In the demanding environment of Australian workshops, selecting the right heavy-duty vehicle ramp is critical for efficiency, safety, and return on investment. Vehicle ramps can be integrated into workshops and are engineered to handle substantial weight capacities. By facilitating smoother vehicle access, they reduce manual handling risks and can contribute to long-term cost savings and return on investment.

When paired with Endurequip's Portalift Hoists, RUD Heavy-Duty Vehicle Ramps offer a streamlined solution for servicing trucks and heavy vehicles.

Key Benefits of RUD Heavy Duty Vehicle Ramps

Enhanced Workshop Efficiency - RUD’s vehicle ramps are designed to reduce vehicle turnaround time, allowing workshops to service vehicles more quickly and get them back on the road. By easy integration with Portalift Hoists, you can eliminate the need to reposition adjustments when servicing different vehicles.

Optimised Workshop Processes - The design of the vehicle ramps ensures that no manual positioning adjustments are required for various vehicles. This feature enhances the efficiency of workshop floor operations and processes, allowing for a more streamlined workflow.

Improved Safety Standards - The RUD vehicle ramps increase safety by minimising manual interaction on the workshop floor without the risk of traditional pit systems. This approach reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

Return on Investment - Investing in RUD’s vehicle ramps can yield a return on investment in less than two years.

Versatile Integration with Hydraulic Jacks - RUD's vehicle ramps can be integrated with rails to support hydraulic jacks in workshops requiring additional lifting capabilities. This versatility allows for a wide range of servicing options.

Complementary Workshop Equipment

To further enhance workshop operations, consider pairing vehicle ramps with other Endurequip products:

• Portalift Hoists: Portable and robust, designed for heavy vehicle maintenance
• Vehicle Stands: Provide stable support during maintenance tasks
• A-Frame Trailer Adaptors: Facilitate easy vehicle loading and unloading

These accessories ensure a comprehensive solution for all heavy vehicle servicing needs.

Selecting the Right Vehicle Ramp

When choosing a heavy-duty vehicle ramp, consider the following factors:

• Weight Capacity: Ensure the ramp can support the weight of the vehicles you service
• Material: Choose durable materials like structural-grade aluminium for longevity and strength
• Compliance: Verify that the ramp meets Australian standards, such as AS/NZS 2538:2004
• Integration: Choose ramps compatible with your existing equipment, like Portalift Hoists.

RUD's heavy-duty vehicle ramps are designed to make your choice easier and ensure a reliable and efficient solution for your workshop

Visit our stand #297 on the Plaza Level, Brisbane Convention Centre from 15-18 May 2025 for details about our Australian-Made Endurequip Portalift and German-Made Finkbeiner wireless truck hoists, accessories and workshop handling solutions.

Contact Endurequip

Our vehicle ramps are available in two options: An 8m Standard Ramp with a 14t capacity and a 10m Premium Ramp with a 20t capacity. For more information on selecting the right heavy-duty vehicle ramp for your workshop, contact our team at 07 3809 1399 or email us.

Investing in quality equipment like our vehicle ramps can significantly enhance your workshop's efficiency, safety, and profitability.

Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.

 

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The biggest automotive show in Australia is a month away, and we are giving FREE tickets to attend the Brisbane Truck Show on one day between 15-18 May 2025 at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

Click here to register your details for a chance to enter the draw.

Conditions:

• RUD Australia reserves the right to choose a winner or winners
• All entries will go into a draw with a random section of the winner/s end of April 2025
• The winner/s will be notified by email two weeks before the show
• The winning tickets will be sent by Australia Post, or they can be picked up from the RUD Australia head office in Brisbane
• The draw is only for the tickets and does not include airfare or transport expenses to and from the show

Visit our stand #297 on the Plaza Level, Brisbane Convention Centre from 15-18 May 2025 for details about our Australian-Made Endurequip Portalift and German-Made Finkbeiner wireless truck hoists, accessories and workshop handling solutions.

Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.

In an Australian heavy vehicle workshop, floor real estate is valuable. Fixed vehicle hoists can be inefficient as they occupy floor space even when not in use, hindering workflow and limiting workshop capabilities. Mobile truck and bus hoists offer a smarter solution, providing space-saving and flexible workshop layouts that boost productivity and safety.

