Link Manufacturing, a U.S. manufacturer of lightweight folding aluminum ramps, recently introduced its newly redesigned LB20 family of ramps.
Link’s fLB20 ramps have been re-engineered to improve installation time, operational functionality, and the end-user experience. Seven of the nine ramps feature two pull-style, gas-spring-assist lifting mechanisms. The gas-spring devices are lighter, primarily leading to the ramps’ 25-lb. weight savings and greater lift assistance.
“With their new gas-spring-assist feature, Link’s LB20 ramps are now even easier to deploy and stow, making them ideal for vehicles that use their ramps with greater frequency,” Lynn Blake, senior account manager for Link, said. “And with older individuals and females making up an ever-increasing percentage of the workforce, the reduced lifting effort and increased ease of use will be greatly appreciated.”
See also: Link unveils ‘intelligent’ suspension systems
With slimmer gas springs, the re-engineered LB20s provide greater clearance and less interference with steps and with both standard and extended bumpers. The ramps now feature a lower-profile transition threshold at their top, making it easier and smoother for dollies and other wheeled equipment to enter and exit the vehicle. When stowed, the ramps have a narrow silhouette, less than 8 inches wide, providing 34% more cargo space.
“When in their upright, vertical folded position, the redesigned ramps now take up less than 8 inches of horizontal space just inside the door,” Blake said. “Now our ramps can be mounted even closer to the doors and can be quickly accessed, opened and then closed again, and out of the way in seconds. And unlike hydraulic liftgates and small electric cranes, Link ramps require no training to operate, enabling workers to start using them immediately after installation.”
The LB20’s new base plate has also been reduced to 11 inches in depth and now features a larger mounting pattern to accommodate more mounting holes and fastener sizes, making installation easier for upfitters. Link LB20 ramps will now have consolidated part numbers and will ship fully assembled with attached base plates, wheels, and gas springs on the applicable seven models.
One of nine models of the LB20 will be on display to the industry for the first time during NTEA Work Truck Week 2024, March 5–8, 2024, in Link’s booth 4619.
