Loading Ramps

[yooperdave]

Does anybody know of a fool proof safe ramp system for loading a front end mower?

I bought a set of extra long oxlite curved aluminum ramps to get a small front end mower into the back of my 4x4 pick up truck. The bed of the truck is approx. 3' off of the ground.

Is there a positive mechanical anchorage device which would keep the ramps in a secure location relative to the tailgate?
The steel cables provided with the ramps do not keep the ramps in place.

It is a circus ride every time I load the mower. I need to get a good head of speed when approaching the ramps in order to get the necessary momentum to get the mower into the truck. However, the mower due to its height off of the ground, usually pushes the ramps out of the way instead and I end up slamming on the brakes.

On one occasion, I lost traction half way up the ramp, and the spinning tire moved the ramp sideways from which the back end of the mower dropped to the ground, and went near vertical with me almost losing several pounds in the seat trying to get off safely.

I now use a come-along hand winch hooked to the front of the truck bed, and to the front end mower. This way I am out of harms way when the mower is on the ramp.

Is there an easier way short of building a loading dock?

Thanks

Yooper Dave

 

[justractors]

Might be a little drastic but a few months ago I remmeber seeing a kit that first converted a four wheel drive pick up to front wheel drive. Then the rear axle of the truck was removed, independent rear strut type suspension was added and the tail gate and the center portion of the box floor was lowered to about 18 from the ground.
Or possibly getting yourself one of those lowering kits that some folks seem to like and seeing how low you can go.
What about getting a trailer?
Bill

 

[Inspector507]

When I needed to transport my rider in the truck, I made a bracket that set down in the stake pockets of the bed and was able to hook my 12V winch to it with welding cable to the battery. Made it real quick to load the mower in the truck. I have a '99 Ford Super Duty so the bed sets real high.

 

[yooperdave]

I was wondering if there was a product that would anchor into the 2" receiver hitch on the back of the truck to keep the ramp from moving around.

I see an invention in the making if this product does not already exist. My grief must be somewhat typical.

Yooper Dave

 

[Thomas]

I've notice some ATV ramps websites which might help w/traction and not to get belly hung,also bite into the ground.

 

[JJT]

A trick I've used with success, my driveway slopes down, I parked the truck downhill and the loading is much easier. This might not help depenfding on your terrain and the drop off site.

If this doesn't work, why not get a comealong and winch it on? Sure sounds dangerous the way you are doing it....

 

[rmc]

I have the same type of ramps. I also had the same type of problem. What I do is use tie down straps. The ones that allow you to pull on the end to tighten the strap. I connect one end under the rear bumper and the other end to the ramp and pull. I find this locks the ramp in place. Since doing this I have had no problem using the ramps to load lawn tractors, rear tiller, etc.