Linde (& Baker) 1202:
Question about fork positioner

Hello. I don't know much about forklifts and also English is not my native language, so I am really sorry if I sound a little..."rough" with explaining my problem.

So my company bought a forklift for our warehouse. Because of reasons with no relevance, I called some guys to make a custom metal platform so that the forklift can lift people. Its quite heavy duty, with railings all around and as high as your chest so that you just can't fall. The platform itself sits on 2 of those hollow, rectangular metal beams. The forks of the forklift just go inside these beams (all the way, and they show on the other side) and that is how it lifts the platform.

Now because this is metal contacting other metal, the entire thing is quite slippery (I expected this). Even though the platform probably weighs around 300 kg (650-700 pounds), I can actually single-handedly slide it right out from the forks by pulling it. As an obvious risk, I told my guys to find a solution to this.

Their solution was to use the fork positioner. You put the forks inside and then attempt to increase the spacing between the forks (using hydraulics). This way the forks are applying constant sideways pressure and the platform can't slide. While this works, the vertical parts of the forks are visibly sideways and that constant pressure on the entire mechanism really makes me feel uneasy. What is the chance that something might brake?
  • Posted 9 Oct 2022 05:39
  • Discussion started by Nik694
  • Bulgaria
Showing items 1 - 2 of 2 results.
Thank you for your answer. It was truly helpful.
Also, it was interesting to read the UK guidelines for such platforms.
  • Posted 14 Oct 2022 04:47
  • Reply by Nik694
  • Bulgaria
When you had the platform constructed did you include a method for keeping it attached to the forklift? Such as bolts at the back of the "hollow beams" that would fit behind the forks or anchor points for chains that woud go behind the mast assembly?

The guidelines for using such a platform in the UK are:
A. It must be secured to the forks or carriage so that it cannot come off
B. The platform must meet the construction and inspection requirements set out
by the HSE
C. There must be a safe method of use agreed before starting the work
D. Only authorised persons operate and are lift ed in the manned platform
E. The operator must not leave the lift truck whilst the occupants are in the cage
F. Only the lift and lower lever shall be used
G. No other hydraulic levers should be used
H. The lift truck must be on level ground
I. The operation must be for occasional non-scheduled use
J. A thorough risk assessment of the lift must be in place
K. The lift truck must be secured by use of the handbrake and neutral applied
L. The thorough examination frequency of the lift truck must be at least 6 monthly
M. Persons are not to be transported within the cage
N. A method of communication is agreed between the operator and person(s) lift ed
prior to the work commencing

I have seen people using ratchet straps to hold it against the mast assembly frame or the backrest extension, but tghink that woud lbe a short term fix.
I woudl suggest you look at the entry point for the forks and see if it is possible to drill a hole towards the rear so that you can fit retaining bolts or similar that fit behind the forks to keep the platform in position because using the fork spacing is not a solution.
  • Posted 11 Oct 2022 18:27
  • Reply by Tat2dPete
  • Strathclyde, United Kingdom
Pete

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Fact of the week
The oldest known unopened bottle of wine was recovered from a tomb in modern-day Germany. The bottle is around 1.5 litres and believed to have been produced between 325 and 350 AD. There are currently no plans to open the bottle.
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