Vestil FMDL - Manual (Page 11)

08/2010 rev. 11/16/2012 FMDL manual, operation instructions.doc
Copyright 2010 Vestil Manufacturing Corp.
Page 11 of 12
Use Instructions
Step 1: Adjust the positions of the forks/tines of your lift truck to match the locations of the fork pockets. Apply the
operation procedures learned during your lift truck training program to properly adjust fork position.
Step 2: Mount the drum lifter on the forks of your lift truck. Slowly drive the truck forward until the forks contact the ends
of the fork pockets.
Step 3: Connect the drum lifter to the fork truck by attaching the safety chain to the fork carriage. Wrap the chain around
the fork carriage and then fasten the snap hook to the chain or cold shut (the loop welded to the supporting frame that
attaches to the fixed end of the chain) without slack. The chain must not be able to disconnect from the carriage without
deliberate effort. For instance, the chain must not be able to slide free of the carriage. If different procedures are applied
at your worksite, follow those procedures instead of these directions.
The chain is an essential safety-enhancing feature. Use the chain to connect the drum lifter to the
carriage of your fork truck. Wrap the chain around the carriage and fasten the free end to the chain with no slack. The
chain will not prevent the drum lifter from sliding off of the forks if it is improperly connected to the fork carriage.
Slowly lower the forks to avoid damaging impacts between the floor/ground and the drum or lifter.
Eagle Beak™ and DFDL-3 models:
NOTE: In order for the Eagle Beak™ mechanism to work properly, the drum and its contents must weigh AT LEAST 50
lbs. (~22.7kg).
Step 4 Engage the selected drum with the lifter: Raise the forks just a few inches off of the ground/floor, and tilt the mast
of you fork truck forward. Drive slowly towards the selected drum until the lower jaw of the Eagle Beak™ ((item no. 11 in
Fig. 1, p. 4) contacts the side of the drum directly beneath the lip of the drum.
Step 5 Grasp the lip of the drum: Slowly raise the forks until the upper jaw engages the top of the drum lip. Continue to
raise the forks until the drum is elevated a few inches above the floor/ground. Attach one end of the ratchet strap to one
cast loop on the drum side wall casting (Fig. 1, item 26, p. 4). Attach the other end of the ratchet strap to the other cast
loop on the side wall casting; then work the ratchet mechanism until the strap is tight.
Step 6 Transport the drum: Straighten the mast and transport the drum to the desired unloading location. Raise the forks
when/as required by conditions along the travel path.
Step 7 Release the drum: Lower the forks until the drum is just a few inches above the floor, and then remove the ratchet
strap. Tilt the fork truck mast forward. Slowly lower the forks until the Eagle Beak™ disengages the lip of the drum and the
drum is fully supported by the floor/ground.
FPDL-11-H and DFDL-3 models:
Step 4 Position the fork lift and drum lifter: Raise the forks and adjust the location of the fork lift to position the drum
grippers above the top of the drum. Tilt the mast forward, i.e. point the forks toward the floor.
Step 5 Position drum grippers: Lower the forks; the drum grippers will slide over the lip of the drum. Position the grippers
below the lip or the middle rim as desired.
Step 6 Transport the drum: Straighten the mast and raise the forks until the gripper engages the lip or rim, and then slowly
raise the forks until the drum is elevated a few inches above the floor. Tilt the mast back; then transport the drum to the
desired location.
Step 7 Release the drum: First tilt the mast forward and then slowly lower the forks until the drum is fully supported by the
floor. To finish disengaging the drum, back the fork truck away from it.
FPDL-8-L and DFDL-3 models:
Step 4 Position fork lift and drum lifter: Adjust the mast position so that the drum grippers are parallel to the ground.
Slightly elevate the forks above the floor.
Step 5 Prepare the engage the drum: Adjust the position of the fork truck to center the drum lifter on the drum; then drive
forward until the side of the drum contacts the upper side wall support weldment (FIG. 4, item no. 4, on p. 7).
Step 6 Transport drum: Raise the forks until the lower drum gripper weldments (FIG. 4, item no’s 2 & 16, on p. 7) engage
the base of the drum. Raise the drum a few inches above the ground; secure it to the lifter by attaching the ratchet strap to
the cast loops of the side wall support (FIG. 4, item no. 12, p. 7); then transport it to the desired unloading point.
Step 7 Release the drum: First tilt the mast forward; then slowly lower the forks until the drum is fully supported by the
ground/floor. Slowly back the fork lift away from the drum until the drum and lifter disengage.
Maintenance Recommendations
Before each use, inspect the listed components:
1. Safety chain and snap hook (attached to the free end of the safety chain): confirm that the spring latch
automatically closes securely against the hook. DO NOT use the lifter if the hook, chain, cold shut (the loop
welded to the lifter frame, which connects to one end of the chain), or ratchet strap loop castings are damaged.