Attachment Adaptation Guide for Electric Reach Trucks: Selection and Application of Side Shifters, Fork Positioners and Clamps

Electric reach truck manufacturers design various kinds of reach trucks for efficient warehouse operations. These trucks are designed to carry and maneuver loads through narrow aisles and place heavy loads on high racks. Different types of attachments are used with the electric reach trucks to enhance their capacity and versatility when their standard forks are not efficient for the operation. These attachments transform a reach truck in warehouses into a machine that can handle different types of loads, such as steel beams, paper rolls, etc. Commonly used attachments for reach trucks include side shifters, fork positioners, clamps, rotators, push-pull attachments, fork extensions, etc. This article comprehensively describes commonly used attachments and an attachment adaptation guide for electric reach trucks.

The Most Common Attachments for Electric Reach Trucks

Side Shifter

Side shifter is the most commonly used attachment for electric reach trucks, and this is the first attachment operators request if a truck does not already have one. This attachment allows operators to move forks laterally, typically 100-200 mm left and right from the cabin without changing the position of the truck. This attachment seems simple, but it makes a significant difference in the productivity and efficiency of trucks. This allows the truck operator to align with the pallets without moving the truck forward and backwards. This reduces stress on the operator and saves the mast and truck wheels from wear and tear. Without this attachment, the truck operator needs to get out of the truck and adjust the forks manually to align with the pallets. This attachment significantly reduces product damage and fuel consumption, speeds up loading operations, and makes operations easier in narrow aisle warehouses where truck repositioning is challenging due to less space. This attachment is useful for industries like agriculture, paper handling, construction, food and beverage industry.

Fork Positioner

A fork positioner allows adjustable fork spread without manual repositioning. This allows an electric reach truck operator to adjust spacing between the forks and move these forks close together or apart hydraulically, without leaving the cabin. For standard forks of the truck, the operator needs to get off the truck and adjust spacing between the forks to match the pallet or load size. This attachment eliminates this need, and the operator can perform this task while sitting in the cabin. When it is used with a side shifter, it is a classic combination for busy distribution centres. It is used in warehouse operations where various pallet sizes, load types or mixed freight are handled. This attachment significantly reduces cycle time and stress on operators of trucks. It is useful for warehouse operations where spacing between forks needs to be changed frequently throughout the shift. This attachment finds its applications in distribution, warehousing, food manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries.

Clamps

Clamp attachment replaces the forks of an electric reach truck entirely, and two hydraulically activated arms are attached to the reach truck to grip and handle the load from both sides. These attachments are designed for materials which are not in the form of pallets and cannot be handled by standard forks without damage or instability.

There is no universal clamp which can handle every type of non-palletized product. Different types of clamp attachments are designed for different applications in warehouses. Carton clamps are designed for packed materials, boxes, and appliances. Paper roll clamps are utilized for handling large cylindrical rolls in paper, beverage, and printing industries. Bale clamps are used for handling materials in the recycling and agriculture sector. The use of any specific type of clamp depends on the material being handled by the reach truck.

Use of clamps with reach trucks requires proper training of operators. Applying too much pressure on the product may damage it, and similarly, exerting too little pressure causes slipping of material. Thus, applying the right pressure on different materials requires proper skills and practice.

Attachment Adaptation Guide for Electric Reach Trucks

There are many factors which must be taken into consideration when using an attachment with electric reach trucks.

Capacity Derating of Machine

Every attachment reduces the capacity and rating of the reach truck. The nameplate capacity of the truck is applicable to the standard configuration without attachment. Adding an attachment changes the load centre and adds carriage weight, which changes the safe load capacity of the machine. It is recommended to get updated nameplate capacity from the truck supplier or a qualified dealer when using any attachment. Operating the truck at its original capacity with an attachment is risky and unsafe.

Proper Training of Operators

Operating electric reach trucks with attachments requires proper training of operators to ensure safety and compliance. An operator who is certified to operate the reach truck in standard configuration is not qualified to operate the same truck with attachments like a fork positioner, clamp and side shifter. Attachment-related training is necessary for operators before using the truck with any attachment.

Compatibility of Attachment with Truck

An attachment is added to the reach truck via a carriage interface, but the same attachment cannot be used for all types of trucks. The attachment must be compatible with the reach truck’s class, its capacity rating, and hydraulic flow rate. An attachment for a truck with a rated capacity of 6000 pounds cannot be used with a truck of 3000-pound rated capacity. It is recommended to verify compatibility of the attachment with the machine before buying or renting it.

Renting Attachment for Rare Operations

It is better to get an attachment on rent for rare or seasonal operations rather than buying it. For example, if you need a clamp or a fork positioner for a specific, single project, it is economically feasible to rent it from a local reach truck supplier instead of buying it.

Conclusion

Attachments such as side shifters, fork positioners, clamps, rotator, push-pull attachment, and fork extensions enhance the operational capacity and versatility of electric reach trucks, along with capacity management, equipment compatibility, and proper training of operators. Meenyon, being a professional electric reach truck supplier, provides you with technical support and guidance in the selection and application of attachments like side shifters, fork positioners and clamps for your electric reach trucks. Upon receipt of your OEM/ODM requirements, we will immediately set up a project team to serve you.

FAQs

What are the commonly used attachments with electric reach trucks?

Most commonly used attachments for reach trucks include side shifters, fork positioners, clamps, rotator, push-pull attachment, and fork extensions.

How does mounting an attachment on the truck cause capacity derating of the machine?

Adding an attachment changes the load centre and adds carriage weight, which changes the safe load capacity of the machine.

For what type of products are clamp attachments designed?

Clamp attachments are designed for products which are non-palletized and cannot be handled by standard forks without damage or instability.