Month: February 2022

Anyone who has worked with forklifts knows that they are one of the most versatile machines. To change the lift’s ability to handle different types of loads, you can add a variety of forklift attachments specifically designed for the task.

The various forklift attachments available must be used safely. So, here are some pointers to keep in mind when exchanging attachments.

Consider the following safety issues when using forklift attachments:

· Is the attachment forklift compatible?

· Is the attachment appropriate for its intended purpose?

· Is it safe to attach to the forklift?

· Is the forklift operator adequately trained to use the attachment?

Is the attachment forklift compatible?

Anyone who uses various forklift attachments should be aware that the attachment reduces the lift’s capacity and necessitates re-rating by the manufacturer. This requires the manufacturer to provide a new rating plate stating the forklift’s safe lift capacity with the new attachment.

As a result, a forklift operator must ensure that the load lifted with the new forklift attachments is within the revised safe lift capacity. If the load exceeds the safe lift limit, it cannot be raised for safety reasons. This eliminates the possibility of an accident, resulting in serious injury to the lift’s operator and damage to the products carried by the lift.

Is the attachment appropriate for its intended use?

Forklift attachments are created and designed to perform specific tasks. Attempting to use a forklift attachment for a job it was not intended for puts the forklift operator and nearby employees in danger of serious injury. Therefore you should interrogate whether an attachment is purpose fit.

Assume the forklift attachment’s purpose is to raise an employee to a certain height to reach a product. A man-up safety cage is required to complete this task. Improvising so that an employee stands on the forklift tines, pallets, or open boxes can result in serious injury and even death.

Is it safe to attach to the forklift?

When attaching a forklift attachment to the tines or carriage, following the manufacturer or supplier’s instructions is critical. Before attempting to lift a load, the forklift attachments should be securely fastened. Furthermore, the connection should be checked to ensure that the forklift attachments are still secure. Lifting heavy loads repeatedly can cause the connection to loosen.

Ensure that the forklift attachments, including the chains, does not interfere with the operation of the forklift mast when it is installed. Check the levels of hydraulic oil as well as the connections from the forklift to the forklift attachment to ensure it is safe and secure if you are using a hydraulically controlled attachment.

Is the operator adequately trained to use the attachment?

Aside from regularly inspecting a forklift attachment to ensure its safety and security, it is also critical that the forklift operator be fully trained in its safe use.

The operator should be aware that adding a forklift attachment can significantly alter the lift’s behaviour while in use. A qualified and trained operator should operate the forklift safely and be mindful of responding to changes in the attachment and the lift’s behaviour. He should be prepared to react appropriately, safely, and efficiently, to avoid injury or accidents.

Contact Micron Engineering for details

If you’re looking to buy or replace any forklift attachment, contact Micron Engineering today. Our material handling specialists can help you choose the most suitable solution.

A 200-litre steel drum weighs approximately 20 kg when empty. However, when filled with oil or a similar substance, that weight can reach more than 200 kg. That’s far too heavy for workers to move with a hand truck or other manual equipment.

On the other hand, a forklift drum attachment can easily lift a full container and move it quickly and easily to wherever it belongs. Furthermore, different types of forklift drum attachments can be used for various tasks.

Lifting heavy drums made easy

A standard drum lifter connects to the top of the drum via a clamp. The clamp is attached to a sheath that easily fits over the forklift’s prongs, supporting the drum’s base and providing enough lift to pick up the heavy drum. Drum handlers for forklifts are typically available in single-drum or double-drum configurations.

A second type of forklift drum handler employs a side clamp to grasp the drum in the same way a beer can is held in your hand. Like the standard drum handler, the clamp forklift drum handler has a sheath that fits over the tines of the forklift. When the forklift is moved forward, the clamp is pushed against the drum, and the handles close around and grip the drum, locking under the rolling hoop when the drum is raised.

Simply lower the drum to the ground and reverse the forklift to release a clamp forklift drum handler. Clamp forklift drum handlers are also available in single and double drum configurations.

Versatility

A forklift drum handler is capable of more than just lifting drums. Some models are designed to partially or completely rotate the drum vertically. This is useful for tipping a drum and emptying its contents. Most models allow the operator to rotate the drum 360-degrees along the vertical axis.

A second type of forklift drum handler with a rotator appliance includes a hand chain that allows the operator to manually rotate the drum when it is lifted higher than the operator’s chest height, rather than using on-board equipment.

Lifting plastic drums

When using plastic barrels, specialised forklift drum handlers are necessary. Among these are optional cradles that can be fitted to the existing forklift drum handler to avoid damaging the less durable plastic barrel. In addition, many cradles include an optional chain-and-belly strap to keep the drum or barrel firmly in place.

Drum attachments for forklifts can make the difficult task of moving heavy drums more manageable and more efficient while also lowering the risk of worker injury or accident.

Contact Micron Engineering for details

If you’re looking to buy or replace an old, outdated drum handler, contact Micron Engineering today. Our material handling specialists can help you choose the most suitable solution.

One of the most beneficial aspects of owning a forklift is that you don’t have to rely solely on one vehicle to perform essential workplace tasks. Forklift attachments can quickly convert a standard forklift into a cherry picker, a powered floor sweeper, a trash or debris collector, a crane, a scale, and other valuable tools.

Other forklift attachments enable you to move unusually shaped or difficult-to-move loads like carpet rolls, barrels or drums, or cargo nets. Furthermore, forklift fork extensions allow you to lift larger pallets, heavy equipment, and other oversized materials.

However, your forklift attachments will only be helpful if they are available when you need them. That is why it is critical to keep your forklift attachments in a secure location where they are always ready to use.

Plan your forklift attachment storage

Experienced technicians know the importance of organising their tools. The same can be said for forklift attachments. So don’t be surprised if you can’t find a particular forklift attachment in the back of the garage the next time you need it or if it has been damaged by being buried beneath a pile of heavy materials.

Storage methods that work

Ideally, separate storage areas should be set aside for each forklift attachment you own. They should be kept together in a dry, safe, out-of-the-way corner, away from other materials or equipment that could damage or conceal them. That way, they can always be accessed when necessary, and the chances of them being in working order are increased.

Space-saving measures can be implemented to reduce the space required to store forklift attachments that are only used occasionally. Those used the most should be placed near the front of the storage area for easier access. In addition, forklift attachments like forklift extenders, for example, can be stored vertically.

Like any other tool, forklift attachments are only as good as the care you give them. Storing your forklift attachments in a secure location ensures they will be available when you need them to help you work better and smarter.

Contact Micron Engineering for details

If you’re looking to buy or replace any forklift attachment, contact Micron Engineering today. Our material handling specialists can help you choose the most suitable solution.