At Cascade, we are developing the tools to make warehouses and material handling operations more efficient than ever—but what does efficiency really mean?
When it comes to efficiency, speed comes first. Faster attachments get the job done, well… faster! Engineers must navigate the complex relationship between hydraulic (or electric) attachments and material handling applications to design the best possible product. There’s finding the right ratio of speed to reliability, testing units for durability over time, simplifying components (when possible), and extensive R&D to ensure the best all-around attachments. As processes improve over time, the result is faster cycling, superior uptime, and lighter, durable attachments.
If speed is one part of improving efficiency, energy consumption is another. For example, electric attachments boast minimal energy usage for handling tasks, like lifting, rotating, sideshifting, and fork positioning.
What else contributes to efficiency? Smart attachments that can tackle multiple handling needs quickly and efficiently. With a combination product, like mobile weighing plus sideshifting and/or fork positioning (see Cascade ActivWeigh), operators can weigh on the go without repeated trips to a stationary scale. If a pair of forks can extend on the go (see Cascade-Kooi Reachforks), drivers eliminate the need to find and install fork extensions.
We caught up with Felipe Goitre, Global Product Manager at Cascade, to break down what’s new, what’s working, and what you can expect from your partners at Cascade to keep you at the top of your game.
Going Electric: Clean, Precise, and Built for AGVs
Cascade Electrix™ attachments—like E-Sideshifters, Fork Positioners, Single-Doubles, Carton Clamps, and Rotators— eliminate hydraulics completely for all-electric handling. That means no leaks, less mess, and way more control.
“Electrix is perfect for AGVs,” says Felipe. “You're getting longer battery life, real-time positioning data, and fewer parts to maintain. Plus, you don’t have to worry about oil spills in clean environments.” Electric attachments are a natural fit for AGVs. "They plug into existing systems, and you’re working with protocols that are already programmed for precision."
Electric actuation also means pinpoint accuracy. No more drifting due to hose pressure changes. Every movement is intentional and reliable. For operations that rely on precision—like biotech, food or pharma—that level of control can make a huge difference.
In short, electric attachments are:
- Clean: No oil, no leaks
- Cost Efficient: Lower total system costs
- Smart: Real-time diagnostics and better control
- Easy to maintain: Fewer moving parts
Weigh While You Move: Cascade ActivWeigh™
If you’re still hauling pallets back and forth to a floor scale, there’s a better way. Cascade ActivWeigh™ is a patented weighing carriage with built-in sideshift and fork positioning. Just lift the load and go—it captures the weight on the move.
"ActivWeigh saves time and gives you accurate weight data right away," Felipe explains. “One customer uses it with a rotator to handle bins of liquid. It’s a game-changer for ingredient handling and dosing.”
It’s compact, smart, and fits into tight spaces with minimal effect to your lift truck’s capacity. Better maneuverability, less wasted motion.
See More, Do More: Sensor Forks
High racking, low lighting, tricky loads? Sensor Forks help your operators see what they’re doing. These forks come with built-in cameras and sensors that send a live feed to the operator’s display. You get a clear view from the fork tips—plus level and depth sensors to help nail the lift every time. In addition, an auxiliary camera can be mounted on strategic points of the lift truck, including the mast or load backrest, to provide an additional point of view for drivers.
“A flooring company in the U.S. was pulling the wrong carpet rolls from the top rack and making multiple picks to get the correct roll,” says Felipe. “Now, with a camera on the Cascade carpet pole, the driver reads the label, picks the right roll, and the level sensor keeps everything aligned. No more damage. No more guesswork.”
Use the Data You’re Already Creating
Every load cycle, every movement—it all creates data. With Cascade’s Smart Solutions, that data doesn’t go to waste. Mobile weighing and sensor inputs feed into your Warehouse Management System (WMS), giving you real-time insights and long-term trends.
“Think of it like a diagnostic toolkit,” Felipe says. “You can troubleshoot problems, optimize workflows, and make decisions that actually move the needle.”
The Industry is Getting Smarter
Smart attachments and digital tools are gaining ground—and fast. Real-time data, automation, predictive maintenance—these aren’t just buzzwords. They’re the tools that help companies cut waste, avoid damage, and stay competitive.
“Every load counts, every minute matters,” says Felipe. “If your operation is smart and connected, you’re better suited to meet the needs of customers for years to come.”
Want to stay ahead? Learn more at www.cascorp.com.
For more company and product information, visit the Cascade ShopFront.