Avantco A21047 User manual

Pallet Forks 2012 1
Please read this manual carefully before using the equipment, and follow
all instructions.
Keep this manual for later reference.
Operator’s
Operator’sOperator’s
Operator’s
manual for Attachment
manual for Attachmentmanual for Attachment
manual for Attachment
P
Pa al ll le et t F Fo or rk ks s
Product number: 300-700-series loaders: A21047
A21039
200-series loaders: A33029
Foldable load backrest extension: A21512

Pallet Forks 2012 1
CONTENTS
1. Foreword..................................................................................................................................3
2. Designed purpose of use .........................................................................................................3
3. Safety instructions for the pallet forks.......................................................................................3
4. Pallet fork specifications...........................................................................................................5
5. Putting the pallet forks into use ................................................................................................6
5.1. Assembling the pallet forks ............................................................................................................. 6
5.2. Attaching the pallet forks to the loader............................................................................................. 7
6. Using the pallet forks................................................................................................................8
6.1. Safe working load ........................................................................................................................... 9
6.2. Slope operation and uneven terrains............................................................................................... 10
6.2.1. Operation with the tilt adapter................................................................................................ 10
7. Maintenance and service..........................................................................................................10
8. Warranty terms.........................................................................................................................11
This manual uses the following warning symbols to highlight factors that must be taken into account to
reduce the risk of personal injury or property damage:
DANGER:
This safety symbol refers to important safety information in this manual. It warns of
an immediate hazard that could cause serious personal injury or property damage.
Read the warning text accompanying the symbol carefully and ensure that other
operators are also familiar with the warnings, since personal safety is at stake.
Note:
This notice symbol indicates information about the correct operation and
maintenance of the equipment.
Failure to observe the instructions accompanying the symbol can lead to
equipment breakdown or other property damage.
In addition to the safety instructions included in this manual, you must observe all occupational safety
regulations, local laws and other regulations concerning the use of the equipment. In some areas the use of
the pallet forks, or any other kind of lifting equipment, may require personnel who have received special
training and who are specifically authorized to use the equipment. Find out the applicable regulations in your
area before putting the pallet forks into service. In some cases the laod backrest extension may be
mandatory equipment.
Due to continuous product development, some of the details in this manual may differ from your equipment.
We reserve the right to change the contents of the manual without notification. This operator’s manual is a
translation of the original Finnish version.

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1. Foreword
Avant Tecno Oy would like to thank you for your purchase of this AVANT attachment. It has been designed
and manufactured on the basis of years of product development and experience. By familiarising yourself
with this manual and following the instructions, you ascertain your safety and ensure the reliable operation
and long service life of the equipment. Read the instructions carefully before starting to use the equipment or
performing maintenance.
With these instructions, even an inexperienced user can use the pallet forks and loader safely. The manual
also includes important instructions for experienced AVANT operators. Ensure that all persons using the
equipment have received proper guidance and familiarised themselves with the manual and all safety
instructions before using the equipment. Keep this manual at hand throughout the service life of the
equipment. If the manual is lost, you can request a new one from the retailer or manufacturer. If you sell or
transfer the equipment, be sure to hand over this manual to the new owner.
2. Designed purpose of use
This AVANT pallet fork is an attachment designed and manufactured to be suitable for use with AVANT
multi purpose loaders. The pallet forks are mainly intended for handling standard sized pallets. With the fork
side shift mechanism, different pallet sixes can be transported easily. A load backrest extension is also
available, and it can be folded if extra overhead clearance is required. If lifting and load handling tasks are
frequent, equipping the loader with the boom self levelling and the electric joystick will make repeated lifting
tasks easier.
Pallet fork is an useful attachment all year round for example on construction sites, farms, and especially at
outdoor material handling jobs, where conventional fork-lift trucks are impracticable. When operating with
the pallet forks, the performance and stability limits of the loader must be observed, expecially when working
on inclined terrains. The pallet forks must not be used for lifting persons and it is prohibited to use the pallet
forks to lift any kind of access platform.
When lifting other material than pallets, the Log Grab attachment (A34822 or A33503), that can be fitted to
the pallet fork, is recommended. The log grab accessory makes it easy to handle single logs, smaller timber
bundles, fence poles, or similar material. The log grab is also suited for easy handling of tree branches and
bunches of twigs and also for moving large rocks. The handling of pallets is possible even if the log grab is
attached on the pallet forks, but the grapple limits the maximum height of the pallet.
The attachments have been designed to require as little maintenance as possible. Regular maintenance
tasks can be performed by the operator. Read the maintenance and servicing instructions in this manual.
Please contact your AVANT retailer if you have additional questions about the operation or maintenance of
the equipment or if you require spare parts or maintenance services.
3. Safety instructions for the pallet forks
Please bear in mind that safety is the result of several factors. The loader-attachment combination is highly
powerful, and improper or careless use may cause serious personal injury or property damage. Due to this,
you should carefully familiarise yourself with the manuals of both the loader and the attachment before
starting operation. Do not use the attachment if you have not familiarised yourself with its operation and the
related hazards.
The purpose of these instructions is to help you to:
•use the equipment in a safe and efficient manner
•monitor and prevent any hazardous situations
•keep the equipment intact and ensure a long service life

