A truck starts to move, the driver makes a quick correction – and bam: the ramp gets hit. You might not see it immediately, but the damage is brutally expensive: flaking concrete, Bent profiles, loose fastenings, consequential damage to dock seals or even the gate.

This is exactly where acceleration buffers come into play: they absorb the shock, They distribute forces and protect the sensitive areas around the dock.

What you can do after reading this article:

• Distinguish between the appropriate starting buffer variants (without guesswork)
• Choose dimensions/position so that the buffer actually hits the target – not "approximately".
• Clean the installation area (including the surface and fixings)
• Avoid typical mistakes that cost the most in practice.

We're not making this more complicated than necessary – but we're not watering it down either. 🙂

The short truth: Driving onto the ramp isn't "maybe" going to happen – it will happen eventually.

• Truck docks at an angle → lateral impact
• Driver rolls too far → hard impact
• Forklifts/pallet trucks in the area → unwanted contacts
• Weather/snow/moisture → slippery situation, less control

A well-planned buffer doesn't just protect concrete. It protects your entire system: Dock sealing, gate frame, docking area, fastenings and, if necessary, even the vehicle itself.

Tip: If you already see damage, you're usually "too late". Buffers are cheaper than repairs.

A starting buffer (also called a ram buffer/dock bumper) is a shock absorber element, which is mounted in the docking zone. It absorbs the impact during docking and reduces the Force peaks that would otherwise be transmitted through concrete, steel, or door/dock structures.

Typically protects against:

• Concrete edges & ramp approach
• Docking frame / Dock leveler environment
• Docking seals (tarpaulins, frames, fastenings)
• Gate elements in the immediate area

Classic: Loading ramp / loading zone

This is where most of the damage occurs – simply because this is where there is the most traffic.

Also useful for:

• Entrances to halls / industrial areas
• Supports, pillars, building corners
• areas with tight maneuvering
• Gate areas with forklift traffic

There is no single "perfect" buffer zone. What matters is how and where the approach is made. and how often.

If you just use "any old rubber block", it might work – or it might not.

Our recommendation as a thought experiment:

• Single buffer → when the substrate/fastening is clear
• Complete set (buffer + mounting plate) → if you want a robust, clean solution
• Height adjustable/sliding → when approaching with trailers of different heights

Product teaser (no fluff):

If you want to look directly: Approach buffer for loading ramps and Complete sets of starting buffers .

Please always check prices/availability live in the shop.

If you are unsure:

A photo and rough measurements are often enough for us to recommend the right option for you. (And you save yourself the "buy twice" hassle.)

Simply get in touch via the contact page .

1) Traffic & Intensity

• How many docking operations per day?
• How narrow is the shunting area?
• Are there any "stress peaks" (shift changes, rush hours)?

2) Trailer & Docking Geometry

• Uniform trailer height or a colorful mix?
• Starting straight or often at an angle?
• Which point will be hit first (below/above/side)?

3) Substrate & Fastening

• Concrete quality / edge area
• Is there a steel structure/frame?
• Is there enough "meat" for the anchor/dowel?

Quick decision (if you want it short):

• High traffic + hard hits → Complete set / robust mounting plate
• Different trailer heights → height-adjustable/sliding
• Clear mounting point + standard case → single buffer

✅ Want to play it safe? Then it's better to do it properly once – instead of repairing it every quarter.

The classic scenario: The buffer is installed – but it doesn't hit the target.

It sounds stupid, but it happens all the time. Reason: Trailer impact zones are not "random". And with mixed vehicles, the whole thing shifts.

Here's how to proceed smartly:

• Reading the traces: Where are the actual wear marks/impact damage?
• Check docking height (dock + trailer)
• Consider lateral guidance/play
• If mixed: preferably adjustable or with wider coverage.

