Why Serrated Grating is Important on Yard Ramps

Posted by Hector Pinto on June 29, 2016

Yard ramps tend to serve as a multipurpose tool around warehouse facilities, and are generally used for loading and unloading items using heavy duty machinery and equipment such as forklifts. When you consider the importance of what yard ramps do, how well they function becomes very important for maximizing the safety and security of your employees and equipment.

Serrated grating on the surface of a yard ramp is one of the most important and useful features. Serrated grating provides excellent traction for forklifts to drive up and down the ramp slope, helping facilities meet OSHA powered industrial truck safety requirements and, more importantly, minimizing the possibility of a forklift losing grip and slipping off of the ramp. This feature gives you the versatility to work with your yard ramp year round, regardless of weather conditions. Also, because the serrated grating features an open design, the yard ramp does not accumulate water, snow, oil, grease and other debris, further increasing the safety and functionality of the ramp.

Advantages of Serrated Grating:

• Maximize traction for loading and unloading
• Added security for driving forklifts on your yard ramp
• Self cleaning – open design eliminates accumulation of water, snow, dirt and debris, making it fully functional year round.
• All QMH ramps come standard with diamond floor approach and end plates, serrated grating, and a 6-foot level-off.

When in the market for a yard ramp, you’ll likely come across competitors who offer diamond floor plating instead of serrated grating. This substitute reduces ramp prices significantly, but sacrifices their quality and safety. QMH will not offer ramps with all diamond plating because it simply does not meet our standards for safety and quality. If you’re shopping for a yard ramp, it is important to understand the design of the ramp and what exactly you will get for your money. Ask these questions to determine the quality of the ramp, accurately compare pricing among competitors, and ensure that you make the best purchase possible:

• Does the ramp have a level-off?
• Does the ramp have serrated grating?
• What is the load capacity of the ramp?

Especially when living in areas such as Los Angeles, California, the unpredictability of the weather makes yard ramps all the more useful. Sometimes you get heat in the winter, rain in the summer, and not to mention the “june gloom.” Moisture and precipitation are extremely hazardous on yard ramps with diamond floor plating, making traction a huge problem for employees and forklifts. Invest in your business and your employees’ safety by getting a yard ramp fully equipped with the necessary safety features, most importantly serrated grating!

Serrated Grating vs. Diamond Plate: A Closer Look

While diamond plate flooring might look similar to serrated grating at first glance, the two surfaces perform very differently under real-world conditions. Diamond plate relies on a solid, raised pattern that can become slick when covered in rain, snow, oil, or hydraulic fluid, since there’s nowhere for the liquid to drain away. Serrated grating, on the other hand, uses an open-grid design that lets moisture and debris fall through the surface, keeping the contact points where forklift tires meet the ramp consistently drier and higher-traction. This difference becomes especially important in facilities that operate outdoors year-round or in climates with frequent precipitation.

Maintenance Tips for Serrated Grating Ramps

Although serrated grating is largely self-cleaning thanks to its open design, routine maintenance still helps extend the life of a yard ramp and keep it operating safely. Periodically hose down or sweep the grating to clear any accumulated dirt, ice, or debris that could reduce traction. Inspect the grating surface and welds for signs of wear, cracking, or corrosion, particularly on ramps used heavily or exposed to harsh weather. Facilities should also confirm that ramp hardware, safety chains, and legs remain in good working order, consistent with general OSHA warehousing safety guidance for material handling equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Serrated Grating on Yard Ramps

Can serrated grating be retrofitted onto an existing yard ramp?

In most cases, serrated grating is installed as part of the ramp’s original construction rather than added later, since the grating is integrated into the ramp’s structural deck. If you currently own a ramp with diamond plate flooring, it’s generally more practical and cost-effective to purchase a new ramp equipped with serrated grating than to retrofit the existing deck.

Does serrated grating affect how comfortable it is to walk on the ramp?

Serrated grating is designed primarily for vehicle traction, and its slightly raised, ridged surface also provides good footing for employees walking on the ramp. Many facilities pair serrated grating with a level-off section at the top of the ramp to create a smoother transition point for foot traffic.

Is serrated grating more expensive than diamond plate?

Yard ramps with serrated grating typically cost somewhat more than those with diamond plate flooring, since the grating construction and open-grid design require additional manufacturing steps. However, the improved traction, safety, and durability usually offset the higher upfront cost over the life of the ramp.

What load capacities are available for yard ramps with serrated grating?

Yard ramps with serrated grating are available in a wide range of load capacities, from a few thousand pounds for light-duty applications up to 30,000 pounds or more for heavy industrial use. The right capacity depends on the weight of the loaded forklifts and materials that will regularly cross the ramp.

How do I know if my current yard ramp needs to be replaced?

Signs that a yard ramp may need replacement include visible rust or corrosion affecting structural integrity, worn or damaged grating that no longer provides adequate traction, unstable or damaged legs and hardware, and a load capacity that no longer matches your facility’s equipment. A qualified yard ramp specialist can inspect your equipment and advise whether repair or replacement is the safer option.

In the market for a yard ramp? Contact us today to talk to a QMH Yard Ramp Specialist, and find out everything you need to know before making your purchase!

Questions? Call 800-404-RACK (7225)

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