4(12)
•When attaching the pallet forks to the loader, ensure that the locking pins of the
loader's quick attach plate are in the lower position and that they have locked the
attachment to the loader.
•Always transport the load as low as possible to keep the centre of gravity low. Heaviest
end of the load should be closest to the machine. The load should be balanced evenly
also sideways.
•Keep the forks at as wide setting as possible.
•Be careful when lifting load to high level or lifting load from high. Operate the controls of
the loader calmly and deliberately. When handling heavy loads avoid sudden changes
in speed or direction to maintain balance of the loader.
•Keep the loader articulation in straight position when handling heavy loads. When
turning the articulation, the loader may tilt forward.
•Observe maximum load indicated in the operator’s manual of the loader. Be especially
careful when the load sensor indicator is activated.
•Make sure that the surface can bear the total load. Also follow the correct tyre pressure
settings.
•Lift loads slowly and monitor the position of the forks, so that the load will not fall off.
Make sure that overhead clearance is sufficient.
•Never leave the driver’s seat when the forks have been elevated. Lower the boom on
the ground.
•The pallet forks or the loader are not intended to be left to keep a load elevated for
longer periods. It must be observed that the loader boom will lower by itself. Never go
under the raised load or the loader boom.
•Pay attention to the contours of the terrain and other hazards, such as branches and
trees reaching the driver's area. Pay attention to the surroundings and any other
persons and machines moving in the vicinity.
•The use of the pallet forks for lifting persons or as an access platform is strictly
prohibited.
•Shut down the loader before any maintenance or adjustments.
•Do not modify the structure of the attachment in a manner that would affect its safety.
Welding, drilling or any other modification of the pallet fork is prohibited.
•Also read the safety instructions for the loader in the loader manual.
Familiarise yourself with the loader controls in a safe area. Pay particular attention to
safe stopping of the loader.
Note that the loader boom moves down and may be tilted even if the engine has been
stopped. Never go under a raised attachment or the loader boom. Do not leave the
boom elevated.
Remember to wear proper protective clothing:
•The noise level in the driver's seat exceeds 85 dB(A). Wear hearing protection while
working with the loader.
•It is recommended to wear safety boots working with the loader. Also wear protective
gloves.

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4. Pallet fork specifications
Table 1 – Pallet fork Specifications
Product number A33029 A21047 A21039
Fork length: 850 mm 850 mm 1 100 mm
Weigh of pallet forks
(assembly): 90 kg 90 kg 105 kg
Fork separation: 134 - 790 mm
Fork width: 80 mm 100 mm
Maximum working
load: see table 3 on page 9
Log grab accessory
(option): A34822 A33503
Load backrest
extension (option): A21512
Weight, backrest
extension: 21 kg
Suitable AVANT
loader: 216, 218, 220 300-700 300-700
Listed below are the markings and labels fastened to the pallet forks, which must be visible on the
equipment. Replace the warning labels, if they have become unclear or detached completely. New labels
are available via your retailer or contact information provided on the cover page.
The warning decals contain important safety information. Replace damaged or
missing decals with new ones.
A46771 A46772
Table 2 – Decal explanations
Decal Meaning
A46771 Read instructions before use.
A46772 Do not go under a raised attachment or the
loader boom, keep a safe distance to lifted
equipment.
Safe working load, A33029 (see page 9)
Safe working load, A21047 (see page 9)
A412616
A412617
A414211 Safe working load, A21039 (see page 9)
Identification plate of the attachment
Decal locations

