Aluminium or Steel? – The best Trailers & Loading Ramps on the Market  

In the past, steel was always the most viable material option, particularly for the best loading ramps on the market. However, in recent years aluminium has surpassed steel in a number of ways. For example, the best quality aluminium trailers are significantly lighter than steel but can also sustain a great deal of weight as well. Simply put, if you’re looking for either trailers or loading ramps; you should strongly consider trading steel for aluminium.

In this post we’re going to look at some of the main benefits of doing so. It’s easy for us to sit here and preach about choosing aluminium over steel, but without any evidence to back it up, such claims would carry little weight. So, without further a due; let’s take a look at the advantages of aluminium as a preferred loading ramp and trailer material:

1 – Sustainability – “go-green”

Aluminium has been around for some time, and the recycling of the material has been a big deal. To the point where the majority of the products in the industry, are made using recycled aluminium. So, if you’re looking for the best loading ramps on the market: aluminium is the “green way to go”. You will get all of the quality and functionality, only once your ramp/s have reached the end of their life, they too can be recycled, minimising the overall environmental impact.

In this day and age where our collective carbon footprint is rather prominent; we must do all that we can to reduce our own.

2 – Health & safety

Particularly in an industrial environment; aluminium is always a great option, especially when it comes to loading ramps. For example: if you work in an environment which has flammable substances nearby, then you need a loading ramp which will not spark when rubbed against by other metals. Certainly, the risk or likelihood might be minimal, but all it takes is that one spark to cause catastrophic damage. If health & safety is a concern of yours, then you must consider aluminium has the preferred option for your loading ramp and trailer solutions.

3 – Enhanced durability

Yes, you could argue that steel is the stronger alloy out of the two, however aluminium has a higher resistance to corrosion. This makes aluminium the best loading ramps on the market in an industrial setting. Any setting that will expose a ramp to solvents, chemical agents, salt or water, should consider aluminium ramps as the safest and most viable option. It’s all very well having a strong set of loading ramps if their life will be cut short due to chemical corrosion over time.

4 – Cleaner aesthetic

Sure, when it comes to buying a loading ramp or trailer, how beautiful it is likely isn’t a concern of yours. However, when you consider the other factors at play; having an aesthetically stunning trailer is certainly a bonus.

Aluminium is a much cleaner looking alloy and can be treated with a wide range of coverings. In addition to that, due to its anti-corrosive properties mentioned in a previous point; it will maintain its aesthetic superiority for longer. Whoever said we can’t have nice things?

5 – Lightweight strength

Yes, steel is a strong alloy, there is no denying that. However, it is incredibly heavy-weight. Aluminium on the other hand; is both strong and lightweight. This makes it particularly ideal for loading ramps and trailers, especially if you will be required to move them about often, – attaching and re-attaching on a daily basis.

Make life easier for yourself and reduce the amount of strain that you put yourself under when handling heavy objects. If you opt for aluminium, you’ll have a much easier time of loading and unloading; without having to compromise on strength of quality.

Summary

Again, the final decision you make all depends on the function that you will be using your product for. So, if you are using loading ramps in an industrial setting and will be having to shift them about regularly: then aluminium is a no brainer. However, steel might be better suited for a more permanent fixture in a dry and non-corrosive setting, particularly if you want the cheapest option. Just be certain to weight up the pros and cons of both and research their properties thoroughly before rushing in.