Forklift Handling Testing

Forklift Handling Testing

Forklift handling testing is a form of assessment that determines the durability of unitized loads, or large cases and crates when subjected to mechanical handling. The purpose of this testing is to make sure that the goods remain safe and secure during their journey from one place to another and to make sure that the design of the packaging can handle the stresses of the distribution cycle.

Testing packages for forklift handling compliance is essential for ensuring the goods are suitably secure, as defective packaging can lead to costly product repairs and lost sales. The benefits of this testing include cost-effective distribution, assurance in product launch, increased customer satisfaction, increased market share, and shortened time from product to market.

The ASTM D6055: Mechanical Handling of Unitized Loads and Large Shipping Cases and Crates test is recommended by Keystone. To conduct the test a forklift with the capacity to handle the test specimens is used. The first part of the test is the flat push and rotate whereby a palletized product is placed on a level surface and pushed forward for a distance of 40 inches before turning 90 degrees. The second part of the test is the elevated push and pull test whereby the fork blades are inserted into the pallet to a depth that will lift one edge of the pallet four inches off the ground. The pallet is then pushed 40 inches and dropped to the ground, before being raised and lowered to its original position. This test is repeated for each possible pallet entrance direction.