Here Are Tips For How To Properly Secure Your Forklift Onto A Flatbed Trailer
Here Are Tips For How To Properly Secure Your Forklift Onto A Flatbed Trailer
For many manufacturers, transporting forklifts from one location to the next is nothing new. While it would be easier to just drive them to your company’s new location, they don’t legally classify as vehicles. Whether you perform the transport yourself or hire someone, they must be transported via truck. Specifically, a flatbed truck is one of the safest to do so.
Table of Contents
Toggle
It’s imperative that your construction vehicle arrives at its destination in one piece. Learning how to properly secure a forklift on your flatbed will reduce the chance of a major car accident on the highway. In today’s blog, let’s go over all the safety measures you can take to better protect your forklift during transit.
The Essential Tools Needed To Secure Your Forklift
Chain Binders:
-
Grade 70 Transport Binder Chain (Different Sizes Available)
Price: $20.99
View Product
-
Transport Chains G70 NACM Long Link Made in USA Columbus McKinnon
Price: $44.99
View Product
-
Ratchet Chain Binder
Price: $15.99
View Product
body{box-sizing: border-box;}
.category-products.category-blog ul {display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; margin: 0 -5px; padding: 0; list-style: none;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv .product-name a {color: #222;font-weight: 600; margin: 0;white-space: normal;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li {padding: 0 5px; min-height: 1px; border: none; margin: 0; width: 33.33%;text-align: center;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li .card {border: 1px solid #e5e5e5; padding: 20px 15px; height: 100%;text-align: center;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv span {font-size:14px; font-weight:500; width: 100%; text-align: center;line-height: 20px;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv {display: flex; align-items: center; margin: 15px 0 0 0; justify-content: space-between;flex-wrap: wrap;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li p {margin: 10px 0 0; text-align: center;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li .button {background: #B10101;display: inline-block; color: #fff; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: .03em; height: auto; line-height: normal; padding: 6px 12px; margin-bottom: 0; -webkit-border-radius: 5px; -moz-border-radius: 5px; border-radius: 5px; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;text-transform: capitalize;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv .product-name {margin: 0 0 10px!important;line-height: 15px; font-size: 15px!important; min-height: 42px!important; width: 100%; text-align: center;}
.blogviewall{margin:0 0 15px; text-align: right;}
.blogviewall a{font-size: 14px;padding: 0; color: #cc0f0f; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 500;}
@media(max-width:767px){
.category-products.category-blog ul {display: block!important; white-space: nowrap; overflow-x: auto; padding-bottom: 20px;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li {display: inline-block; width: 70%;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv h4.product-name a{white-space: normal;}
}
To start things off, a chain binder ensures you have a sufficient amount of tensioning over your straps and chains. A standard ratchet binder can especially support the weight of your forklift. There won’t be any unwanted shifting during the transport. By using chain binders, you save yourself tons of time in securing your forklift onto your flatbed trailer.
Tie Down Straps:
-
2″ Ratchet Strap with Flat Hook
Price: $10.49
View Product
-
2″ Kinedyne Ratchet Strap with Flat Hook
Price: $13.99
View Product
-
2″ x 30′ Ratchet Strap with Flat Hook
Price: $13.99
View Product
body{box-sizing: border-box;}
.category-products.category-blog ul {display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; margin: 0 -5px; padding: 0; list-style: none;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv .product-name a {color: #222;font-weight: 600; margin: 0;white-space: normal;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li {padding: 0 5px; min-height: 1px; border: none; margin: 0; width: 33.33%;text-align: center;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li .card {border: 1px solid #e5e5e5; padding: 20px 15px; height: 100%;text-align: center;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv span {font-size:14px; font-weight:500; width: 100%; text-align: center;line-height: 20px;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv {display: flex; align-items: center; margin: 15px 0 0 0; justify-content: space-between;flex-wrap: wrap;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li p {margin: 10px 0 0; text-align: center;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li .button {background: #B10101;display: inline-block; color: #fff; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: .03em; height: auto; line-height: normal; padding: 6px 12px; margin-bottom: 0; -webkit-border-radius: 5px; -moz-border-radius: 5px; border-radius: 5px; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;text-transform: capitalize;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv .product-name {margin: 0 0 10px!important;line-height: 15px; font-size: 15px!important; min-height: 42px!important; width: 100%; text-align: center;}
.blogviewall{margin:0 0 15px; text-align: right;}
.blogviewall a{font-size: 14px;padding: 0; color: #cc0f0f; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 500;}
@media(max-width:767px){
.category-products.category-blog ul {display: block!important; white-space: nowrap; overflow-x: auto; padding-bottom: 20px;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li {display: inline-block; width: 70%;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv h4.product-name a{white-space: normal;}
}
Now it’s time for you to learn how to tie down a forklift onto your trailer. In greater detail, chains and tie-down straps add an extra level of protection over your vehicle. You can anchor down your forklift from every corner, keeping it locked in place over your flatbed’s trailer. Not to mention, it’s against the law to not use any tie-downs for your bulkier or heavier machinery.
