MATERIAL HANDLING
StrongArm: Hoist that Tank
Feb 8, 2008 - 9:37:10 AM

In industry, gasoline is out and propane is in. With rising fuel costs and EPA requirements, companies are switching their forklifts from gasoline to propane. But when they do this, they can run into a problem. Propane requires changing tanks daily and those puppies are heavy.

In fact, OSHA has done studies of ergonomic injuries that have resulted from switching out propane tanks on forklifts with just human muscle power.

IBT Vendor J&J Manufacturing has the answer: a StrongArm lifter that will remove the propane tank from a rack and then load it on the forklift.

The StrongArm lifter attachment has a 90 degree powered up-ender so the tanks can be standing upright or in a rack on their side. It's also equipped with ergonomically designed adjustable handles. This reduces the chance of a back injury and potential damage to the equipment.

One of the most common sized tanks for industrial forklifts is the seven gallon model, called "33.5 pound." These are about 27 inches long and 11 1/2 inches in diameter.

When full, they weigh at least 50 pounds and the challenge to employees to move them is quite substantial. They have to be lifted onto the forklift truck cradle. This can require a lift of between 48 to 58 inches. Physically doing so can result in strains or other injury from lifting and maneuvering full tanks into position.

The J&J StrongArm is a better way. The units are custom designed to handle propane tanks: they remove them from forklifts once empty and reinstall them with full tanks.

StrongArm manipulators provide greater safety, increased reliability and enhanced flexibility. They can be mounted overhead, on the floor or on a mobile base.

Companies using StrongArm manipulators in this process have greatly reduced the risk of injury to their employees by eliminating the need to lift and maneuver the heavy tanks. They have also gained productivity, efficiency and safety.

To learn more about J&J's StrongArm ergonomic lifter for propane tanks – or to explore other products in their complete line of lifting devices, contact IBT.