Rental, the nationally recognized brand serving rental equipment professionals, has named Felling Trailers’ patented Air Bi-Fold Ramp System (U.S. Patent 11,613,197) as one of the Rental 2025 Editor’s Choice Award winners.
The 2025 Rental Editor’s Choice Awards represent the equipment rental industry’s best products, gaining interest from end-users and rental professionals alike. The awarded products, exhibiting innovation and utility, were chosen based on submitted nominations and their potential impact on the general tool and equipment rental industry by the Rental editorial team.
Air-Powered Technology Reduces Surface Damage
Felling’s Air Bi-Fold Ramp System addresses common challenges in equipment loading through its air-powered design. The system requires no batteries or hydraulics, making it an environmentally friendly solution for the paving and low clearance equipment markets.
The patented system features 45″ wide by 11′ (7.5′ + 3.5′) wood inlaid bi-fold ramps specifically designed to accommodate the load angle necessary when loading cumbersome low-clearance equipment such as paving equipment and directional drills. The 11′ length provides operators with a gentler, more gradual 9.5° load angle, ensuring ease in loading and unloading operations.
A key feature in Felling’s design is the operation of the flip ramp, which locks out fully when extending, preventing scraping or marring of the ground surface. This feature is particularly valuable for protecting newly paved surfaces. Additionally, Felling’s controlled flow air ramp technology provides soft ground contact during deployment and retraction, helping to keep new surfaces free from damage.
“The last thing that you want if you just paved a new parking lot is getting new asphalt down and scraping it with your trailer when you load up at the end of the day. This system eliminates that. It’s all air-powered, a totally green system.”
— Patrick Jennissen, Felling’s VP of Sales & Marketing.
Enhanced Reliability and Functionality
The Air Bi-Fold Ramp System uses the tow vehicle’s onboard air system to power the ramps, eliminating the need for maintenance associated with onboard electric or hydraulic systems. This design is entirely air-powered, no batteries, no hydraulics.
“These ramps are available on a wide range of air brake-equipped trailers and allow the safe loading of most paving equipment with ease. Air-operated ramps are far more reliable than those powered by an electric/hydraulic pump, making it a clear choice for many paving crews.”
— Nathan Uphus, Felling’s Sales Director
The patented air bi-fold ramps system is currently available on 20, 22.5, 25, and 30-ton tag series, with plans to expand into the semi-trailer lines. Few manufacturers in the marketplace offer an Air Bi-Fold Ramp system with the comprehensive functionality that Felling’s patented design provides.
Industry Recognition for Innovation
“I will forever be astounded by the innovation and ingenious ideas the OEMs of our industry bring to the table,” says Jonathan Kozlowski, editor-in-chief of Rental. “I’m once again excited to bring attention to these problem-solving solutions for both the equipment rental businesses as well as the customers they serve.”
The Air Bi-Fold Ramp System first debuted at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020, generating significant interest from the construction sector. Following extensive development and testing, Felling was awarded U.S. Patent 11,613,197 in 2023, protecting the intellectual property of the innovative design for twenty years from the original filing date.
Rental provides the latest insights on equipment asset management, including better equipment selection, key economic forecasts, customer-centric insights, and business management tips surrounding personnel, digital marketing, and finance.
Additional information on award recipients can be found online.
About Felling Trailers, Inc.
Felling Trailers is a family-owned and operated Full-Line Trailer Manufacturer located in Central Minnesota. Started in 1974, Felling Trailers, Inc. has grown from a small shop to a factory and office complex that today covers over 400,000 square feet. Felling’s pride and differentiation is its customized trailer division. Its engineers utilize the latest Industry-leading design techniques, and its experienced metal craftspeople use cutting-edge technology to turn its customers’ conceptual Trailer needs into tangible products. Felling has been providing innovative trailer solutions to the transportation industry for over 50 years. Felling Trailers’ current capabilities allow them to provide a high-quality product that is distributed across North America and internationally. Felling Trailers, Inc. is an ISO 9001 Quality Management System Certified company, a WBENC-Certified WBE company, and an Equal Opportunity Employer.
For more information, contact 1-800-245-2809, [email protected], or visit our website. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