Loading Ramp:
-
Trailer Loading Ramp Set – Single 8′ x 18″
Price: $2313.99
View Product
-
Trailer Loading Ramp Set – Double 16′ x 18″
Price: $5772.99
View Product
-
Heavy Duty Trailer Loading Ramp Full Kit
Price: $7259.99
View Product
body{box-sizing: border-box;}
.category-products.category-blog ul {display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; margin: 0 -5px; padding: 0; list-style: none;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv .product-name a {color: #222;font-weight: 600; margin: 0;white-space: normal;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li {padding: 0 5px; min-height: 1px; border: none; margin: 0; width: 33.33%;text-align: center;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li .card {border: 1px solid #e5e5e5; padding: 20px 15px; height: 100%;text-align: center;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv span {font-size:14px; font-weight:500; width: 100%; text-align: center;line-height: 20px;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv {display: flex; align-items: center; margin: 15px 0 0 0; justify-content: space-between;flex-wrap: wrap;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li p {margin: 10px 0 0; text-align: center;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li .button {background: #B10101;display: inline-block; color: #fff; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: .03em; height: auto; line-height: normal; padding: 6px 12px; margin-bottom: 0; -webkit-border-radius: 5px; -moz-border-radius: 5px; border-radius: 5px; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;text-transform: capitalize;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv .product-name {margin: 0 0 10px!important;line-height: 15px; font-size: 15px!important; min-height: 42px!important; width: 100%; text-align: center;}
.blogviewall{margin:0 0 15px; text-align: right;}
.blogviewall a{font-size: 14px;padding: 0; color: #cc0f0f; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 500;}
@media(max-width:767px){
.category-products.category-blog ul {display: block!important; white-space: nowrap; overflow-x: auto; padding-bottom: 20px;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li {display: inline-block; width: 70%;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv h4.product-name a{white-space: normal;}
}
You should also use loading ramps to help drive your forklift onto the flatbed trailer. Be sure to use a set of durable ramps that can support the weight and size of your forklift. Properly drive the forklift onto the ramps to avoid any potential accidents. Make sure the ramp stays locked in place and has the proper angle for loading.
Wheel Chocks:
-
Wheel Chock w/ Eye Bolt
Price: $12.99
View Product
-
Wheel Chocks with Loop Handles
Price: $36.99
View Product
-
Rubber Wheel Chock With Chain Eye
Price: $49.99
View Product
body{box-sizing: border-box;}
.category-products.category-blog ul {display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; margin: 0 -5px; padding: 0; list-style: none;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv .product-name a {color: #222;font-weight: 600; margin: 0;white-space: normal;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li {padding: 0 5px; min-height: 1px; border: none; margin: 0; width: 33.33%;text-align: center;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li .card {border: 1px solid #e5e5e5; padding: 20px 15px; height: 100%;text-align: center;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv span {font-size:14px; font-weight:500; width: 100%; text-align: center;line-height: 20px;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv {display: flex; align-items: center; margin: 15px 0 0 0; justify-content: space-between;flex-wrap: wrap;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li p {margin: 10px 0 0; text-align: center;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li .button {background: #B10101;display: inline-block; color: #fff; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: .03em; height: auto; line-height: normal; padding: 6px 12px; margin-bottom: 0; -webkit-border-radius: 5px; -moz-border-radius: 5px; border-radius: 5px; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;text-transform: capitalize;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv .product-name {margin: 0 0 10px!important;line-height: 15px; font-size: 15px!important; min-height: 42px!important; width: 100%; text-align: center;}
.blogviewall{margin:0 0 15px; text-align: right;}
.blogviewall a{font-size: 14px;padding: 0; color: #cc0f0f; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 500;}
@media(max-width:767px){
.category-products.category-blog ul {display: block!important; white-space: nowrap; overflow-x: auto; padding-bottom: 20px;}
.category-products.category-blog ul li {display: inline-block; width: 70%;}
.category-products.category-blog .catimgdiv h4.product-name a{white-space: normal;}
}
Investing in chocked wheels doesn’t hurt either. These wheel chocks will obviously keep your flatbed truck locked in place and prevent it from rolling away during loading procedures. Simply place the wooden blocks behind your forklift’s wheels and secure them to the base of the vehicle you’re using to transport your lift.
