Tips for Finding the Right Forklift Attachment

Tips for Finding the Right Forklift Attachment

Don’t underestimate the importance of using the right forklift attachment. The correct attachment will improve the handling of a load, thereby reducing the chance of damaging the product. More efficient load handling saves time, manpower, and fuel consumption—saving your operation money! There are a variety of forklift attachments, so you’ll need to evaluate several factors to decide on the best for your application.

What is the weight of the load?

What height clearance does the load need?

What are the characteristics of the load being handled?

What are the mechanical limitations of your forklift?

Are the attachments needed full time or part time?

Our team of experts can assist with evaluating your needs. They will assess your operation and guide you on the type of attachment that will improve your processes to save you time and money.

COMMON TYPES OF FORKLIFT ATTACHMENTS:

  • SIDESHIFTERS - Enables the forks to be moved right and left to align with the load being handled. Reduces handling time and improves maneuverability.
  • FORK POSITIONERS - Allows the operator to move the forks quickly and accurately to fit different pallet size without leaving their seats.
  • PUSH-PULLS OR SLIP SHEETS - Eliminates the need for using pallet. Allows you to ship, receive and warehouse unit loads on inexpensive slip sheets rather than pallets. Usually bagged and cased products
  • SINGLE-DOUBLE PALLET HANDLER - Handle a single pallet, or spread the forks hydraulically to lift and carry multiple pallets side by side. Great for high-turnover production and warehousing.
  • CLAMPS - Clamps (squeezes) the load between the forks. They are ideal for handling awkward loads such as paper rolls, crates, bales, and tires.
  • ROTATORS - Grab and rotate a load with 360° revolving motion, in both directions. Commonly used in the food manufacturing industry
  • FORKLIFT EXTENSTION - Increase the length or width of forklift tines to carry longer or wider loads.

SAFETY IS ALWAYS A CONCERN:

Classified as “basic parts”, OSHA acknowledges that forklift attachments “increase the versatility of the truck”, but goes on to warn that they “present important safety considerations” including forklift stability, visibility, and capacity.

Operators must be trained in the proper use of attachments because they alter the performance of the forklift. Always retrain an operator if a new attachment is added to the forklift and consult the operator's manual for instructions on how to use the new equipment. In addition, OSHA requires that forklift attachments be included in all regular forklift inspections. In particular, all load-bearing parts must be examined for deformations and load-bearing welds inspected for cracks. These are the basic things you need to know about OSHA forklift attachments regulations.

At Action Lift, we can help with all your material handling equipment needs. Whether it be a new or used forklift, service, parts, rentals, or training, we are prepared to be your material handling solutions partner.

 

References:

Cascade Corp Products. https://www.cascorp.com/americas/en/products

OSHA Forklift Attachments Regulations. https://www.forkliftaccessories.com/forkliftblog/osha-forklift-attachments-regulations/

Powered Industrial Trucks eTool: Types & Fundamentals.... https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/pit/forklift/basicparts/attachments.html

Comments

charles On: Tue March 24, 2020, 16:37:25

My brother is going to get a forklift for his warehouse, and it will be important for me to find the right parts to help him out. I appreciate the tip that you gave to consider the safety of the attachment before we would get it. That sounds like a great way for us to know that it will be the right one because safety is his top priority. When we look for attachments, I will be sure to consider its safety.

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