Workshop Limitations of Fixed Hoists

Many older Australian workshops often use pits or fixed above-ground hoists, both of which create space limitations. Fixed hoists require dedicated bays around their lifting points. When a hoist is not in use, this bay remains idle, wasting valuable space. This inflexibility restricts workflow, particularly in workshops with limited space. Manoeuvring trucks and buses around fixed hoists can be difficult, requiring precise positioning and increasing the risk of minor accidents. Fixed hoists are also challenging in workshops that require adapting to different vehicle sizes.

Reclaiming Workshop Space

Mobile heavy vehicle hoists provide an ideal alternative to fixed hoists. Designed for portability, these hoists operate in synchronised pairs or sets to lift entire vehicles. Mounted on wheels or castors, mobile hoists can be moved around the workshop to the vehicle's location. After lifting, vehicles can be placed on stands, freeing up the hoists to lift other vehicles.

This mobility offers significant space-saving advantages. Workshops can move away from fixed bay layouts to dynamic, adaptable workspaces. Instead of fixed bays dictating workflow, floor space becomes flexible and adjustable to the vehicles being serviced and the tasks required.

Adapting to Australia's Diverse Workshop Demands

Mobile truck and bus hoists enhance workshop efficiency and productivity beyond space-saving. Below are some benefits of using mobile truck and bus hoists.

• Versatility: Mobile hoists allow workshops to utilise the entire floor space during peak periods and repurpose areas during quieter times
• Service a Range of Vehicles: Mobile hoists accommodate various wheelbases and vehicle sizes, including trailers and specialised vehicles. Both Endurequip and Finkbeiner can be used in sets of 4 to 20 hoists to lift different-sized trucks, buses, road trains, rail coaches, and agricultural or portable buildings
• Temporary Layout: In leased workshops, mobile hoists eliminate the need for permanent structural changes like pits or concrete drilling, preserving the building's integrity
• Indoor and Outdoor Use: IP 65-rated mobile hoists, like galvanised Finkbeiner models and Endurequip, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, including wash bays and harsh outback conditions
• Minimised Vehicle Movement: Mobile hoists can be moved and brought to the vehicle, reducing unnecessary and time-consuming manoeuvring within the workshop
• Quick Lifting and Lowering: Fast lifting and lowering times, such as Finkbeiner's 90-second cycle, save time and accelerate repair processes
• Enhanced Accessibility: The open design of mobile hoists provides easy access around the vehicle, simplifying inspections and repairs and improving workflow efficiency

Australian Workshop Success

Read how an inter-state bus and coach company experiencing rapid growth switched to mobile hoists from fixed hoist bays and expanded its service capacity.

By switching to mobile bus hoists, they:

• Optimised Lifting Space: They maximised space around the mobile hoists to service both small and large buses without the need for an expensive building expansion
• Established Adaptable Service Zones: They reconfigured the workshop floor to handle different bus sizes for varied maintenance schedules
• Enhanced Workflow Efficiency: Reduced bus manoeuvring sped up turnaround times by minimising unnecessary movement and increased safety

Selecting the Ideal Mobile Hoist: Key Australian Workshop Considerations

Choosing the right mobile truck and bus hoist is crucial for space optimisation and workshop efficiency.

Consider these factors for Australian workshops:

• Lifting Capacity (Australian Standards Compliance): Ensure the hoist capacity exceeds the weight of the heaviest vehicles. Endurequip Portalift complies with Australian standards AS 2550.9.1996, AS/NZS 2538:2004 and ISO 9001, with safety features and underbody access
• Workshop Floor Conditions: Assess how easily hoists move and position across your workshop floor. Look for features like grab handles and appropriate wheel sizes for smooth movement
• Safety Features: Prioritise hoists with essential safety features, including accessible emergency stops and safety locks
• Manufacturer Reputation and Local Support: Select reputable manufacturers with proven experience. Endurequip is Australian-made in Brisbane, while Finkbeiner has a German manufacturing history since 1927. Both brands offer Australia-wide service and spare parts support

An Efficient Australian Workshop Future

Mobile truck and bus hoists overcome the limitations of fixed hoists, offering adaptable solutions for efficient workshop layouts. Endurequip and Finkbeiner mobile hoists empower Australian workshops to maximise space, streamline workflows, increase productivity, and thrive in a competitive market.

