Man baskets are the perfect tool for performing elevated work, but should you be using a crane man basket or a forklift man basket? Typically, this will depend on how high up you plan on working or how much versatility you require.
With a crane man basket, the cage is being suspended by cables that should be resistant to rotation and tearing. The crane will allow workers to reach great heights while also being able to move quickly from side to side. However, when working at lower levels you may be better off opting for a forklift man basket as purchasing or renting a large crane is just not necessary when a forklift or telehandler will do the job at less cost.
The forklift man basket tends to be used more for general maintenance work and small building construction. Forklift man baskets are just what the name suggests, a cage made for lifting personnel with a forklift. These cages are required to be secured to the forklift to prevent them from sliding off the forks. At Lakeshore Industrial we use a heavy-duty hitch pin placed through the fork pockets located directly behind the heel of the forks.
One question we get asked is, Can I use a forklift for my crane man basket? No, a crane man basket is not made to lift workers with a forklift. You may use the forklift to move the basket around, but workers cannot be inside. The main reason behind this is crane man baskets are typically not built with a means to secure the basket to the forklift.
It is pivotal to follow all OSHA and manufacturer guidelines on the jobsite to ensure your workers are kept safe. For more information on the OSHA regulations visit our website. https://lakeshoreind.com/osha-regulations/