Forklift Booms: Safe Lifting Operation

A forklift boom is an essential part of the machine that maximizes safety and helps stabilize lifted load. There are different types of booms that one should be familiar with for proper and secure operation. Some may be taller, heavier or work differently but they all have the same function of making lift and transport easier.

What is a Forklift Boom?

The forklift boom is a stable pillar-like structure built in forklift trucks that lifts load up and out straight from the base of the equipment. It is different from the mast of the machine. The boom holds the L-shaped fork in place in order to lift load to various heights. The mechanism will then be referred to as a boom lift in which loads can be raised or lowered depending on the process required.

Boom Strength and Make

Forklift booms come in different forms and may have unique operations and capabilities as well. A telescoping boom is the most common which involves a vertical tower that grows taller or shorter via a shifting steel movement. Since it requires a lot of strength to lift heavy weights, booms are usually made of strong steel or aluminum. There may be non-metallic materials present as well which serve as support in the boom assembly like nylon plastic blocks.

Boom Installation

First, check that the boom has the right measurements and specifications that will properly fit the equipment. Insert the forks through the fork pockets of the boom. The back portion of the boom should be in contact with the fork carriage of the fork truck. Tie a safety chain or attach the chain to the fork truck carriage. The operator should title the fork carriage and mast toward him to prevent the boom from sliding off the forks. Make the necessary adjustments to stabilize like checking the boom length and locking down with the screw.

Pre-Operation Checks

Check the forks again if they went through the boom fork pockets completely. The position of the forklift boom should be against the fork uprights by the forklift carriage. Secure the chain by locking the hook well. Adjust the height properly and safely by stabilizing the boom pivot handle and securing the chain to the mast. The telescoping pipe should be set at the right distance using the locking pin. Check maximum boom and forklift capacity to avoid overloading.

Proper Forklift Boom Operation

Secure the load to the forklift boom using the hooks. Check the surroundings and alert nearby personnel that you are about to lift. Lift the load gently and check the load if it is too heavy by observing if the forklift rises. For unusually heavy loads, move the center of the load toward the forklift by pushing the telescoping pipe into the larger one then locking. The height should stay close to the ground to stabilize for safe transport.

Move the load to the right location maintaining slow speed and staying in smooth terrain. Once you arrive, raise or lower the load as desired the remove the chains from the forklift boom. Push the telescoping pipe back into the larger one then lock. Any rising of the forklift should be adjusted as soon as possible by moving the center of the load toward the forklift.