Lorry Ramp - Electric Winch?

sychnant

sychnant

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Has anyone ever fitted an electric winch on their lorry ramp?

I can't quite manage the last lift to close mine, and was wondering if this would help. I can easily lift to halfway, but don't seem to be tall/strong enough to close that last little bit! And this means I can't go out on my own :/

I don't want a hydraulic ramp as I'm aware of the possible dangers, just wondered if a winch might be a decent compromise. It would be mounted on the lorry body above the ramp, and the cable would be hooked onto the bottom of the ramp when needed.

Any stories, good or bad, welcome, thanks! :)
 
have you tried to tighten the springs or put better springs on it? we tightened ours and it goes up mega easily now! Other friend has to weigh hers down with a large brick!
 
I haven't tried adjusting the springs, as the ramp lifts very easily. I'm just not able to get under it quickly enough to give it that last little shove :( I'm very wary of being underneath the ramp at all, and have a dodgy back too, so although I could probably do it physically, mentally I can't make myself move fast enough - if that makes sense :D
 
I know someone who did that. The winch was rather strong for the ramp, as it too still had springs. Everyone was glad that 1. there were no horses in when they first used it. 2. No one was stood on the ramp at the time :D:D
 
I don't know if this is feasible but instead of a winch could you try a manual pulley system, same concept, except like a curtain you can control the speed manually by pulling some rope?
 
I wondered about that kamili. My only problem would be securing the rope when not in use - the winch would mean it was all neatly stowed away... Or am I missing a trick?
 
I'll have to check later to see if I could reach to thread the rope through the top roller when necessary. If I can, it might well work. Thanks :)
 
I used to have just pulleys and walk backwards away from the ramp, and two hooks to wind the rope around when the ramp was shut. Now I have a manual winch and it's fantastic even on a slope. Several friends who have seen it have asked my oh to do one for them. Total cost about twenty five quid.
 
Sorry, no. The winch is fitted to the wall either in the horse section, or in the living area. It's fitted with a handle which is easily removable if space is an issue. Yacht cord is run from the winch up to a pulley wheel on the ceiling (through a small hole in the wall if the winch is in the living) across the ceiling to another pulley wheel and down to a hook on the centre of the edge of the ramp. Dead simple if you have someone with basic diy skills. Let me know if you want a pointer to the winch on ebay.
 
Ooh, yes please! I think I could do this. I was planning all our shows last night and there are loads I want to go to, would be much easier if I could go without a ramp helper :D
 
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