In the fast-paced world of logistics and material handling, efficiency and productivity are paramount. As companies adapt to the latest industry trends—from the rise of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to the drive toward supply chain automation—one solution stands out as a game-changer: smart forklift attachments.
These user-friendly, technology-driven accessories not only allow your lift trucks to perform a wider range of tasks more efficiently, but they also help mitigate product damage by utilizing advanced data and sensors to automatically position attachments, apply optimal clamp force, and more. By integrating smart technologies with forklift and AGV forks, clamps, and other attachments, you can unlock a more comprehensive set of telematics, supporting predictive maintenance that keeps your equipment functioning at its best and lowering long-term operational costs.
“There are many ‘smart’ products out there, but Cascade stands apart from the rest by providing the customization and support that customers need,” says Rick Whiting, Head of Global Product Management at Cascade Corporation. “At Cascade, we have the unique ability to customize our attachments for any application and scale—from one AGV environment to hundreds of forklifts. Our industry-leading ‘glocal’ support model combines our global resources and manufacturing presence with accessible, local assistance to ensure customer success.”
In this article, we’ll explore some of the innovative smart solutions from Cascade and delve into real-world applications where their products have successfully integrated into everyday operations, elevating productivity and efficiency.
Sensor Forks: Enhancing Visibility for Precise Handling
Cascade Sensor Forks are perfect for fast-paced e-commerce applications and warehouse environments where ultimate visibility is a must. These forks come equipped with a built-in digital camera and sensor package, providing the driver with incredible visibility of fork placement, even in low-light conditions.
Here’s how it works: A high-quality video feed is transmitted via Wi-Fi from the tip of the fork to an in-cab display. Along with the camera, sensors detect objects above the forks (as well as proximity to the load), giving drivers added information to precisely lift and deposit loads. All wires run inside the fork, eliminating the need for external, over-the-mast wiring or cable reels.
This next-level handling awareness helps operators eliminate overdriving loads, reducing the risk of fork punctures and costly product damage. ”One of our customers in Italy works with pallets of coffee boxes in a high-racking warehouse environment,” Whiting explains. “Before Sensor Forks, their driver had to strain to see loads for picking. Now, using our Sensor Forks, their forklift driver can easily see loads and fork pockets on those higher racks, allowing them to line up their forks for perfect pallet picking and eliminating product damage due to misalignment.”
Sensor Forks connect to the display using Wi-Fi and incorporate crosstalk protection that allows for 25+ units to be used at a single site without signal interruption. A hard-wired version is also available for environments that aren’t compatible with Wi-Fi systems. Cascade also offers Camera Forks, which provide the same great visual display without the sensor capabilities.
Mobile Weighing Solutions: Streamlining Operations
Cascade offers two innovative mobile weighing solutions to enhance efficiency without making major adjustments to your operation: ActivWeigh™ and Weigh Forks.
Cascade ActivWeigh™
Available as an integral or hang-on unit, this carriage-based scale integrates “Weigh-In-Motion” capabilities with sideshifting and fork positioning functionality, all packaged in one compact design. It allows forklift operators to easily approach a load, adjust the fork spacing, lift, and immediately weigh the load while the forklift is in motion. Weight data is automatically transmitted via Bluetooth to a truck-mounted display, and from there, it can be communicated wirelessly to a Warehouse Management System or connected to a local terminal for analysis and further optimization.
ActivWeigh™ offers accurate weight measurements for off-center loads, providing streamlined operation with an incredibly thin profile that maximizes the net truck capacity. It is equipped with a standard carriage on the front side to accept forks and most Cascade Attachments, so you can use it with your existing Push-Pull or Single Double attachments without the need for a separate floor scale.
Cascade Weigh Forks
Cascade Weigh Forks save time and money by combining transport and weighing into one easy step. From managing incoming goods to shipping, Weigh Forks improve productivity whenever you would otherwise need to take extra time driving to a floor scale. To ensure efficient mobile weighing for any application, Weigh Fork models are available for use with Rotators, Fork Positioners, and Order Pickers.
The digital Weigh Forks display offers numerous functions, including piece counting, load tracking, and custom functionality. “One customer in a warehouse application needed a way to easily ensure that drivers were loading order picker carts or pallets to their desired weights,” Whiting says. “So, our custom solutions team developed an alert system that sounds when a cart or pallet’s weight reaches a predetermined value specified by the user. These customized Weigh Forks offer a simple way to validate weight accuracy while picking orders, requiring little driver input.”
Cascade Electrix™: All-Electric Attachment Solutions
Innovating in step with the growing trend in automation, Cascade continues to develop all-electric solutions from their Cascade Electrix™ line, including Multiple Load Handlers, Sideshifters, and all-electric masts from Lift-Tek, a subsidiary of Cascade. These products are energy efficient, eliminate the risk of hydraulic leaks, and are ideal for AGV applications.
Along with eliminating hydraulic leaks, all-electric actuation lowers your total system cost by removing hydraulic components (like the pump motor, oil reservoir, and hoses) from the equation. Cascade is currently the only attachment provider that can offer fully customized, all-electric, hybrid, or hydraulic front-end solutions for AGVs and forklifts.
“Decreasing energy consumption is a must for companies looking to lower costs, especially in AGV/AGF environments,” Whiting says. “Our all-electric solutions from the Cascade Electrix line of attachments maximize energy efficiency and can be up to 90% more efficient than hydraulic units in the same class.” The all-electric system also offers integrated sensors built into the actuators, which can provide data feedback and communication to enhance AGV and AGF applications. This data—such as actuator cycle counts, utilization rates, and positioning information—can be transmitted to truck telematics systems, where it can be utilized for predictive maintenance and more.
Hydraulic Force Control: Automated Damage Reduction
Hydraulic Force Control (HFC) is one of Cascade’s operator-friendly and hands-free damage reduction solutions. “We can apply this accessory to most clamping products, and it automatically adjusts the clamping force based on a product’s weight,” Whiting explains. The operator simply engages the load with one pull of the hydraulic lever, lifts the load, and instantaneously, the pressure is increased to an optimal pressure for the product. “No additional operator input is necessary.”
HFC automates clamp force entirely, enabling operators to work quickly and confidently no matter the load. It also allows operators to alternate seamlessly between handling various products like electronics that need to be handled with care and large, heavy items that require a higher clamp force.
Elevating Performance with Smart Attachment Solutions
Investing in smart forklift attachments and accessories is a surefire way to increase your company’s productivity and efficiency. Cascade makes it easy with innovative solutions that improve your handling capabilities, streamline your processes, and reduce damage.
By adopting these smart attachments and technologies, you can make the most of your existing forklifts or AGVs and enhance their performance to meet your unique needs. Cascade is here to provide the latest smart solutions and support you in your quest for more productive and efficient material handling.
National Site Supplies is an excellent partner that can provide the tools, materials, and sustainable options to further boost efficiency, safety, and longevity in your forklift operations. From specialized attachments and accessories to maintenance supplies and personal protective equipment, National Site Supplies has the expertise and resources to elevate your material handling capabilities.
Whether you’re looking to integrate sensor-driven forks, automated weighing solutions, all-electric attachments, or any other smart technology, Cascade and National Site Supplies are here to help you elevate your forklift’s performance and drive your logistics and warehousing operations to new heights of success.
