized. One slip and there’s an accident.
Is it cost? I guess everything is made cheaply as possible to stay competitive, but with all the safety features built into equipment, these seem like a no-brainer safety item.

 

[4570Man]

The simple reason is they’re more expensive. I wouldn’t buy anything wire mesh though. That stuff is trash.

 

[Hay Dude]

The simple reason is they’re more expensive. I wouldn’t buy anything wire mesh though. That stuff is trash.

Why is it “trash“ if it’s reinforced underneath with the exact same or similar ladder ramp? I have a 10 year old non reinforced mesh ramp that’s still in perfect condition

 

[4570Man]

Wire mesh is far from all being equal. Some heavier gauge welded stuff would work fine. But the cheap expanded metal pulls off and is about impossible to keep welded on. But I still wouldn’t want it unless maybe I was a landscaper pushing wheelbarrows or push mowers up it. My ZT would have no trouble going up the ladder bar ramp without it.

 

[Citydude]

I also believe they are an added cost that most wouldn't pay for.

I have one on my 12' landscape trailer and I can drive anything up on it. Motorcycles, to lawnmowers. Pushing a wheelbarrow up it is a snap.

But, if I were to buy an equipment trailer, I would pay the extra cost for one. Especially knowing that my tractor and vehicles have different wheel bases.

 

[ultrarunner]

It would seem mesh provides a great surface for traction and more so when wet or muddy.

My PJ trailer has tip up which at first was hesitant... quickly changed mind after using.

Only rare drawback is sometimes it makes trailer shorter in usable length as no overhang on longer items.

 

[4570Man]

I used to have a GN trailer with mega ramps. It was a nice option for driving up skid steers or vehicles where you couldn’t see very good backing off. But they were heavy even with spring assist and like a $1000 option. The other problem is they limit your length more. A backhoe boom or mower tail wheel could easily stick between the regular ramps.

 

[Hay Dude]

Full width Mega ramps are a lot more expensive, and not small tire friendly unless mesh added and if it is, they probably won’t lay flat.
The split ramps in the picture I showed are from Kaufman and they cost $500. Cant get the capacity of mega, but 13,000lbs is basically any skid steer or 125HP farm tractor. Not too bad?
Nice to walk up & down for tools, equipment

 

[4570Man]

Full width Mega ramps are a lot more expensive, and not small tire friendly unless mesh added and if it is, they probably won’t lay flat.
The split ramps in the picture I showed are from Kaufman and they cost $500. Cant get the capacity of mega, but 13,000lbs is basically any skid steer or 125HP farm tractor. Not too bad?
Nice to walk up & down for tools, equipment

The mega ramps on my Big Tex would lay flat and they would load my ZT up them.

 

[Hay Dude]

When I drive smaller stuff up my mega ramps on my Kaufman, it’s not fun. Maybe my angles are placed further apart?