Vestil Forklift Boom - 4000-Lb. Capacity, Model# LM-EBT
4.5
5
2
2
no slip
We were having items sliping off forks when using slings {ouch} this product has solved our issue. Thank you northen tools,
August 20, 2008
Handy forklift accessory
Pro:
+Allows you to safely reach many places you cannot otherwise reach safely, or at all, with your existing forks.
+Boom telescopes (manually) allowing an assistant to fine-tune the placement of the hook for the lift and to bring the load in closer to the truck once the item has been extracted from the inaccessible location.
+There is a table applied to the base of the boom which provides a quick reference for maximum load at a variety of lift points; based on quite a range of truck capacities. You still need to understand the basics behind calculating a safe lift, but it saves you from having to go to the formula repeatedly, or worse, guessing.
Con (mostly minor or to be expected):
-The finish could be better. It is a simple paint finish over "black iron". I use mine outdoors and don't have a completely dry storage spot for it. After only a few weeks I can already tell that I am going to need to continually touch up the paint to head off rust where the finish has been scratched off. If you work and store in the dry, ignore this complaint.
-The knob which tightens the boom can vibrate loose. If lifts are not handled properly (specifically if you try to drag rather than straight lift the object) there could be a danger of the pipe telescoping unexpectedly. I have not found this to be a problem in my lifts, but can see the potential.
-Since the load is being lifted by a hook, it is rarely possible for a operator to simply drive up to an object, make a lift, place the object, and drive off as you can with items on a pallet. An assistant is required, or the operator must secure the lift and get off to hook and unhook the cargo.
-This boom is built solidly; it is heavy. It requires a good chunk of floor space or a substantial shelf to store it on when not in place on the lift. Again, not much of a con.
-This is not the fault of the boom, but the operator must pay careful attention to where the boom is sweeping as the truck is maneuvered about. Depth perception can be a problem when you have a pipe sticking 10-12 feet straight out in front of you.
General:
I purchased this boom because I had items which were often out of reach of where I could safely drive my lift truck. I have not been disappointed. Most of my items can be lifted with a harness, so clipping into the end of the boom works quite well for me. It has improved the safety of my operation because it reduces the temptation to drive my truck where I really shouldn't and allows me to mechanically lift items that I simply couldn't reach except by hand previously. It does, however, also make it easier to make mistakes such as too heavy of a lift at the increased distance or clipping something with the extended boom, if the operator does not know their loads or is not paying full attention.
Overall, this is an excellent tool, for a skilled operator.
August 11, 2008