RUD will exhibit at the Brisbane Truck Show at the Brisbane Convention Centre from 15-18 May 2025. Visit our booth #297 on the Plaza Level for more details about our truck hoists and workshop handling solutions.

Want free tickets to the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show? Click here to fill out a form to enter the draw to win FREE tickets to the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.

Article copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.

A load restraint system is essential for safely securing freight on heavy vehicles and preventing possible accidents or hazards during transit. Load restraint systems comprise various methods and equipment, such as friction matting, pallets, shrink wrapping, edge protectors, and securing straps or chains. Proper load restraint ensures compliance with safety regulations, protects assets, and enhances transport efficiency.

In Australia, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) plays a crucial role in regulating heavy vehicles with GVM over 4.5 tonnes through the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL - Qld). It also publishes the Load Restraint Guide, a comprehensive resource that sets the standard for best-practice restraint systems. This article is based on the NHVR guidelines and our recommended RUD products to secure loads.

Why do we need Load Restraint?

A robust load restraint system is crucial for:

• Safety: Prevents accidents by keeping loads stable
• Compliance: Meets the HVNL loading requirements
• Asset Protection: Reduces damage to cargo and infrastructure
• Efficiency: Streamlines loading and unloading processes

Designing a Load Restraint System

The Load Restraint Guide provides recommendations for standard freight, offering a reassuring support system for operators. Professional engineering guidance is crucial in designing a suitable load restraint system for complex loads.

Note: Also read the NHVR Loading Plans, which recommend how loads should be packed and positioned and the minimum requirements to safely restrain the load for transit by road.

Key Elements of a Load Restraint System

When developing a load restraint system, follow the below steps to prevent accidents, keep your team safe, and ensure compliance with HVNL loading requirements.

1. Safety Procedures

• Establish documented procedures and loading plans
• Train drivers and loaders
• Implement exclusion zones and clear communication protocols
• Conduct regular safety reviews

2. Load Assessment

• Evaluate mass, dimensions, centre of gravity, fragility, friction, and packaging
• Use scales or manufacturer specifications to verify load weight

3. Vehicle Selection

• Ensure the vehicle has adequate capacity and securing points
• Choose stable vehicles, especially for high-centre-of-gravity loads

RUD offers a wide selection of Lashing Systems, including lashing points for trucks and trailers. These include the L-VLBG Bolt-On Lashing Ring, the L-ABA Weld-On Lashing Point, and the LPW Weld-On Lashing Point, each designed to meet specific load restraint needs.

4. Restraint Equipment Inspection

• Check vehicle structures and restraint gear for wear and tear
• Use rated and regularly inspected equipment

5. Restraint Methods

• Choose between tie-down or direct restraint methods or a combination of both
• Seek professional assessment if unsure

RUD has a team of engineers to assist in designing and specifying the correct load restraint system  

6. Load Positioning

• Position loads centrally and distributes weight evenly
• Avoid dangerous projections

7. Load Stability

• Use rigid structures, strapping, and properly tensioned lashings
• Exercise caution when turning or braking with high-centre-of-gravity loads

RUD has a range of Lashing Systems, for increased safety and reliability

8. Securing the Load

• Apply adequate restraints to withstand transport forces
• Add extra restraints if in doubt

9. Driving Adjustments

• Adapt driving style based on load type and positioning
• Avoid sudden movements and be mindful of vehicle dimensions

10. Regular Load Checks

• Inspect load security periodically during transit
• Adjust restraints as needed, especially for loose materials

How can RUD help?

RUD ICE Chains and RUD Tensioners, such as the ICE-CURT-GAKO Tensioner with a magnetic locking device, help to secure your load safely. All RUD high-quality lashing and load securing systems are designed for superior load restraint, ensuring your cargo remains secure and preventing any slippage or movement in transit.

Every load is different, and a one-stop approach does not work. Planning a tailored restraint approach is critical to ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency. By following best practices and regularly inspecting the load restraint system, drivers and operators can prevent accidents and ensure smooth transportation.

RUD will exhibit at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show at the Brisbane Convention Centre between 15-18 May 2025, showcasing load restraint solutions and heavy vehicle hoists. Do you want free tickets to the Truck Show? Click here to fill out a form to enter the draw to win FREE tickets.

Article copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.