Manufacturer touts benefits of steel dock products vs aluminum
FORT WORTH, TX – June 8, 2009 – Bluff Ramps, a manufacturer of steel yard ramps, portable docks and warehouse equipment to companies around the world, addresses an industry debate of aluminum versus steel by touting the latter’s benefits: greater value, stronger capacity and superior durability
Designed for faster freight handling off docks, trailers and railcars, steel yard ramps and portable docks are critical to the operation of many industries and businesses. Originally made of aluminum, a trend of producing these products made of steel has emerged in recent years. Given the choice of purchasing a yard ramp or portable dock made of aluminum or steel, Bluff Ramps recommends customers buy steel dock products, in most cases, due to the metal’s lower cost, ability to support a greater weight load and have a longer useful life.
According to Clark Smith, president of Bluff Ramps and parent company Bluff Manufacturing, Inc., the company’s original yard ramps were made of aluminum, but seeing the benefits of steel, the company designed and began manufacturing steel yard ramps in 1991.
“Without a doubt, steel is the better choice when considering a yard ramp, portable dock or other warehouse equipment,” states Smith. “The price of steel is approximately 30 percent less than aluminum, which leads to a less expensive product for the customer. In addition, it is proven that steel is stronger than aluminum, which lends steel to broader use and longer durability.”
Portable steel yard ramps, also known as mobile loading dock ramps, perform one of two functions: they allow traffic from the ground into a trailer, container, truck bed or railcar; or from a stationary dock down to the ground. Built to suit a variety of uses, Bluff’s steel yard ramps feature:
- All steel welded construction
- Capacities from 16,000 to 60,000 pounds
- Wide range of capacities and sizes availabl
- Solid rubber tires standard, pneumatic tires optional
- Steel serrated grating
- Double-action hydraulic pump
Portable docks, or steel platforms, are a fast, economical way to expand a dock area and increase freight handling capabilities without the expense of site or concrete work. Some applications will allow you to serve three or more loading/unloading positions at the same time, meaning more trucks or railcars can be serviced while freeing up other critical dock doors. Portable docks can easily be relocated to other areas of a freight yard where a free-standing loading dock may be needed. Optional adjustable, telescoping legs of 44″ to 55″ allow elevations to meet most dock height requirements and they afford 90-degree turnability for safe forklift maneuvering.
For more information about Bluff Ramps steel yard ramp or portable dock products, call toll free 1-800-433-2212 or go to www.blufframps.com.
About Bluff Ramps and Bluff Manufacturing, Inc.
For more than 40 years, Bluff Manufacturing has been recognized as an innovative leader in the fabrication and design of high quality dock, warehouse and safety equipment. Bluff Manufacturing is the only company to meet the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) MH30.2 standard, ensuring the highest quality products and providing customers with the greatest possible value. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Bluff Manufacturing serves the entire U.S. through a national distributor network, and the company’s 12 distribution warehouses ensure quick delivery of the company’s entire product line including yard ramps, dock boards, dock levelers, wheel risers, and CrashGuard safety barrier products. For additional information, contact Bluff Manufacturing at toll free (800) 433-2212 or www.bluffmanufacturing.com.
