In frozen food operations, material handling equipment works hard in some of the most challenging conditions. Low temperatures, condensation, washdowns and high throughput can all take their toll on forklift attachments if they are not properly cared for.

Many factors can affect the lifespan of your forklift attachments – from general wear and tear or harsh winter conditions to inappropriate use or inadequate maintenance. BFFF member Contact Attachments Ltd shares some top tips below to ensure your attachments remain at their very best for many years to come.

• Carry Out Regular Visual Checks

Damaged, corroded or excessively worn attachments can present a serious safety risk, particularly in busy frozen food warehouses.

Make it routine to visually inspect attachments for signs of:

• Excessive wear
• Corrosion or rust
• Cracks, fractures or bent components
• Damaged locks, pins or securing mechanisms

For example, the structural integrity of a lifting jib could be affected once under load, or a damaged lock could disengage whilst in use causing a serious accident.  Make a habit out of regularly checking for visual signs of excessive wear, corrosion, or any fractured or damaged elements on your attachments, to ensure they remain safe for use.

• Listen Out for Tell-Tale Noises

Visual checks are important, but so is listening to your equipment.

Unusual noises during operation can often indicate an underlying issue. A grinding, knocking or whining sound – such as from the gearbox on a drum rotating attachment – should never be ignored. If something doesn’t sound right, investigate promptly and arrange a Thorough Examination if required.

• Don’t Misuse or Overload Your Forklift Attachment

Attachments are designed for specific tasks and using them outside of their intended purpose can significantly reduce their lifespan.

Ensure all operators of your attachment receive adequate user training, and don’t be tempted to misuse your attachment in an attempt to capitalise on it, as this can add strain or cause significant damage.

Similarly, overloading your forklift attachment beyond its lifting capacity can also cause damage, not to mention pose a significant health and safety risk.  To keep your attachment in prime condition pay attention to the Safe Working Load (which should be clearly labelled on the attachment at all times) and ensure you don’t exceed it.

• Keep on Top of Regular Maintenance

As with all machinery, your forklift attachment requires routine maintenance to keep it in great working order, so do ensure you apply grease or oil to all moving parts on a regular basis.

Simple steps can make a significant difference, particularly in cold or damp environments where components are more susceptible to wear and corrosion.

• Ensure Thorough Examinations Are Up to Date

In the current climate the costs and potential downtime involved in putting your equipment through tests can be daunting, but think of the Thorough Examination as the MOT equivalent for your attachment.  It will ensure you spot any potential issues early on and can have them fixed before they escalate into much bigger or even dangerous ones. Plus, it’s a legal requirement to ensure this is carried out every six to twelve months depending on the attachment.

With correct use, regular maintenance and timely inspections, your forklift attachments will deliver many years of reliable service – even in demanding frozen food environments.

With over 50 years’ experience in designing forklift attachments for the food & drink industry, Contact Attachments supports frozen-food operations with bespoke solutions that are hygiene-safe, cold-store compatible and ergonomically smart.  They’re proud to work alongside BFFF members in helping make the chain of frozen-food logistics safer, cleaner and more efficient.

If you’d like to discuss operator training, Thorough Examinations, or advice on selecting the right attachment for your needs, please contact the team on 01686 611200 or via their website at www.forklift-attachments.co.uk.