Forklift Clamps & Their Uses

If you own a business that uses forklifts daily, then you’re probably already familiar with how they work. However, if you need to handle specific materials like hay, paper rolls, or others, a forklift clamp attachment can help you do so with greater ease and efficiency. A forklift clamp is a perfect solution if you’re looking to move a variety of materials in a variety of industries. Barclay Brand Ferdon is here to discuss what forklift clamps are, the different types of clamps, and what materials they can handle.

What Are Forklift Clamps?

From round loads to cartons, forklift attachments allow operators to handle uniquely shaped products safely. A forklift clamp is an attachment that’s fastened to the mast of a forklift. These clamps are usually put in the place of a traditional fork attachment. 

There are several types of forklift clamps available for you to choose from, and each one is designed to handle specific materials with care. The type of clamp you need will vary from business to business, and it’s also crucial to consider the clamp’s capacity in relation to the forklift’s capacity and product weight. Like with any attachment, the clamp’s weight will affect your forklift’s weight limits. Make sure to consult with local experts before purchasing a clamp attachment so that you know it’s safe to operate with your forklift.

Different Types of Forklift Clamps

Depending on the material, there are many forklift clamp options designed for different purposes. The most common forklift clamps used by businesses include:

• Fork clamps: This type of clamp is used to handle awkwardly shaped loads like tires. Fork clamps make it easier and safer to move materials that are typically hard to manage.
• Bale clamps: A bale clamp can handle just about any material that doesn’t use pallets, such as hay, cotton, or wool.
• Appliance/carton clamps: Appliance or carton clamps are often used to handle packaged shipments containing vegetables, wine, or other palletless materials. This type of clamp is designed to move these products safely.
• Paper roll clamps: Forklift paper clamps are ideal for businesses that need to transport paper rolls. With their round shape and smooth design, paper rolls can easily fall during transport. Paper roll clamps help ensure that you can move paper rolls with greater ease.
• Concrete block clamp: This type of clamp is used to securely transport concrete blocks or bricks without damaging or breaking the product. Concrete block clamps are designed with softer elements to provide cushioning for additional protection.
• White goods clamps: These clamps handle a large range of appliances that are boxed or in clear-view packaging configuration. Articulating pads and a stabilizer design reduce product damage by requiring less force to support a load.
• Forward rotating arm clamps: Designed for T-loading refrigerators, these require only three steps: clamp and rotate, unclamp, and reclamp before driving into the trailer.
• Appliance clamp with forks: Also called the “shopping clamp,” these are ideal for pallets that only need to be moved occasionally, as you can begin with an empty pallet and fill it as you move throughout the warehouse.

Before purchasing a forklift clamp, it’s beneficial to know what kind of clamp will be right for your business. Using the advice of a professional, you can get exactly the kind of clamp you need before finalizing your purchase.

Benefits of Using Forklift Clamps

Forklift clamps are often used for products that aren’t palletized, meaning they must be able to carefully handle these objects without damaging them. Their efficient designs and usage of soft materials like cushioning enable them to achieve this, which helps increase productivity and safety on the job site. You can also see increased end-user satisfaction by keeping products in optimal condition during transport and avoiding damaged materials.

Using a forklift with a clamp attachment also means your workers can transport more items, including heavy and uniquely shaped objects, with reduced injury risk. Your team won’t need multiple people to handle unwieldy items, letting them focus on other essential tasks and helping you get the most benefits from your workforce.

With the wide range of forklift clamp types available, you can enjoy increased confidence in picking the right size and design for your application and knowing it will help you complete the necessary tasks.

The Environmental Benefits of Hydraulic Forklift Clamps

Wood pallets have historically been and continue to be the standard for shipping and warehouse handling of goods. There are millions in circulation. It’s estimated that pallets account for 43% of hardwood and 15% of softwood produced in the U.S. Many argue that wood pallets are a sustainable option, and that may be true thanks to the efforts of organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council and others. However, the reduction of wood pallet use naturally results in less need for cutting down trees and managing forests.

Reduced Energy Consumption

There has been a debate in the pallet industry for years about whether wood pallets or lightweight plastic pallets are better for the environment. There are so many factors that go into which one is greener that it’s almost impossible to tell which one is truly the winner. One thing is certain, reducing the use of pallets, plastic, or wood, contributes to less energy consumption overall.

Healthier Workplace Environment

Eliminating or reducing the use of pallets by using hydraulic lift truck attachments instead can also help you maintain a healthier immediate environment – the one you and your employees work in every day. Porous wood pallets invite mold and insect infestation. When you use a hydraulic clamp to move your products, you eliminate the physical waste that can cause accidents and illnesses if not handled properly.

How To Control Forklift Clamp Pressure

Regardless of which clamps you use, clamp pressure must be controlled properly to avoid product damage. Choosing the right type of pressure regulation will add value to your business in the long run. While each forklift is designed with a fixed hydraulic pressure setting, you can easily adjust how tightly your clamp grips a particular load to keep your goods intact throughout the entire process. This can be done in several ways, including:

• Using a three-position pressure regulator, which is mounted on the forklift and relieves pressure
• Using a hydraulic force control (HFC) system, which automatically adjusts the clamp’s force proportionally to your load’s weight
• Using an adaptive force control system, which utilizes preprogrammed information to automatically set the clamp’s pressure and is ideal for paper roll clamp attachments

Get Forklift Clamps and Other Accessories From Barclay Brand Ferdon

If you’re looking for attachments that will give you the ability to move a variety of materials and enhance the flexibility of your equipment, a forklift clamp is an ideal choice. Serving businesses in NY and NJ, Barclay Brand Ferdon provides new and used forklifts, as well as additional accessories that help businesses get the job done. Our team of high-skilled professionals is here to assist you with everything from selecting the right attachment to forklift maintenance services. Feel free to contact us today for more information.