The European paper market is set to reach $114.12 billion by 2029, growing annually by 4.47%. Keeping up with this growth, and doing so profitably, is a priority for paper production companies. As operations start handling paper loads with a forklift at higher volumes, minimising product damage is key. When lifting and moving paper bales or paper rolls, the right choice of attachment is important, alongside the right choice of lift truck.
When selecting the right Hyster® forklift for the job, it is important to consider:
- Power source – an electric forklift may meet handling needs and reduce emissions, or an IC truck may be a better fit for the specific application
- Operating range and lifespan – paper operations can involve long and demanding cycles
- Manoeuvrability – lift trucks handling paper may operate in busy or cramped environments
- Total Cost of Ownership –energy/fuel costs, maintenance, and more should be considered, not just initial purchase price
- Capacity – attachments can be heavy, so counterbalance forklifts must be specified to a suitable capacity to manage both the attachment and load.
Here are three attachment solutions that Hyster can offer in paper handling applications.
- Forklift with paper roll clamp
Paper rolls can be heavyweight loads. To handle these delicate rolls with care, a suitable front-end attachment must be combined with a powerful lift truck. In this case, a robust and reliable attachment specifically for handling paper rolls offers an effective solution.
One roll clamp option that is popular with paper producers and paper product handlers is a 180-degree rotating clamp with rack and pinion type rotation. Paper operations may benefit from roll clamp attachments that are fast to operate and provide precise vertical end positioning, with cushioning, to prevent over rotation and product damage. Other roll clamp attachments for forklifts may also include built-in systems to help select the right clamping force level for different paper grades, helping reduce damage to valuable paper rolls.
Choosing an attachment with reduced thickness and weight can help operations maximise residual capacity on the forklift. However, factors like rounded surfaces and sprint positioned contact pads can be equally important considerations when helping to reduce the risk of damage to the paper rolls.
- Forklift with paper bale clamps
Paper mills will often receive paper to be recycled and processed into new paper products as the first step in their manufacturing operations. This paper will usually arrive in bales in a container or on a lorry. A forklift with a bale clamp will typically pick up these bales to move into a storage or manufacturing area.
Paper handling operations need a solution that will keep up with high demand, offer efficient performance, and optimises costs. When selecting a bale clamp attachment, seeking a robust design is key for heavy duty applications. Due to the tough environment and high duty cycles, considering warranties, service and maintenance is also important for maximising operational uptime. Likewise fast availability and delivery of the clamp attachment are other critical factors – many paper operations cannot afford to wait. In response, there has been an increase in new attachments that are available ‘off the shelf’ to help keep paper handling businesses moving. In some applications, used attachments can provide a fast and cost-effective solution.
- Forklift with heavy duty fork positioners
Heavy duty applications, in the paper industry and beyond, also may require frequent fork positioning capability on their lift trucks. That is because loads may come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
A fork positioner enables the forks to be moved closer together or further from each other, giving greater flexibility in handling with a lift truck. Fork positioners can also contribute to improved load handling times and accuracy, helping to minimise load damage. Faster cycle times may also help reduce truck wear and fuel consumption in harsh handling environments.
For maximum productivity, it is important to look for a lift truck fork positioner that does not require the operator to leave the cab, that is large enough for the load requirements, and where the fork movements are synchronised. Special bolt-on fork positioner options may also be available for even heavier duty applications.
Discover Hyster paper handling solutions
With tough trucks ready for the high demands of the paper industry, a range of paper roll clamps, bale clamps, and fork positioners, and more than 70 years of experience across paper applications, Hyster can provide a complete paper handling solution.
Learn more from our industry experts here, with information about Hyster forklifts, attachments, and solutions to help you overcome your handling challenges in the paper supply chain. Or speak to your local Hyster dealer for local insight and advice.
