The new KOOI-Pallet-Bumper from Meijer Handling Solutions helps prevent damage from being caused to goods and pallets. Various studies have shown that 70% of damage to pallets is caused by forklifts and their operators. The human factor is often the indirect cause of damage so appropriate training is of course essential; however, many tools can help save a lot of inconvenience.

Probably the most common cause of damage is that which can arise due to the curvature of the fork. Because of the radius between the shank and the blade, rather than resting against the shank of the fork, the top deckboard of the pallet comes into contact with the curvature/radius of the forks. This creates a lot of stress in the pallet structure, splitting the deckboards or even causing the blocks to break off, with catastrophic consequences. By using the "Pallet-Bumper", the pallet remains in front of the curvature of the forks whereby this kind of damage is prevented. The plastic bumper of the device is positioned in such a way that it comes into contact with the deckboard, stringer or block at the pallet's strongest point.

A significant application of the pallet-bumper is in handling pallets in the chemical industry, where the pallets are loaded with bagged products or FIBC (big bags). The bags often extend beyond the edge of the pallet and get trapped between the deckboard and the fork shanks damaging the bags and spilling their contents. An optional plastic spacer block mounted on the upper part of the Pallet-Bumper prevents the bagged goods from being ripped open by the tops of the fork shanks or the carriage when lifting. The costs can be considerable due to the fact that:

• Pallet and/or goods are damaged.
• The load can be considered lost or will need to be repackaged.
• The damage can result in lorry or container being delayed.
• Records need to be adjusted due to barcodes, stock discrepancies, etc.

Each case of damage can easily cost €35 (Product $40 US) in labour and equipment costs (pallet and packaging) besides the damage to the product itself.


Of course, things also get damaged in, let's say standard warehouse situations, when companies employ temporary workers often lacking the experience of permanent staff, who are more familiar with the product and, in particular, the operation of the forklift truck. Approaching too quickly often means the forks hit the pallet with enough force to break the pallet, but if the forks are not positioned horizontally, the damage is even greater. MEIJER offers a solution called "FlatForks", which is a simple device that can be attached magnetically to the side of the mast of any forklift truck not already fitted with a horizontal position indicator. This system, which is calibrated on site, features LEDs which indicate when the forks are level.

Another frequent cause of damage is that long forks can protrude too far through the pallet as illustrated in this photo. The points of the forks will cause severe damage to any pallet or goods located behind the pallet being stowed away and a pallet to the rear could easily be tipped over when the foremost pallet is picked up.

If KOOI-REACHFORKS^® hydraulically or mechanically actuated extendable forks are fitted, the forklift can be adapted to suit the required pallet size so that the forks do not protrude through the pallet, while full support of the load is retained. MEIJER HANDLING SOLUTIONS has more than 35 years' experience with telescopic forklift truck forks and has developed a system especially for this application, which prevents the outer sleeve of the reach forks from getting caught on the pallet boards when the forks are withdrawn.


The above solutions can play a significant role in increasing your levels of efficiency and bring about huge financial savings. They will also have a positive effect on your forklift operators, as you will not have to keep blaming them for damage caused during handling. When all the costs are taken into account, the ROI is quickly reached.

See the KOOI-Pallet Bumper in action! Watch the product video

Want to know more? Visit www.meijer-handling-solutions.com for a complete overview of our innovative logistic solutions.

Meijer Handling Solutions
Customer Service
P: +31 (0) 518 49 29 92
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W: www.meijer-handling-solutions.com

About Meijer
Meijer Handling Solutions is based in The Netherlands with a wholly owned subsidiary in the USA and distributors in more than 60 countries worldwide. The company leads the world market as the largest producer of hydraulic lift truck forks more commonly known as "KOOI-REACHFORKS^®" however, MHS also produces a wide range of other innovative material handling solutions including; Height Shift Systems, (vertical lift forks), telescopic Jib Crane attachments and booms as well as a complete range of pallet-less handling solutions such as ROLLERFORKS^®, Stationary Pallet Changers and more, www.meijer-handling-solutions.com/products