Demands of a particularly high standard are placed on forklift trucks and especially the relevant attachments when operating in fish processing, tanneries, salt mines and all locations where acids and alkalis are used. In these operating environments the equipment is exposed to media which might cause severe surface corrosion.

The leading European forklift truck attachment specialists Kaup of Aschaffenburg (Germany) reports an advance in protecting the surface and components of their rotators for such applications.

ISO Class II (for trucks of 2,5 tons capacity and smaller) and ISO Class III versions, for machines of 3 ton and 3,5 ton capacity, can be ordered in two optional finishes ensuring improved protection against corrosion.

Fishing Rotator model T 351ES features a salt-water resistant finish for the complete unit, essentially comprising a special grade of 2 layer sea-water worthy paint (RAL 5005).

Both options provide for use of galvanized bolting throughout. Like the standard rotators, the fishery version contains tapped holes over the full width of the lower fork carriage beam and four eccentrically drilled stop blocks. These allow setting to any desired fork spacing within the width of the attachment and safely securing each fork at the point where the highest stresses occur while rotating loads. Bolt recesses are sealed with a coal tar and silicone coating following assembly. 

On the enhanced salt-water proof version, T351.3ES, fork carriage and flange are galvanized and the remaining parts finished with 3 layers of sea-water worthy paint (navy-grey). Kaup has extensive experience of these paint finishes, as they are also used on the company’s container spreaders which operate primarily on board ships and in seaports.

The Kaup range features a wide range of standard rotators for forklift trucks from 1 ton up to 50 tons, all in sideshifting and non sideshifting versions and comprising many special versions e.g. for foundry applications or explosion hazardous areas. All rotating clamps and even stationary material handling devices are based on the rotator components of Kaup’s modular built system.