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5. Putting the pallet forks into use
As the pallet forks are delivered, for easier transportation the frame and the forks may be separated. The
pallet forks can be easily assembled; tools are required only to tighten the bolts which lock the backrest
extension and theforks on the frame.
To install the log grab accessory, follow instructions given in its manual.
5.1. Assembling the pallet forks
To make the assembling of the forks easier, first attach and lock the
pallet fork frame on the loader quick attach plate. Attaching the frame
can be done manually or by placing the frame plate on suitable position,
so that it can be coupled with the loader, as described in the next
section. Note that the components are heavy, remember healthy
working habits.
After the frame plate is attached on the loader, you
can slide the forks to the frame. Drive the loader
next to the forks and tilt the loader front plate in
upright position, and set the boom height so that
the forks can be fitted. Note the locking mechanism
on top of the fork; it should be turned into its
upright position while mounting the forks. Make
sure that also the lower bracket is fixed onto the
frame.
Fitting the backrest extension:
The foldable backrest is fitted so that when
folded, the frame is towards the forks. Fit the
backrest extension with two screws from both
ends of the frame.
If the backrest extension will not be fitted:
The two screws delivered with the pallet forks
must be fastened to the holes at both ends of the
frame. The screws prevent the forks from
accidentally sliding off from the frame. Tighten
the bolts adequately.

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5.2. Attaching the pallet forks to the loader
Mounting the attachment to the loader is quick and easy, but it must be done carefully. An attachment that
has not been locked may come off the loader and cause hazardous situations. In the worst case, the
attachment may slide onto the driver along a raised boom. For this reason, the attachment must under no
circumstances be raised to a height of over one metre when it has not been locked. To prevent hazardous
situations, always follow the attachment mounting instructions provided in the following pages. Also
remember the safety instructions in Section 3 and the instructions provided in the loader manual.
The attachment is attached to the loader boom by using the quick attach plate and the counterpart on the
attachment as shown below. The locking on the loaders is semi-automatic, but it is recommended to lock the
locking pins manually.
Never move or raise an attachment that has not been locked.
Step 1:
•Lift the quick attach plate locking pin / locking
pins up and turn them backwards into the slot
so that they are locked in the upper position.
Step 2:
•Turn the quick attach plate hydraulically to an
obliquely forward position.
•Drive the loader onto the attachment. If your
loader is equipped with a telescopic boom, you
can utilise this.
Step 3:
•Lift the boom slightly – pull the boom control lever
backward to raise the attachment off the ground.
•Turn the boom control lever left to turn the bottom
section of the quick attach plate onto the
attachment.
•Turn the boom control lever further left so that the
automatic locking of the attachment triggers the
locking pins.
The automatic return of the locking pins is a useful feature, when mounting an empty attachment to the
loader. In other cases we recommend that you lock the pins manually.
Do not use the automatic locking of the locking pins at a height of over one metre.
If the locking pins do not return to the normal position when the front plate is tilted, do
not raise the attachment any more. Lower the attachment on the ground and secure
the locking manually.

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Before moving or raising the attachment,
ensure that the locking pins are in the
lower position and come through the
fasteners on both sides. Unlocked
attachment may fall on the boom or
operator and cause injuries.
6. sing the pallet forks
Check the attachment and the operating environment once more before starting to work. Quick inspection of
the equipment and the operating area before use are parts of ensuring safety and the best performance of
the equipment.
•Before use check that the pallet forks are intact and that all obstacles have been removed from the
working area. Remember correct working methods and avoid leaving the driver’s seat
unnecessarily.
•Check that the forks are fixed correctly on the frame and that the side shift of the forks has been
locked positively.
•Use the laod backrest extension whenever there is sufficient overhead clearance.
•Operate the attachment only from the driver’s seat.
•Ensure that the loader and the attachment are used in a safe manner and as intended.
•Do not use the pallet forks to lift persons or any kind of access platforms.
Ensure that bystanders are at a safe distance when operating the equipment. Do not
let anyone to enter danger area of the boom or to stay directly in front of the loader.
Also make sure that it is safe to reverse with the loader.
The handling charasteristics of an articulated loader differ considerably from a
standard fork-lift truck. Learn how to handle articulated loaders in tight spaces.
Separate practise and training may be required.
Check the condition of the pallet before lifting it. A pallet that is in poor condition or
broken may cause hazardous situations.
When lifting load from a high level, the loader could tip forward when reversing with the
loader. Do not reverse the loader while simultaneously dragging the load. Make sure
that the loader can handle the load being lifted.
Ensure that ventilation is sufficient when operating indoors. Do not operate the loader
in closed spaces regardless of the engine or fuel type. Exhaust gases may concentrate
to hazardous levels.

