SOCMA builds steel handling solutions around the material you move and the space available at your site. We combine heavy duty forklifts with load-specific attachments for steel coils, pipes, bundled sections and supported plate loads in steel mills, service centers, fabrication plants and storage yards.

The starting point is the load's weight, shape and support arrangement. A narrow coil, a wide coil and a bundle of long pipes can place very different demands on the same truck. We review these differences before discussing the forklift model, attachment and working configuration.

Match the Handling Method to the Steel Load

Unloading a delivery truck, transferring material to production and placing it into storage each involve different approach distances and clearances. Tell us how the material arrives, how it is supported and where it must be placed.

For finished materials, identify the surfaces that may be contacted and any restrictions on pressure or marking. These details influence the attachment contact surfaces and support arrangement.

Choose the Attachment Before Finalizing the Truck

Coil handling through the bore

Our coil ram attachment is a starting point for assessing steel coil handling where the coil eye is accessible. Selection depends on bore diameter, coil width, load weight and the clearance needed to enter and withdraw the ram. The ram and truck must be assessed together at the intended working position.

A protected inner surface or unusual coil support can change the proposed arrangement. Include these requirements with your enquiry so they can be considered before the configuration is agreed.

Controlling round pipe loads

For large diameter pipes, our pipe stabiliser can be evaluated as part of the handling arrangement. Pipe diameter, length, bundle shape and pickup position determine whether its geometry suits the task. Hydraulic connections, clearances and the combined truck capacity also need confirmation.

Confirm Capacity at the Actual Load Center

A truck's nominal capacity applies to a specified load center and lifting configuration. Attachment weight and the distance it places the load in front of the truck affect the remaining lifting capacity. The required lift height must also be included in the assessment.

For a steel handling forklift, the selection therefore needs to account for the load's center of gravity, attachment dimensions, fork or ram length and working height. A capacity figure for a truck with standard forks does not establish the capacity of a different attachment combination. The final configuration must have the appropriate manufacturer-confirmed capacity information.

A coil handling selection example

Consider two coils of equal weight but different widths. With the same bore approach, the wider coil may place its center of gravity farther forward. It may also require a different ram length and more clearance during pickup. This is why the enquiry should include the coil dimensions and orientation as well as its tonnage.

Compare Diesel and Electric Equipment for the Workflow

As a heavy duty forklift manufacturer, SOCMA offers diesel and electric product lines. We compare the available configurations against the route, operating hours and site infrastructure for your project.

Explore our diesel heavy duty forklifts for yard transfer and truck unloading. Compare model dimensions and load ratings against your material and working conditions.

Our heavy duty electric forklifts provide an alternative where the operating cycle and charging infrastructure suit electric equipment. Battery size and charging arrangements should be assessed against the actual shift plan.

Check the Route and Storage Layout

Long pipes and wide bundles need clearance around the load as well as around the truck. Provide the narrowest aisle, door openings, turning areas and storage positions. A route drawing should show the loaded truck's approach to the pickup and placement points.

We also need information on the ground surface, gradients, ramps and floor bearing limits. Photos or a short video can help identify fixed obstacles and visibility restrictions. The proposed layout should then be checked against the selected machine and attachment dimensions.

Prepare a Steel Handling Equipment Enquiry

For custom steel handling equipment, begin with the following information. If your site handles several load sizes, provide the working range and the most demanding combinations of weight and dimensions.

Material description, maximum load weight and center of gravity where known.

Coil diameters and width, pipe diameter and length, or bundle dimensions.

Pickup orientation, storage supports and permitted contact surfaces.

Required lift height, transport distance and loading or unloading method.

Site layout, aisle widths, ground conditions and working shifts.

Preferred power source, available charging infrastructure and destination country.

A project quotation should identify the truck model, attachment, relevant capacity conditions, principal dimensions and the configuration included in the price. Confirm the required drawings, manuals, commissioning support and spare parts scope with the order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you assess an attachment for a forklift we already own

Send the truck model, serial number, capacity plate, carriage details and available hydraulic information. Compatibility and the resulting capacity need to be reviewed before an attachment is selected. An existing truck may require a different arrangement from a new integrated machine.

Can a configuration handle more than one size of steel load

It depends on the complete load range and the attachment design. Provide the smallest and largest dimensions, weights and pickup arrangements. The proposed configuration should state the range it covers and any limitations or changes needed between loads.

What if the final load drawings are not yet available

Send the dimensions and weights you have, together with photos and a description of the task. These can support an initial equipment discussion. Final selection requires confirmation of the load data, working position and site constraints.

Request a Steel Handling Proposal

Share your load details, site layout and working cycle with SOCMA. You can request a steel handling proposal for a new equipment purchase or an attachment compatibility review. Include photos or drawings so the discussion can start with the conditions at your site.