In the fields of modern logistics and industrial production, forklifts, as the core equipment for goods handling, are of self-evident importance. Forklift attachments, as key components for the expansion and optimization of forklift functions, are playing an increasingly important role and profoundly changing the way and efficiency of goods handling. This article will delve deeply into the types, application scenarios, advantages, and future development trends of forklift attachments, revealing their core value in the modern logistics and industrial systems.
I. Types and Functions of Forklift Attachments
(1) Classification by function
Handling attachments
Forks: As the most fundamental and common attachment of forklifts, forks are the key components for picking up, handling and stacking goods. Its structure is simple, consisting of a fork body, a fork frame and other parts, and is widely used in various scenarios for handling palletized goods. The size and load-bearing capacity of standard forks vary depending on the model of the forklift and generally can meet the handling requirements of regular goods. In some special working conditions, extended forks and heavy-duty forks and other variants are also used to adapt to the handling of extremely long and heavy goods.
Pallet transporters: including single and double pallet forks, etc. Such attachments allow drivers to use the same forklift to move one or more pallets simultaneously, greatly improving the handling efficiency. For instance, in logistics warehouses, single and double pallet forks can flexibly adjust the distance between the forks according to the actual situation of the goods, achieving efficient handling of goods on pallets of different specifications. In the goods entry and exit process of e-commerce warehouses, single and double pallet forks can quickly move multiple small items composed of pallets to the designated position at one time, reducing the number of moves and improving operational efficiency.
Clamping attachments
Paper roll clamp: Specifically designed for the handling of paper rolls, the paper roll clamp can perform efficient, safe and undamaged handling and stacking operations on paper rolls. Its working principle is to control the clamping arm through the hydraulic system to tightly hold the paper roll, ensuring the stability of the paper roll during handling. Some paper roll clamps also have the function of continuously rotating the paper rolls 360 degrees, which is convenient for the exchange and placement of paper rolls in different operation links. In paper mills and printing plants, paper roll clamps are indispensable handling tools, which can significantly reduce the damage rate of paper rolls during handling and minimize the economic losses of enterprises.
Soft package clamping: Mainly used for handling various forms of soft package goods, such as cotton, textile raw materials, wool, pulp, waste paper, hay and industrial scraps, etc. The soft package clamp adopts a special clamping structure, which can not only firmly hold the soft package goods but also prevent excessive squeezing and damage to the goods. In textile factories and waste paper recycling plants, the application of soft packaging has made the handling of these soft and irregular goods more convenient and efficient.
Carton clamp: Suitable for handling goods packed in cartons, it can achieve pallet-free handling. The carton clamp ensures the integrity of the cartons during handling through precise control of clamping force, while also enhancing the utilization rate of storage space. In e-commerce logistics warehouses and the food and beverage industry, carton clamps are widely used for the storage and handling of carton goods, eliminating the cost of using pallets and storage space.
Rotating attachments
Rotator: It can quickly flip containers and items that need to be turned or flipped 360 degrees. In industries such as food, chemical engineering, environmental sanitation, item recycling, and smelting and casting, rotators play a significant role. For instance, in the food processing industry, rotators can be used to flip containers holding materials, enabling the pouring and transfer of materials. In the smelting and casting industry, rotators can be used to flip metal molds, facilitating operations such as demolding.
Lateral displacement attachments
Side shifters: Side shifters installed on forklifts are one of the most commonly used attachments. They can help the goods on the forks move laterally by 100mm or 150mm to the left and right. This function greatly enhances the operational flexibility of forklifts in narrow Spaces, facilitating the picking up and stacking of goods. When the spacing between warehouse shelves is relatively narrow, side shifters can enable forklifts to accurately place goods on the shelves, avoiding collisions and enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Introduce the category of attachments
Pusher: Mainly used for handling bagged goods such as fertilizers, feed, grain flour, salt, and cement. The pusher pushes the goods off the forks through the hydraulic system to achieve the unloading of the goods. In the fields of warehousing and logistics as well as agricultural production, the application of pushers has made the unloading process of bagged goods more efficient and convenient, reducing the labor intensity of manual handling.
Other special attachments
Boom: It can transform a forklift into a device with lifting functions, suitable for hoisting heavy objects that cannot be moved with conventional forks, such as construction materials and mechanical equipment. At construction sites and equipment installation sites in factories, crane booms can play a significant role and expand the working range of forklifts.
String rods: Used for transporting long strip-shaped goods, such as steel pipes, wood, etc. The string rods are inserted into the central holes or gaps of the goods to achieve stable handling of the goods, preventing them from rolling or falling during the handling process. In building materials markets and wood processing plants, string rods are one of the commonly used attachments for forklifts.
Hook: Mainly used for lifting goods with lifting points, such as parts of mechanical equipment, molds, etc. The application of hooks enables forklifts to adapt to the handling requirements of more types of goods, enhancing the versatility of forklifts.
(2) Classification by power source
Hydraulic drive attachments: Most forklift attachments adopt hydraulic drive methods, such as paper roll clamps, soft package clamps, rotators, side shifters, etc. The hydraulic system delivers hydraulic oil to each working cylinder through an oil pump, generating powerful force to achieve various actions of the attachments, such as clamping, rotation, and lateral movement. Hydraulic drive attachments have the advantages of strong power, smooth operation and precise control, and can meet the handling requirements under different working conditions.
Electric drive attachments: With the development of electric technology, some small and lightweight forklift attachments have begun to adopt electric drive methods. Electric drive attachments have the advantages of energy conservation, environmental protection, low noise and simple maintenance. They are suitable for places with high requirements for the working environment, such as warehouses in the pharmaceutical and food industries. For instance, some electric pallet trucks are equipped with small electric attachments that can operate flexibly in confined Spaces without causing pollution to the surrounding environment.
Manual operation attachments: Some simple attachments are operated manually, such as some small fork adjustment devices and manual hooks. Manual operation attachments have a simple structure and low cost, and are suitable for some occasions with small handling volumes and relatively fixed working environments. Although the working efficiency of manual operation of attachments is relatively low, it still has certain application value in specific situations.