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Using Forklift Attachments
The forklift is the Swiss army knife of material handling equipment. Because there are so many attachments that can be used with it, it can perform a wide range of tasks to make material handling a relatively easy chore.
The Right Attachment Makes The Difference
Selecting forklift attachments can be a daunting task because it depends on selecting the right attachment for your warehouse’s specific needs. Here are some tips on how to select forklift attachments so that you’re sure you select the right one for the right purpose.
First, safety should be the foremost thing in your mind when selecting attachments. Therefore, there are precautions to consider. For example, each attachment can influence the balance of the forklift. So, when selecting forklift attachments, things to consider include:
• Rated capacity versus net capacity
• Forklift balance
• Forklift specifications
• Fork extension
Rated Capacity Vs. Net Capacity
Knowing a forklift’s net capacity as well as its rated capacity is essential when selecting attachments. The net capacity, also known as the payload capacity, is the lifting capacity that takes the weight of any modifications or attachments into consideration.
The forklift’s rated capacity appears on the forklift’s data plate. It is important to know this in relationship to attachments because some attachments are heavy and thus influence the weight you can safely lift and move with the lift. It could be an accident waiting to happen if you ignore the weight and balance of a lift’s attachment.
Forklift Balance
Regardless of what the attachment is, it will influence the balance of a forklift when attached. Keep in mind that an attachment is sure to make a forklift less stable because you are attaching additional weight to the lift. So, whenever the lift has an attachment connected to it, the operator should drive the lift as though he is carrying a load. That is, he should operate the lift at a slower speed and take care turning corners.
Forklift Specifications
Whenever connecting an attachment to a lift, be sure to check the forklift’s manufacturer’s specifications. If you don’t have the specs in hand, you can download the appropriate manuals and specifications from the manufacturer’s website.
The Most Commonly Used Forklift Attachments
The attachments that are the most popular include:
• Fork extension attachments
• Sideshifter forklift attachments
• Rotator forklift attachments
• Push/pull attachments
• Multiple load handler attachments
• Paper roll clamp attachments
• Flat surface clamp attachments
• Basket and cage attachments
• Fork positioner attachments
Fork Extension Attachments
Fork extension attachments are perhaps the second most popular attachment. They are sleeve-like attachments that extend the forks allowing for a longer distribution of support. They are commonly used to carry longer or awkward-shape loads. When considering the purchase of a fork extension attachment, measure the thickness and width of the lift’s forks, also known as the parent for arm. This will help assure a good fit. Assure that the forks do not extend greater than 66 percent of the length of the parent fork arm to avoid an imbalanced load.
Side-shifter attachments
If your forklift operators are required to retrieve or load a pallet from a space that doesn’t accommodate a head-on approach to the lift, a side-shifter attachment may be just what you need. While many attachments connect to the existing fork on the lift, a side-shifter attachment permits the lift operator to move the forks right and left. It is suggested that the lift operator bring the load to the lift’s closest center of gravity when transporting it to prevent tipping.
Rotator Attachments
Rotator attachments, also known as rotary attachments permit the lift’s driver to tilt the load 180 to 360 degrees. This attachment is ideal for rotating loads to assure exact placement as well as effective discarding.
Push/Pull Attachments
This attachment is typically used to transport loads that are not on a pallet. It loads cargo by slipping a lip on the plastic or cardboard slip-sheet beneath the load so that the load is positioned properly on the lip. To unload, the driver simply activates a pushing carriage to slide the load into position. This attachment is commonly used in food processing.
Multiple Load Handler Attachment
This attachment is also known as a double-load handler attachment. It allows the lift driver to double or triple the load-carrying capacity of the lift in one trip. This is achieved by supplying an extra row of forks commonly positioned side-by-side. The double row of forks permits the operator to load two or more pallets concurrently and then transport in one trip. This attachment is used in food and beverage handling.
Paper Roll Clamp Attachments
This style of attachments is commonly used to load and move large rolls of paper. The clamps allow the lift operator to grab and then carry paper rolls that don’t easily fit on a pallet.
Flat Surface Clamp Attachments
This attachment is similar to paper roll clamp attachments. However, it has a flat surface and is ideal for moving products with a flat surface including washing machines, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, and other type of appliances.
Basket And Cage Attachments
These attachments are meant to lift personnel to a variety of heights safely and securely. The task usually needs to be performed so that certain areas of the warehouse can be maintained or repaired. Baskets and cages vary in size and shape and are designed to accommodate from one to more personnel. The attachment includes a steel welded frame and non-slip decking material that serve as the standing surface.
Fork Positioner Attachments
These attachments aid a lift operator to adjust the width of the fork spread from the control panel in the cab of the lift using hydraulics. It is designed to help lift driver efficiently move an assortment of pallet sizes without manually adjusting the fork attachment.
(Source: mylittlesalesman.com)
