Choosing and Using a Push-Pull Attachment: A Beginner's Guide

This beginner-friendly guide helps you choose and use a Push-Pull Attachment in your warehouse or distribution center. If you're considering slip-sheet handling to reduce pallet costs or increase trailer density, this article walks you through the key decisions, preparation steps, and best practices for a smooth implementation.

Step 1: Decide if slip-sheet handling is right for your operation.

• Product types: Slip sheets work best for uniform, stackable products like cartons, case packs, or boxed goods. Avoid using slip sheets for very heavy, oddly shaped, or fragile loads.
• Throughput and volume: High-volume facilities see the greatest ROI from reduced pallet purchasing and increased storage density.
• Transportation partners: Confirm whether your carriers and customers accept slip-sheeted loads. Some receivers still require pallets.

Step 2: Select the right Push-Pull attachment.

• Forklift compatibility: Check your forklift carriage class and hydraulic capacity. Attachments come in different sizes and mounting options to match lift trucks.
• Load capacity: Choose an attachment rated for your typical load weight and size, including any shock or inertia during transport.
• Gripper type: Different headplates and grippers are available for various slip-sheet materials (plastic vs. fiber) and load faces (flat vs. corrugated).
• Controls and ergonomics: Look for straightforward hydraulic controls and good visibility to make operator training easier.

Step 3: Prepare your operation.

• Packaging adjustments: Standardize pallet patterns into stable, wrap-ready stacks. Use adequate stretch wrap or banding to secure loads to the slip sheet during handling.
• Slip sheet selection: Choose slip sheets with the right thickness and texture. Plastic slip sheets are durable and resistant to moisture; fiber sheets are lighter and cheaper.
• Dock and racking checks: Verify that dock plates, conveyors, and racks work safely with slip-sheeted loads; you may need to adjust handling sequences.
• Procurement planning: Estimate slip sheet usage and establish reliable suppliers to avoid stockouts of consumables.

Step 4: Install and test the attachment.

• Professional installation: Have the attachment mounted and hydraulically connected by trained technicians, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Initial testing: Run pilot loads in a controlled area to tune grip pressure, push speed, and operator handling techniques.
• Performance tracking: Measure cycle times, damage rates, and transportation cost per case before and after the switch to quantify benefits.

Step 5: Train operators and staff.

• Operator skills: Teach operators correct insertion of the headplate under the load, how to engage and disengage the gripper, and best practices for pushing loads off the slip sheet.
• Safety rules: Emphasize slow, steady motions while pulling and pushing; always confirm the load is secure before moving; maintain clear communication in busy dock areas.
• Maintenance awareness: Train staff to spot wear on gripper faces, sliding plates, and hydraulic hoses that can lead to performance issues.

Maintenance and troubleshooting tips for beginners:

• Daily checks: Inspect the attachment for hydraulic leaks, damaged gripper surfaces, and free movement of the push plate.
• Replace consumables: Gripper faces and slip sheets wear over time—schedule replacements before performance degrades.
• Address fit issues: If the headplate has trouble sliding under loads, check for packaging irregularities or mismatched slip sheet sizes.
• Performance tuning: Adjust hydraulic pressure within manufacturer specs to balance grip strength and release smoothness.

Practical example

A cosmetics wholesaler replaced returnable pallets with slip sheets and fitted two forklifts with push-pull attachments. After a six-week pilot, the wholesaler reduced pallet costs by 70%, increased truck fill rates, and lowered dock

congestion. Key success factors were standardizing load patterns and investing two hours of operator training per shift.

In summary, selecting and deploying a Push-Pull Attachment requires matching the right hardware to your forklift and loads, preparing packaging and dock processes, and training staff. When implemented thoughtfully, a push-pull system can cut costs, save space, and streamline handling—especially in high-volume, standardized distribution environments.