Lifting Hooks
Lifting Hook / Hook Plate Attachments
Before using this type of attachment on your forklift truck, you must:
A) Check the capacity rating of your forklift truck.
B) Check the capacity rating of your forks. This is stamped into the side of each fork. The combined capacity of the forks should be equal to or greater than the capacity rating of your truck.
C) Do not lift a load that exceeds the capacity rating of the truck, the forks, or this attachment. The component with the lowest capacity rating determines the maximum load weight you can lift.
D) Check the thickness of each fork blade at the heel and if it is less than 90-percent the thickness of the vertical back section of the fork, the fork has been worn beyond safe limits, the capacity of the fork is severely reduced, and the fork(s) must be replaced before using this attachment.
E) Most trucks and forks are rated at 24" load center (horizontal center of gravity) measured from the front face of the vertical back section of the forks. Therefore, you should adjust the length of the safety chain to prevent the hook plate from being more than 24" from the front face of the vertical back section of the forks.
F) If you must position the lifting plate more than 24" from the front face of the forks, you must check with the manufacturer of your truck and the forks to determine the safe capacity rating of all components at the extended load center.
G) Limit your travel distance when carrying suspended loads. Plan your load handling task so that the travel distance is limited when handling and positioning a suspended load.
H) Travel only on a smooth, level surface and at 1 mph or less. (1-1/2 feet per second)
I) Use tag lines to prevent the suspended load from swinging.
J) Keep people a safe distance from the suspended load - at least as far as the distance from the ground to the top of the forks when the load is lifted and suspended below them.
