Rev. 5/8/2019
BBL-4 MANUAL
Copyright 2019 Vestil Manufacturing Co.
Page 4 of 6
RECORD OF SATISFATORY CONDITION
Before putting the lifter into service, record its appearance. Thoroughly photograph the unit so that all features are
clearly visible. Take close range photographs of each label and/or tag as well as the nylon carriage strap and snap
hook. Collate the photographs into a single file. The file is a record of the unit in satisfactory condition. Compare the
results of every inspection to this record to determine whether the unit is in satisfactory condition. Do not use it unless
it is in satisfactory condition. Purely cosmetic changes, like damaged surface coating (paint or powdercoat) are not
changes from satisfactory condition. However, touchup paint should be applied as soon as the damage occurs.
INSPECTIONS & MAINTENANCE
Regular inspections and maintenance are essential for keeping the unit is satisfactory condition. We strongly
recommend that you acquire a copy of the most recent revision of ASME B30.20 (the “Standard”) before putting
the lifter into service. Inspect the device as described below, and also apply the inspections and maintenance
recommendations from the Standard.
(A) Before each use, inspect the following:
1.) Frame: Inspect the bale, fork brackets, and main frame for deformations, cracks, etc.
2.) Carriage strap: Closely examine the strap, snap hook, and the hook at the free end of the strap. Look for
thinned, frayed, torn, or significantly worn areas.
3.) Labels & tags: Confirm that each label and/or tag is present and easily readable from a reasonable distance.
(B) Annual inspection:
At least once per year, load the lifter to full capacity. Lift the load for about 1 minute; then lower it and disconnect
the load from the lifting hook. Closely inspect the lifter for metal fatigue, cracks, warps, and other damage. If any
significant damage is observed, permanently remove the unit from service.
USING THE LIFTER
The bag lifter can either be carried on the forks of a forklift, or be suspended from a hook.
NOTE:
Capacity information appears in the
section on p. 2 as well as on label #287. See
on p. 5. The capacity of this lifter is 4000 lb. (1818.2kg). Do not attempt to lift loads that weigh more than the
capacity of your unit. The forklift or hoist used with this device must be able to support the combined weight of the
lifter, the bulk bug, and the material inside the bulk bag.
Mounting the lifter on forks:
a. Adjust the positions of the forks on their carriage
to match to location of the fork brackets on the
underside of the lifter.
b. Insert the forks through all 4 fork brackets;
c. Adjust to location of the lifter on the forks as
necessary to accommodate a bulk bag.
d. Attach the carriage strap to the fork carriage
without slack
.
e. Elevate the forks.
f. Attach the fabric hopper/bulk bag. Attach each of
the (4) straps of the bag to one of the arms of the
lifter. Slide the straps over the retainers and seat
them into strap slots.
Suspending the lifter from a load hook:
a. Attach the load hook to the bale.
b. If the hook is part of another fork/front end attachment (of a forklift), fasten the carriage strap to the fork
carriage without slack.
c. Attach the fabric hopper/bulk bag. Attach each of the 4 straps of the bag to one of the arms of the lifter. Slide
the straps over the retainers and seat them into the strap slots.
Because this product can be used as a fork attachment,
that you contact the manufacturer of your fork truck (or a professional engineer). The manufacturer must determine
how using the lift affects the capacity, operation, and maintenance of your fork truck. The analysis can also be
performed by a professional engineer. Afterwards, plates, tags, labels, etc. affixed to the truck must be updated. The
Fork bracket: insert
forks through all 4
brackets whenever
mounting lifter
directly to forklift.
Retainer
Strap slot
Bale: connects to
load hook
Carriage strap with
snap hook
Bag liner gatherer: press
the top of the plastic bag
liner into the gatherer.
