Forklift Accessories: Lightening The Load

The invention of forklifts has made them an indispensable tool in factories, warehouses and other heavy duty areas. However, the presence of forklift accessories made everything even more convenient and easy. Workers can now rely on the variety of functions for very specific tasks. They also get to minimize risks and dangers since all of these incorporate safety locking features.

Weighing Systems

On board weighing systems are found in modern electric pallet jacks and forklift trucks. These are digital or computerized which accurately measure and provide all the needed details before work is started. Conventional models use mechanical scales but overall, weighing systems are very useful to avoid overloading and putting too much torque on the equipment while moving. There are compact and rugged designs able to withstand difficult environments and nonstop operations. There are also added options like overload alarms or automatic overload shutdown.

Man Platforms

Man platforms are a very safe and convenient alternative to ladders and scaffolds. These are made of heavy duty steel and are basically attached to forklifts to support personnel working in the area and having something to do with high-stacked pallets and items. There are open slots located at the bottom of the platform or basket wherein the forks slip into for stabilization. The forks are the basic moving objects in the entire operation in order to raise or lower the platform. Added safety features include rails, swing doors and safety chains.

Drum Handlers

These forklift accessories offer a safe means of transporting liquid-filled drums and barrels. A lot of drum handlers are usually found in chemical plants so workers have a considerable distance away from toxic substances while lifting and moving. There are models which simply slide onto the forks. The forks may be raised so that the drums tilt slightly toward the forklift cab for stability. The drums may be clamped by the rim or chained to a drum faucet located at the forklift cab. A chain pulley may be operated to pour drum contents as necessary. Drums are kept upright or slight tilted throughout the process.

Carpet Poles

Carpet poles are long and stable shafts measuring around 2000 to 3000 mm. Some are extendible with a built-in elongating pole inside the main shaft. These forklift accessories are most useful when lifting and moving rolls of materials like carpets, rolled wires and textiles. These tools are preferred since they avoid materials from rolling out during movement. Carpet poles are still attached to the forks for stability with added security features like chains and locks.

Fork Grips

Fork grips are attached to the ends of the forks in order to properly drive the forks deeper than normal for convenient loading. Conventional methods usually involve one or two workers climbing onto the truck to properly place the pallet or item onto the forks. Only through manual operation can the load be dragged and fully engaged. Fork extensions can also do the job but the grips can be more secure and faster to work with.

Pipe Lifters

Pipe lifters are highly versatile attachments able to load several pieces of rolled materials at once. It has a frame-like appearance with a flat bed where pipes, rolled carpets or rolled wire can be stacked together then secured with a chain. These forklift accessories can save more trips compared to carpet poles.