One pound “forklift” is no threat

News Story
- 14 Jun 2007 ( #314 ) - BRISBANE, Australia
1 min read
Two men carrying furniture with the forearm forklift
Two men carrying furniture with the forearm forklift
A potential father's day gift for US dads may have the word "forklift" in its name, but forklift industry leaders don't see it as competition.

The Forearm Forklift is a pair of adjustable 9 feet 4 inch (2.84 metre) straps made of "super strength webbing", weighing 1lb (0.45kg) each, with a weight capacity of 600lbs (272kg). Placed over two people's arms and underneath an object, the device promises to lower the centre of gravity and reduce back strain.

A video on www.forearmforklift.com explains how the lifting straps work and claims the lifting technique eliminates spinal bend and reduces lumbar mass strain.

Forkliftaction.com News showed the website to leading forklift manufacturers in Europe, US and Japan. The two US-based companies declined to comment.

Based on the photographs, Jan Kaulfuhs-Berger from Jungheinrich AG does not think it is a strong competitor for the Hamburg-based company.

"I do not think we have products we could compare with a forearm forklift. It seems to be more common in the business-to-consumer market than the business-to-business market."

A Komatsu spokesperson says the Tokyo-based company also does not produce anything similar to the lifting straps.

"It is very unique and could be a means to carry things.

"[However] Komatsu's products are for heavier articles and for different needs. Also, the forearm forklift is operated by two and the conventional forklift by one. If there's a demanding application, an ordinary forklift should be employed."

US product information magazine Industrial Equipment News awarded the lifting straps Best New Product of the Year 1999.

But that accolade still doesn't make it a forklift!
Do you have materials handling news? Submit your news here

PREMIUM business

Lift Tek Elecar
Global leader in the design and manufacture of masts, carriages, integral sideshifters & fork positioners.

Since July 2000, Forkliftaction News has been your guide to the developments that are shaping your industry.

Starting today we are also looking back on some of the key news stories from our extensive news archive.

In the news email and on the website, you'll see links to stories that were 'leading our news' multiple years ago, with topics spanning world-first products, big acquisitions, and major industry shifts.
We hope you enjoy this unique insight into the materials handling industry!

Words of support …

Thanks to advertising with Forkliftaction, GemOne has experienced a significant enhancement in our online presence. Working with Forkliftaction has enabled us to boost engagement with our targeted audience, resulting in an increase in information requests and downloads of valuable materials from our website. Forkliftaction has consistently delivered outstanding results, helping us to effectively connect with the right audience.

Justine Lootens, CEO

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Since July 2000, Forkliftaction News has been your guide to the developments that are shaping your industry.

Starting today we are also looking back on some of the key news stories from our extensive news archive.

In the news email and on the website, you'll see links to stories that were 'leading our news' multiple years ago, with topics spanning world-first products, big acquisitions, and major industry shifts.
We hope you enjoy this unique insight into the materials handling industry!

Inside The News
This week Forkliftaction News is celebrating its 25th anniversary! A wonderful achievement given we launched at a time when just 6% of the world’s population were internet users, according to Internet World Stats . Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing stories about our history and rolling out more celebrations, so keep an eye out... Continue reading

PREMIUM business

Cascade Corporation (World HQ)
Leading manufacturers of attachments, forks and related technologies for forklifts and AGVs.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

PREMIUM business

Tailift Material Handling USA Inc
Part of Toyota Industries Group - Leading manufacturer of High-quality machines.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Since July 2000, Forkliftaction News has been your guide to the developments that are shaping your industry.

Starting today we are also looking back on some of the key news stories from our extensive news archive.

In the news email and on the website, you'll see links to stories that were 'leading our news' multiple years ago, with topics spanning world-first products, big acquisitions, and major industry shifts.
We hope you enjoy this unique insight into the materials handling industry!