How To Secure A Forklift On A Trailer
1. Inspect Your Forklift:
Before you even start loading your forklift onto your flatbed’s trailer, make sure it’s not already damaged. Trying to haul a piece of machinery with several defects or a broken component will definitely slow down the loading process. Look for any leaks, loose or hanging parts that could negatively impact the loading process. You want to make sure it’s in good condition before hitting the road.
2. Load Your Forklift:
Also, the forklift must be driven onto the trailer in reverse. The forks must be pointing away from your truck’s trailer to avoid any damage during transport. Make sure that your machinery is in line with your truck’s center gravity as well. That way, you have an even distribution of weight and can prevent any tipping from occurring. Make sure you review all of your company’s guidelines on transporting a forklift to help you better understand the loading procedures.
3. Shut Off the Fuel Supply:
Another tip to remember is cutting off the forklift’s fuel supply before you take off. This is especially an important step to take for forklifts that run on gasoline and diesel. Cutting off the fuel supply will prevent any fuel from leaking out of the propane tank during the drive. Also, disconnect the battery terminal to prevent arcing. If you operate an all-electric forklift, recharge the battery before relocating.
4. Tie Down with Chains or Straps:
Using chains and straps just makes sense when it comes to securing heavy machinery. They’re especially crucial in securing your forklift before transport. Simply fasten and secure your tie-downs to the edges of your flatbed truck. You must use at least two chains and have four anchoring points to your machinery. Otherwise, you could risk everything from your forklift tipping over to causing an accident on the road.
5. Tighten and Tension
Make sure you apply a significant amount of tensioning to your chains and straps to ensure your forklift isn’t going anywhere. Use tools like your ratcheting load binders to add tension over your tie-downs and prevent any slack in your chains. Don’t go overboard with tightening your chains and straps, though. You might run the risk of damaging your construction vehicle, even before it arrives at your new location.
6. Blocking and Bracing:
You also want to add bracing materials around the forklift to ensure it stays in place over your flatbed’s trailer. Wooden blocks will do the trick. They’ll prevent your machinery from moving or shifting during the ride. During transport, you’re bound to switch lanes and make wide turns. If you don’t use any bracing materials, there’s a good chance your forklift could get damaged and fall off your truck.
Transport Your Forklift The Right Way
When transporting your forklift, you want to do it the right way. Make sure you know how to secure a forklift onto a flatbed. As discussed, there are several securement tools at your disposal, such as wooden blocks, chains, and straps. At the end of the day, you want to make sure you’re transporting your machinery in an efficient and safe manner.
FAQs
It costs roughly anywhere from $200 to $1,500 on average to transport a forklift.
There are tons of ways to secure your forklift on your truck. Using choked wheels will stop your forklift from tipping and falling off your flatbed during transport. Additionally, use chains, straps, and other tie-down methods to help anchor your forklift to the truck. That way, you won’t have to worry about it shifting while relocating your business.
Unfortunately, it is illegal to tow with a forklift. Not only is it dangerous, but you could be slammed with OSHA fines and penalties.
- cargo control
- Flatbed
- forklift
Related Articles
Cargo Control
6 Important Things to Know about Tire Chains for Winter Snow
AccessoriesCargo Control
Make Your Truck Winter Ready with Winter Trucking Equipment
Cargo ControlFlatbed Trucking
Check Out Mytee Products’ Top 10 Niche Products for Your Cargo Control Needs
Cargo ControlTrucking
Full Truckload (FTL) vs Less Than Truckload (LTL): Understanding The Difference
Categories
Recent Posts
-
E-Track
Top 11 Must-Have E-Track Accessories For Better Cargo Securement
-
Cargo Control
6 Important Things to Know about Tire Chains for Winter Snow
-
AccessoriesCargo Control
Make Your Truck Winter Ready with Winter Trucking Equipment
-
Cargo ControlFlatbed Trucking
Check Out Mytee Products’ Top 10 Niche Products for Your Cargo Control Needs
-
Cargo ControlFlatbed Trucking
Here Are Tips For How To Properly Secure Your Forklift Onto A Flatbed Trailer
Tie Down Straps
Flatbed TruckingRatchet StrapsTie Down StrapsTruck Driver TipsTruck Straps
How to Use Ratchet Straps: Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide with Straps Pictures
Ratchet StrapsTie Down StrapsTruck Driver Tips
How Many Ratchet Tie-Down Straps Do I Need to Secure Cargo Load?
Auto HaulingTie Down Straps
Beginner Auto Transport Guide: Car Tie-Down Straps Uses and Type