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Adjust the forks to as wide setting as possibleand avoid uneven horizontal load
distribution for the best horizontal stability. Adjust the forks so that the load is
distributed evenly.
The width between forks can be adjusted by turning the locking pins on top of the forks to the upright
position. Adjust the fork width in a way that the load is spread horizontally even to achieve the best possible
stability. Always lock the forks to the intended gaps on the pallet fork frame and ensure that the forks can not
move sideways.
If the loader is not equipped with the boom self levelling:
When lifting material to a high level, the front plate must be simultaneously tilted to
prevent the load from falling from on the loader or the operator. Fitting the loader with
the boom self levelling option makes the repeated lifting work easier.
6.1. Safe working load
A load diagram is presented in the instruction manual of the loader. With the diagram the load handling
capability of the loader can be evaluated. The indicated diagram applies when the centre of gravity of the
load is at 40 cm from the loader.
The lifting capacity and the stability of the loader are at the best, when
•the loader articulation is kept straight
•the centre of gravity of the load is as close to the loader as possible
•the telescopic boom is kept retracted during lifting
•lifting with the fork tips is avoided
In the table 3 shown below are listed the minimum safe working loads on hard, level surface, when the
telescopic boom is fully extended and the loader articulation is turned to its maximum. The values in the table
correspond with the Safe Working Load determined in standard ISO 14397-1. The indicated values are
applicable with standard counterweights.
Actual lifting capacity could be significantly higher, or it may be lower, depending on terrain conditions and
load distribution.
Table 3 – Safe Working loads as determined by ISO 14397-1
Pallet fork model:
Avant model: A33029 A21047 A21039
216/218/220 330 kg - -
320S/320S+ - 140 kg 125 kg
420 - 155 kg 140 kg
520 - 240 kg 220 kg
528 - 270 kg 245 kg
630 - 280 kg 255 kg
635 - 290 kg 270 kg
745 - 445 kg 415 kg
750 - 450 kg 420 kg

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Do not extend the telescopic boom, when the load approaches the lifting capacity of
the loader or when the load has been lifted high. When the load indicator of the loader
signals, lower the load calmly and retract the telescopic boom. Avoid sudden changes
in speed or direction.
If the maximum lifting height is required, extend the telescopic boom while the load is near the ground. This
way you can more easily monitor the limit of the loader lifting capacity.
6.2. Slope operation and uneven terrains
Extra caution is needed when using the equipment on inclined terrains and slopes. On sideways inclined
terrains the load should not be lifted high. Turning the articulation of the loader during lifting will affect the
stability of the loader and may lead to overturning of the machine. Use low speed and do not make sudden
changes in speed or direction. Operate the boom with careful and smooth movements. When transporting
goods in uneven terrains or slopes, ensure, that the load is secured on the pallet and the forks. Use load
securing straps when needed.
To prevent tipping the loader to forward, and to gain better weight distribution, drive with the loader so that
the heavier end of the loader is towards uphill. Keep the load as close to ground as possible and as close to
the loader as possible. Familiarize yourself with the handling of the loader in different operating conditions.
6.2.1. Operation with the tilt adapter
When stacking pallets on slighlty inclined terrains, the tilt adapter A34148 is an useful attachment (available
for loaders in 300-700 –series). The adapter is fitted in between the pallet forks and the loader coupling
plate. The adapter allows the load to be tilted ±12.5 degrees sideways. Read the instructions provided with
the tilt adapter. More information about the tilt adapter is available from your AVANT retailer or the AVANT
web pages at www.avanttecno.com.
7. Maintenance and service
Keep the pallet forks clean and store them in a way that they are not in contact with ground. Lower the pallet
forks on pieces of wood or a pallet. To clean the pallet forks a pressure washer and a mild detergent may be
used. Before long storage periods touch up the paint finish or oil the visible metal surfaces.
Use the fork side shift every now and then to prevent the jamming of the forks or the locking mechanisms.
Check that the side locking of the forks is intact and locks in the intended slots. To make the fork side shift
easier a suitable oil or grease may be used. Keep the frame securing bolts fastened. Contact AVANT
service for spare parts.
Repairing the pallet forks by welding is prohibited. Do not weld any hooks or similar to the forks or the frame.
The forks are forged, heat-treated steel, and welding will have an effect on their strength. If a fork gets bent,
the damage may be permanent and the fork may not be straightened without professional maintenance.
Replace any damaged fork with a new one.