Focus on lift truck attachments
Product write-ups on lift truck attachments.
By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 11/1/2007
Paper roll clamps rotate 360°
The AMC series of 360° rotating paper roll clamps handles rolls ranging from 9 to 88 inches in diameter. With lifting capacities from 3,500 to 13,200 pounds, the clamps feature a direct worm/ring gear drive and clutch brake system for precise positioning and faster handling. An optimized hydraulic system matches the requirements of modern lift trucks with cylinders incorporating cartridge check valves and test connections. To reduce roll damage and allow narrow stacking, the contact pads and arms have a thin profile. A two-component direct drive without transmission yields smooth and precise rotation, high visibility and increased residual capacities. A split arm option lifts two rolls of different diameters simultaneously. Bolzoni Auramo, 800-358-5438, www.bolzoni-auramo.com.
Handle multiple loads
With an all-steel frame for increased durability, the G-Series multiple load handlers eliminate racking and flowering of pallets and loads. The attachment offers visibility both through and over the frame to reduce damage at all stacking heights. Features include pin-type inner fork mounting for stable support, bolt-on interchangeable forged forks and an adjustable fork spread to accommodate different size pallet loads. Full length, fully enclosed bearings support the arms and reduce bearing surface wear for extended useful life. A hydraulic circuit with flow divider is also included. Cascade Corp., 800-227-2233, www.cascorp.com.
Dual-axis drum control
The Ultra-Grip II general purpose hydraulic drum handler attaches to the forks of almost any lift truck to allow the operator to empty drum contents in three directions: left, right and forward. The unit's rubber-lined jaws handle steel, plastic or fiber drums and other rigid cylinders measuring 18 to 28 inches in diameter. Ideal for moving, stacking and palletizing, the handler features a control box and cord that extends from 4 to 20 feet, drive-in fork tubes, a safety chain to secure the grip to the mast, a self-contained 12-volt battery-operated power pack and built-in charger. Standard units lift up to 2,000 pounds, with a new, rotate-only version that handles up to 2,500 pounds. Three jaw options—standard for rigid drum handling, giant for more fragile fiber drums, and hugger for soft sided or plastic drums—provide the necessary stability for each application. Valley Craft, 800-328-1480, www.valleycraft.com.
Protectors reduce fork wear
Fork protectors clamp over the heel and elbow areas of a fork to protect the bottom from excessive wear. Formed from a sacrificial steel alloy casting that takes the punishment the forks would get, the protectors reduce fork replacements. The protectors are easily installed on internal combustion and electric forklifts. Slipping is prevented by tightened side screws and the casting's internal radius. When one side wears out, the protector may be turned over to use the other side. Two models—a rubber bumper top connector and a low profile metal top connector—are offered in 4-, 5- and 6- inch widths. Keytroller, 813-877-4500, www.keytroller.com.
Battery-powered drum tilter
The Model 285A-BP attachment converts a lift truck to a drum handler. The unit includes battery-powered tilt control, rotating 180 degrees in 15 seconds for full drum inversion. A 10-foot long pendant allows the truck operator to control the handler by pushing two buttons to tilt the drum and dispense contents. Powered by a rechargeable 12 volt deep cycle battery, the unit includes a cinch chain and ratchet tightener to secure the drum in the holder. Offered in two capacities, it can handle either a full 55-gallon steel drum weighing 1,200 pounds, or a half-full drum weighing 600 pounds. Optional grips handle various sizes of plastic, fiber or steel drums. Morse Mfg. Co., 315-437-8475, www.morsemfgco.com.
Lifting beam for battery changes
The Model 36L-3.5 battery lifting beam allows for quick and easy changing of lift truck batteries without the headroom requirements of the supplier's standard battery lifting beam. The low profile beam has headroom dimension of 18.3 inches and a 24 to 45 inch spread adjustment range to maximize operating flexibility. Capacity rated to 7,000 pounds, the beam incorporates acid-resistant, coated polyester straps and either swivel or j-hook style hooks. The Caldwell Group, 800-628-4263, www.caldwellinc.com.
Lift 8 steel drums up to 1,500 pounds
For handling 30-, 55- and 85- gallon steel drums, the Parrot-Beak mechanical attachment fits directly on the forks of any standard lift truck. The attachment's clamping system and cushioned belt safely engage up to eight steel, plastic or fiber open-top and tight-head drums weighing up to 1,500 pounds. No hydraulic or electrical connections are required to operate the unit, which features few moving parts. Weather-Beak coating allows use in any climate while resisting exposure to chemical residue. Single and double drum units are offered, as are optional spark-resistant clamps and EE/EX configurations. Carriage or crane/hoist mounted units may be specified. Liftomatic Material Handling, 800-837-6540, www.liftomatic.com.
View spools while lifting
The spool handler attachment allows the operator to see where the spool is located up to 18 feet in the air for precision placement. The operator guides the spool by watching a video monitor and manipulating a joystick attached to the lift truck. Spools from 125 to 650 pounds can be lifted and placed safely without the assistance of a spotter on the ground. A camera mounted on the nose of the handler tracks the progress of the unit as it lifts the spool. Each unit is custom-designed to the truck. Paxton Engineering, 916-344-7511, www.paxtonengineering.com.


















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