⚠️ Safety first

• Block off the work area (the ramp is not a craft table)
• Use PPE (goggles, gloves, hearing protection)
• During ongoing operations: clear coordination with logistics/scheduling

Tool/Material (typical):

• Rotary hammer + suitable drill bits
• Torque wrench (yes, it's worth it)
• Suitable anchors/dowels (substrate determines)
• Marker pen, tape measure, spirit level

Why this is important:

The best buffer is useless if the mounting comes loose. And yes, that happens. if incorrect anchors are used or if there is insufficient load-bearing concrete in the edge area.

Check before assembly:

• Maintain edge distance (not "too close to the corner")
• Check the condition of the concrete (cracks, spalling, moisture)
• If the substrate is questionable: use a mounting plate/set or repair the substrate.

Crash protection is one component – ​​not the entire system.

Good loading zones are organized: clear signals, clear processes, clear responsibilities. Then there will be less "hectic docking" and significantly fewer hits.

What also makes perfect sense:

• visual signals (traffic lights/lights) for drivers and staff
• Markings & mirrors for shunting areas
• Clear rule: Who gives the signal? Who stops?

Related: Traffic lights & flashing lights .

Maintenance is simple – if you do it:

• Visual inspection (cracks, severe deformation)
• Check the fastening (loose? rust?)
• Impact marks: is the position still correct?

If you regularly see “strange” hits, the buffer is often not the problem – but the position or the vehicle mix has changed.

Important: Don't just buy "stronger" stocks if the problem is actually the position.

A premium buffer that is installed incorrectly is still installed incorrectly.

If you want to solve it properly:

Send us 2-3 photos + a short description (vehicle type & docking frequency). Then you will receive a clear recommendation.

Example 1: Logistics (high frequency)

Numerous docking maneuvers, changing drivers, time pressure. Result: frequent side impacts. Solution: robust buffer solution + clear markings + optical signals.

Example 2: Food business (hygiene + planning)

Damage to the ramp is doubly annoying here: repair + downtime. Solution: a well-planned buffer position + regular visual inspection.

Example 3: Medium-sized businesses (1-3 trucks per day)

"It rarely happens" – until it does. A suitable buffer saves a lot of trouble here. because repairs often have to be organized externally.

The crash barrier absorbs the impact.

Suitable: Starting buffer

Signals reduce user error and stress.

Suitable for use with: Traffic lights & flashing lights

Dock/gate seals provide additional protection against drafts/weather.

Tip: If you're unsure, tell us briefly which docking system you have – we'll link/recommend a suitable one.

Individual buffers / Selection according to application

For many applications, a well-chosen buffer is sufficient – ​​the important thing is the correct positioning.

Go directly to the overview: Approach buffer for loading ramps

Complete solutions (buffer + plate)

If you want stability and want to avoid "assembly drama", kits are often the less stressful choice.

Go directly to the overview: Complete sets of starting buffers

Concrete example (standard size)

Example product: Approach buffer 500×250×140 mm

Important: Please always check your installation situation beforehand – dimensions are only useful if they actually fit your dock.

You not only save on material costs – you save time.

• less standstill
• Fewer emergency repairs
• Fewer discussions with the transport company/drivers
• less consequential damage to dock sealing & gate area

If you install crash barriers "too late", you often pay twice: first damage, then solution. Clean it once – and you'll have peace and quiet.

1) Take photos

• Front on Dock
• laterally
• Damaged areas/traces

2) Note the measurements

• Height of the impact zone
• Space for fastening
• Substructure (concrete/steel)

3) Assess traffic

• Docking operations per day
• Uniform or mixed trailers?

Trend 1: More “complete solutions instead of DIY solutions”

Many businesses are moving away from "just rigging it up against the wall" towards robust setups with stable Mounting base – because it simply causes less hassle during maintenance.

Trend 2: Height-adjustable solutions

Those with mixed trailer heights often opt for adjustable versions – so that the buffer doesn't only work with "one" type of vehicle.

Trend 3: More clear signals at the ramp

Traffic lights/lights in the loading zone are being retrofitted more frequently. Because they reduce user error. Goes well with crash protection.

View traffic lights & flashing lights