Case study: Custom fork-mounted roller bed for Portakabin
The challenge
Portakabin needed to periodically remove a heavy anvil component from one of their on-site DIMECO machines. Manual handling wasn’t an option given the weight, so the team had been using standard forklift forks.
The problem was oil. Residue on the anvil’s surface meant the load wouldn’t sit securely – it would shift and slip unpredictably during transport. For operators moving a heavy component around an active site, that’s a real safety concern. Standard off-the-shelf attachments couldn’t solve it either – the job needed something built around the load.
What we did
We worked with Portakabin to understand what they were handling, how they needed to move it and what their forklift setup looked like on-site. From there, our in-house team worked through the design, refining the approach until we had something that properly solved the problem.
The result was a custom fork-mounted roller bed attachment built specifically for the job. The roller bed platform lets the anvil slide smoothly into position rather than having to be lifted and placed precisely onto flat forks, removing the risk that comes with trying to sit an oily, heavy load on standard equipment. A heel pin retention system locks the attachment securely onto the forklift, keeping the load stable throughout the move.
Key features include:
- A roller bed platform allowing the anvil to slide smoothly into position
- Heel pin retention system to securely lock the attachment onto the forklift
- Enhanced load stability during transport
- Improved operator control and safety
The result
The attachment removed the unpredictability from a task that had been a real safety concern. The anvil moves securely, handling time is significantly reduced and Portakabin’s team can carry out the work with confidence. Because it’s purpose-built, there are no workarounds. It does the job it was designed for, every time.
Got a handling problem that standard kit can’t solve?
We design and manufacture bespoke forklift attachments in-house, built around your load, your truck and your site. Talk to us about a bespoke solution.
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