Forklift Booms - A Review Of The 4 Main Types

In most instances, we see forklifts that are designedBooms Should Not Be Used On Pipes
for lifting and moving pallets around. Extensions areThe ones for pipes are used to move around steel
used to give the forklift more length and morepipes and other cylinder shaped pipes. However, it is
strength for heavier loads. However, a forklift can dousually recommended not to use any type booms to
more than just lift and move pallets around. By usingmove pipes as damage to the pipes interior areas
one of the four main forklift booms, you can use thecan occur. Instead, it is recommended that a lifting
forklift for more applications.sling be used in place of a pipe boom. For those that
The four main booms are the carpet booms, coilmust use the boom, care should be taken to prevent
booms, pipe booms and the shooting booms. All ofany type of damage to the pipe's interior.
these are meant for attachment onto your forklift.Additional Types
Carpet PoleAlthough not considered part of the four main boom
The ones for carpets are also know as a carpet poletypes, there are two additional booms that you can
and for heavy duty are made of EN24T steel. Theyuse with your forklift. These are the clear view and
mount directly on to the carriage of the forklift.the low profile. These do not attach to the carriage
Although they are referred to as carpet poles, theybut instead attach to the forks themselves. They
are also used to move any other type of rolled floorallow for the ease of transition from pallet to coiled
coverings around with ease. While they can moveor rolled products, while also offering the ability to
cylinder products, they do not have the ability to lifthave clear line of vision for the operator.
heavy-duty products such as coil poles and concreteOperators of forklifts have to go through a training
pipes.course. This is designed to ensure that the operator
can safely operate the forklift to prevent injury to
Coil Polesthe operator as well as those working in the vicinity.
The ones for coils are also known as coil poles andForklifts are dangerous and all should understand and
are attached to the carriage of the forklift. They arecomply with all safety procedures.
meant for the moving of rolled coils as well as otherTraining For Safety
rolled material. The other materials that can beFor those that will be working with forklift booms
moved with these are concrete pipes or reels ofshould be given additional training to ensure they
wire. Now basically you can move any rolled orknow how to safely use the booms. Accidents have
cylinder material with these coil poles.resulted from failure to safely operate a boom during
Telehandlerswork operations. There are several manufacturers
Shooting forklift booms are also known asthat offer training courses on all types of booms.
telehandlers and telescopics and are for use on roughSome even offer on-site training where employees
terrain forklifts. These are used outdoors on eithercan all be trained on the site where they will be
ranching or construction jobs. They have lift heightsworking. This gives the trainer a chance to address all
of 20 ft to 60 ft.safety concerns that the job site will present.