Comparison

The following is a comparison chart of three Curtain systems. The first is the Roller Track system, Curtains with tracks top and bottom. The second system is the Ramp Tech Automated Curtain System and the third is a Traditional Buckle Curtain Systems. First we’ll compare safety features. Our first comparison is external and internal anchor points and or load binders. Roller track systems have internal anchor points available, external load binders tend to be difficult to use, if available, because the truck curtain interferes with access to the load binders. Ramp Tech has both available and both are easy to use. Buckle systems, both can be available and both are easy to use. Mental Health Comparison. Roller track systems tend to be frustrating to use, as the truck curtains billow, making it difficult to see out of the rear vision mirrors, yet not particularly easy to open. This can lead to shoulder injuries and work cover claims. Ramp Tech Truck operators are thrilled with the Ramp Tech system as it saves time and this reduces driver fatigue. This system is easy to use, reducing frustration, which in turn improves the operators state of mind. Buckle systems are not too bad, however, if the curtain tracks don’t get replaced in a timely manner, shoulder injuries can occur. There is also the danger of the pole falling out and hitting the drivers foot, along with the driver being hit with the pole in windy conditions. Comparison of Musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the shoulders, back and hands, from the repetitive force of pulling curtains and using curtain buckles. Roller Track systems, bottom roller tracks help curtain to glide easily (though often jam on tracks). In most cases this system has no means of tensioning the truck curtain in the horizontal plane. The curtains are compromised. The outcome is that the truck curtain is not particularly tight when driving, causing the curtain to flap. The curtain is also not particularly loose, so it is not that easy to open and close. This problem can be reduced by the addition of curtain buckles. This obviously reduces the speed of operation. The Ramp Tech System, the removal of heavy buckles reduces curtain weight, reducing the likelihood of injury. A loose truck curtain is easy to open and close. This reduces stress to the operators body and reduces RSI. Buckle systems create a high risk of injury. Comparison of Risk of repetitive strain injuries, (RSI). Roller track systems have reduced risk as fewer buckles are in use. Ramp Tech has no risk as no buckles are in use. Buckle systems have a high risk as they have many buckles. Comparison of risk of broken bones, fractures and loss of consciousness from side-curtains and end poles striking employees in windy conditions or falling loads when curtains are opened. Roller Track systems present no risk as they have no pole. Ramp Tech presents no risk as they no longer have a heavy pole. Buckle systems are high risk. Comparison of risk of broken bones, fractures and loss of consciousness from falling loads when curtains are opened. Track Systems are low risk, system created to allow load to be strapped down. However the use of external load binders can be fiddley. Ramp Tech poses a low risk as the system is created to allow loads to be strapped down. Buckle systems are high risk and a gate system required to reduce risk. For More Information on Truck Curtain Safety visit the Work Safe Victoria website. Maintenance Comparison. Comparing wear and tear on bottom curtain tracks. Rollers systems create more wear and tear, so tracks often need cleaning and replacing. Ramp tech bottom track Material is a 130mm by 10mm flat bar which is almost indestructible. Buckle systems have no bottom tracks. Comparing wear and tear on the top curtain track. Roller Track curtains that are not taut create drag and subsequent damage to top tracks and the track is not easily replaced. Ramp Tech’s incredible tight curtains reduce wear and tear and in the event that a track needs replacing it is easily replaceable. Buckle system curtains that are not taut create drag and subsequent damage to top tracks. The track is not easily replaced and consequently expensive to replace. Comparison of Curtain damage. Rollers create drag on curtain often leading to damage and is expensive to replace. Ramp Tech’s automated system reduces likelihood of damage. Buckle systems create a high risk of curtain damage and expensive to replace. Comparison of replacement of parts. The roller system design often requires replacement of parts. The Ramp Tech system is designed to for easily replaceable parts, significantly lowering the cost. Buckle Systems are not easy to replace parts. Comparison of Costs. Comparison of Maintenance costs. Roller Truck curtains that are not taut create drag and subsequent damage to top tracks, track is not easily replaced and is expensive to replace. Ramp Tech tight truck curtains reduce wear and tear, however the track is easily replaceable and cost efficient to replace. Buckle systems curtains that are not taut create drag and subsequent damage to top tracks, tracks are not easily replaced and expensive to replace Fuel Costs Comparison. Roller curtains are not tensioned in the horizontal plane, wind drag increases fuel consumption and costs. Ramp Tech’s drum tight curtains improve truck aerodynamics, reducing fuel consumption and costs. Buckle curtains are rarely tight and often billow, increasing fuel consumption and costs. Staff costs Comparison. Roller track systems when working 100% reduce the number of buckles required reducing time required to open and close. The Ramp Tech system dramatically reduces the time required to open and close the truck curtain reducing staff costs. Buckle curtains greatly increase time to open and close, increasing staff costs. OH&S costs comparison. Roller systems reduced risk of muscular skeletal injuries, high risk of other injuries including head injuries, broken fingers, ecetera. Ramp Tech system has almost no risk of injuries. Buckle system create a high risk of injuries to staff. Total Savings Comparison. Roller systems: Work cover claim? Driver retention? Down time for truck curtain hardware repair? Ramp Tech: We estimate a multi drop vehicle will save around 30 minutes a day due to the speed and ease of the Ramp Tech Truck curtain system. Working on the operation cost of a truck at 80 dollars per hour, plus 200 dollars plus fuel saving of around twenty dollars equals two hundred and twenty dollars times 48 weeks per year = ten thousand 560 dollars per annum! Buckle systems: Slower delivery times? Work cover claims on older vehicles? There are three distinct stages involved when opening truck curtains, the first mode is closed and ready for travelling. Roller curtain systems and buckle systems do not close to be very tight. The Ramp Tech system does. The second mode is, open with the roller engaged with the bottom track. Track systems are not very loose and can be difficult to operate. Ramp Tech is very loose and very easy to operate. Mode two is not available with buckle curtain systems. Mode 3 is an open with curtain disengaged from the bottom coaming rail. This mode is not available with track roller systems. Ramp Tech and buckle systems both have this mode, are easy to operate, and it is easy to fit external load binders.