Using Snow Plow Forklift Attachments

Forklifts can do a lot of things. They can easily move pallets and other heavy materials from place to place in your warehouse or dock. Equipped with a lifting platform they can elevate workers so they can work at heights.

They can even double as a snowplow for clearing docks, parking lots, sidewalks, roads, and other areas of your business.

Forklift Attachments

Depending on their type, plow blade forklift attachments can be fitted to either onto the existing forks of the vehicle or directly onto the mast itself. In either case, the attachment can use the force of the vehicle to quickly and efficiently clear snow and ice from surfaces safely and effectively.

Most forklifts are designed to lift and carry loads that can weigh thousands of pounds. So equipping a forklift with a plow blade attachment and using it to push piles of heavy snow out of the way is a relatively simple and straightforward task.

Snow Safety

There are a couple of safety concerns to be aware of when using a plow blade forklift attachment. The first is that they obviously are used outdoors during winter conditions.

When operating the forklift to clear snow and ice, the driver should be sure to bundle up in warm clothing, including scarves, hats, and gloves. Wearing anti-fogging goggles is also a good idea so they can see where they are going at all times.

Another consideration is icy conditions. Road surfaces in winter are likely to be more slippery than they would be under normal conditions. So operators should take precautions against sliding and spinning out. Just like driving a car on an icy, snow-covered road, forklift operators should take it slow and easy, and understand that it’s likely going to take longer to stop your vehicle than it would under normal circumstances.

Don’t Get Stuck

Another major concern is getting your vehicle stuck. When a forklift’s tires get stuck in a hole or in icy conditions, it can be dangerous and troublesome to get the vehicle free.

In addition to driving with extreme care, another way to avoid getting stuck while clearing snow with your forklift is to ensure the vehicle has the appropriate tires for the job. Using a forklift normally used indoors to clear snow outdoors, for example, could put too many demands on the tires that weren’t designed for driving over snow and ice.

Forklift plow attachments can help you get double duty out of your vehicle during the winter, but only when you handle them with care.