Applications

The sideshifting function is one of the most popular functions provided by an attachment. It’s a main function to position the load laterally from side to side. Most commonly the sideshift moves from +/- 100mm up to +/-250mm.

KAUP have other solutions for sideshifting which our friendly staff can explain, some of these include Independent, Valveblock, integral and our famous Ball-a-Matic which is for heavy duty and abrasive environments. Sideshifting is mostly seen as a sub function as it compliments the main function of the attachment, e.g. Fork Positioning, Clamping, Rotating/Tipping, Lifting, Extending/Retracting, Multi Handling.

Fork Positioning is a function that moves the fork arms laterally across the forklift carriage using the forklifts hydraulics. Fork positioners differ to side shifters in that the fork arms generally move simultaneously but in opposite directions. Fork Positioners are designed to do what the name describes – to position the tynes. Not to clamp, push, pull or move loads. There are specific attachments for those applications.

While clamping also shares the same lateral fork movement as fork positioning the main difference is fork positioning is not designed to clamp goods. For this reason, clamping is covered under another function heading.

Clamping function is commonly used when the load can be handled through compressing the load. This allows the product to be handled without pallets. There are many different types of clamps, these are dependent on the nature of the load, clamping can also be incorporated as a Stabilising function but this is covered in a separate function.Clamping the load has many implications and care must be taken to ensure the integrity of the load is not compromised.

While Fork Positioning also shares the same lateral movement as Clamping the main difference is Fork positioning is not designed to clamp goods. For this reason Fork positioning is covered under another function heading.

Rotating/Tipping function is used where the load is to be emptied out of a container or turned to a different plane. Rotating is defined as the load being rotated laterally (either clockwise or anti-clockwise), Tipping refers to the load tipped forward or backward in the same direction as the forklift.

Many of the containers used with rotating and tipping are explained within this website as small containers and drums. Rotating and Tipping is also commonly used as a sub function to handle, pipes, rolls, cartons, pallets. In these solutions Clamping is often the core function due to this being the main task to handle to goods.

Extending/Retracting is a function that handles the load in a parallel direction to the forklift. Other common terms for Extending/Retracting are Push-Pull, Telescopic or Pantograph motion.

Extending/Retracting is also commonly used as a sub function for other attachments such as pantograph clamps. With these solutions, Clamping is often the Core function due to this being the main task to handle to goods.

Multi Handling is when an attachment’s main function is to handle multiple quantities of the same load. In this case, load is described as goods that are handled by the attachment individually. The load can be pallets or in small containers. If a load is stacked and handled as a group, such as bales or boxes, this is not considered Multi handling.

If a load is stacked and handled as a group e.g. bales, sheets, etc this is not considered Multi handling. Common multi handling attachments are multi pallet handlers, multi brick pack handlers, Keg handlers etc. If you have any questions regarding this, please do not hesitate to contact your local KAUP representative.

Stabilising is a function that secures the load onto the main attachment. In most cases Stabilising is considered as a sub function as typically the load is handled first by the core function before it has a need to be stabilised. Common core functions that work with Stabilising are Rotating/Tipping, Fork Positioning, Sideshifting and Multi Handling.

Lifting is a function described as a non-hydraulic (mechanical) attachment that’s sole purpose is to lift the load. Examples of these are Fork arms, Fork Extensions, Jibs, Probes, Spreader frames etc.