This mobile unloading platform is designed and manufactured to enable the safe unloading of shipping containers, lorries and trailers, or indeed anything else you want! We manufacture these platforms here in our factory in Kettering and they are built to order. We have endeavoured to find a simple and common design to suit most applications, with an array of optional extras for enhanced performance of the platform. That being said, if you want some changes to the access platform, maybe a minor platform height change, or maybe a completely re-designed platform layout, please contact us to discuss - we can manufacture most things!
The platform framework is manufactured from sturdy 50x50x3mm structural box section throughout and the platform deck is formed from 3mm steel chequer plate. There is a rung ladder to one side with handrails to allow access onto the platform. Chains are fitted as standard to the lorry platform across all access openings to offer a form of access control. The mobile platform sits on 4 off 125mm dia nylon wheels housed in swivel and brake castors, offering the platform a load capacity of 800kg static loading.
Each platform has a label clearing showing the Safe Working Load, serial number and date of manufacture.
The platform is in an acrylic painted finished as standard, Blue RAL 5010. Galvanised finish is available as an optional extra.
This trailer unloading platform was originally designed for shipping containers. When the doors are initially opened, the container is full to the roof and there is no space on the deck to stand to start unloading. This platform offers a stage to stand on and place a pallet to stack onto. This ensures employees are safe and have a barrier around them while working at height on a platform. Once a couple of pallets have been removed, the platform may be removed and a more traditional method with a pallet truck used. That's down to your work method and risk assessments.
Over the recent years, customers have asked for many custom variations of the access platforms for many different uses. We have evolved our design to suit most applications and developed a range of options to allow you to customise the platform - please see the options tab for details.
The steel structure of the platform can take 1200kg, but with the standard wheels and castors fitted, the load capacity is 800kg. Heavy duty wheels are available as an option
Please call us for a lead time
Heavy Duty Wheels in Braked Castors- 1200kg Platform Capacity
Heavy Duty Castors
We can fit heavier duty castors if a heavier load is required, or if the access platform is used on bumpy ground. The wheel is 150mm dia with a rubber tyre and roller bearing and is housed in a steel swivel castor with foot brake. The individual castor is rated at 400kg giving an overall platform capacity of 1200kg.
Wind Down Jacking Levelling Platform Legs
Wind Down Jack Legs
Not all lorries and trailers can be unloaded on flat and level concrete yards. Sometimes it may be uneven hard standing, or a pothole, or maybe a drain cover or rainwater gully. These jacking legs are fitted to each corner and can be lowered to raise one corner up to level the platform. Simply the wind the handle down and the large foot will raise the platform.
Please Note Though - The fitment of these jacking legs to the platform has been designed to raise one corner to level the platform. We do not recommend using all 4 legs to raise the platform to give height adjustment. Although the capacity of the legs will take it, with all 4 legs raised, there will be a degree of wobble on the platform.
Adjustable Height Platform Legs
Pin Adjustable Height Legs
We recognise that not all lorries and trailers are the same height, although air suspension can sometimes be levelled to suit a platform height. We can fit a pre-drilled leg into the framework to give you some height adjustment. 7 off holes are drilled at 50mm increments - We will need from you the platform height you want in the middle hole position, or the average platform height you want. Please note, you will have to raise the access platform by forklift to adjust the leg heights. These adjustable legs are suitable with all castor options.
Rubber Buffer Bumper Strips
Rubber Buffer Bumper Strips
This rubber bumper is a "D" section rubber buffer which can be bolted to the open faces of the platform. This can provide some protection from the forklift mast when in use and also offer some protection for the lorry when the platform is pushed against it. The rubber buffer is 50mm tall and 60mm wide.
As standard, the rubber bumper strip is fitted to both open faces of the platform. If a hinged loading flap is also specified, we drop the rubber buffer down a little - Note though that the flap will not now drop down and hang flush with the platform, it will need to be stored in the raised position.
ForkLift Box Sleeves
Forklift Sleeves for safe movement by fork truck
Full width forklift sleeves can be fitted to stop the access platform from moving or sliding when cornering on a forklift. The forklift sleeves are made from 160x80x5mm box section. Your maximum individual fork width is 145mm. The pitch of the sleeves is 870mm as standard, if you want it different, no problem, just tell us.
Securing Chains for Platform
Securing Chains
We can fit chains to the access platform for you to secure around some part of the lorry or trailer. This will prevent the platform from moving away from the trailer. You will need to look at your procedures, risk assessments and staff training for using these chains.
There are 2 "U" sections welded to the frame to offer 2 different heights. The chain has a "D" type shackle at both ends. There is a hook on the inside (can't see it from this angle photo!) to hang the chain on when not in use.
Lift-off Platform Bridging Ramp
Removable Loose Bridging Ramp for Trailer Unloading Platform
If you are using a pallet truck to move pallets, or indeed are unloading roll pallets, you may want a bridging plate. This loose plate is formed from 3mm chequerplate and has a shallow fold to allow for any small height discrepancies. There are 2 off 12mm rod handles and 2 dividing plates to hold the bridging ramp in place.
You will need the height of the trailer to be reasonably close to the platform height.
We can fit heavier duty castors if a heavier load is required, or if the access platform is used on bumpy ground. The wheel is 150mm dia with a rubber tyre and roller bearing and is housed in a steel swivel castor with foot brake. The individual castor is rated at 400kg giving an overall platform capacity of 1200kg.
Hinged Platform Folding Bridging Ramp
Hinged Integral Folding Bridging Flap
This is a hinged bridging ramp which is permanently attached to the unloading platform. The ramp or bridging flap has a chain on one end which holds the flap up in a vertical position when not in use. Simply push the platform up to the back of the lorry and lower the flap down. Please note though, that the platform ideally needs to be slightly higher than lorry bed. If the platform is lower than the trailer bed, then the leading edge of the flap will be raised up - not ideal.
Galvanized Finish Access Loading Platform
Galvanized Loading Platform
Our Lorry unloading platforms are supplied in a painted finish as standard. We can offer them in a galvanized finish as an optional extra. Galvanizing the platform entails dipping the complete welded structure into a hot molten bath of zinc at 449°C which coats every surface with up to 1mm thick zinc. Zinc itself will not rust, so the life of the access platform is potentially 20 to 30 years in outside conditions. Of course, hit it with a forklift, compromise the zinc coating and you expose the steel underneath!
If you are unfamiliar with zinc coatings/galvanizing for platforms, a hot dip galvanized skip has the same finish as a farm gate, that mottled dark grey/silver colour.
Hot dip Galvanizing is not a cheap option, but if the platform is kept outside, it does offer exceptional weather resistance.
Please note though, galvanizing is not suitable for moving parts so the option of a platform folding ramp is not possible.
