ATTACHMENTS
Attachments give forklifts versatility that allow
them to do more work efficiently; however, you must
remember that the attachment may reduce the capacity
of the forklift by changing the center of gravity of the
load.
Fork Extensions
Forklift extensions that are known by the term tine
(fork) extender are designed in two configurations:
bare tine extender (fig. 8-10) and rollerized tine
extenders (fig. 8-11).
An extender provides additional length to the
forklift tines that permits an easier way to load
tractor-trailers and Air Force 463-L pallets. The
extender moves the center of gravity of the load, and this
restricts the weight that can be lifted. You must
remember these restrictions when using the extensions
to handle large or bulky loads. The lift-king forklift has
Figure 8-10.Bare tine extender.
a set of roller tine extensions assigned as an attachment.
The roller tines are used when handling 463-L pallets.
Crane Boom Attachment
The crane boom attachment converts the forklift to
a mobile crane jib capable of handling bulky, irregularly
shaped objects and is a valuable aid in maintenance
work (fig. 8-12). The crane boom is raised or lowered
with the standard lift mechanism.
Drum-Handling Attachment
A drum-handling attachment can handle filled
55-gallon drums by means of a forklift truck. Three
types of drum-handling attachments are shown in figure
8-13.
The first consists of a series of specially shaped and
spaced forks that cradle the drums to be handled (fig.
8-13, view A). This attachment handles three filled
drums at one time.
The second type is mounted on the forks of the
forklift and consists of side rails from which specially
designed hooks are suspended at the front and rear (fig.
8-13, view B). The attachment is lowered over the
drums until the hooks drop into position over the drum
rims. This attachment can handle two filled drums at
one time.
The third type is vertically operated and handles one
filled drum at one time (fig. 8-13, view C).
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
Forklifts operate on the simple principle of a
fulcrum or like a playground teeter-totter. A unit load
Figure 8-11.Rollerized tine extenders.
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