How to Use Slip Sheets with a Push-Pull Attachment

A slip sheet is a thin load board that replaces the pallet, but whether you can actually use one depends on having the right handling equipment: a push-pull attachment mounted on your forklift. Many businesses buy slip sheets and then get stuck because they have no push-pull, or they stack loads the wrong way and tear the sheet. This guide walks through the full process of using slip sheets, from preparing the equipment, positioning the tab, and pulling and pushing the load, to switching from pallets to slip sheets and the key tips for avoiding tears.

Equipment you need to use slip sheets

Unlike pallets, which are handled with standard forklift forks, slip sheets require a dedicated attachment to pull and push the sheet.

Push-pull attachment

The push-pull is a unit that mounts in place of the forklift forks, consisting of a flat platen and a gripper jaw. The gripper holds the tab (the protruding lip) of the slip sheet and pulls the entire load onto the platen; when setting the load down, it pushes the goods back off. Without a push-pull, you cannot handle slip sheets with a forklift.

Flat floor and platen surface

Because loads on a slip sheet are pulled by sliding, you need a flat, clean surface so the sheet does not snag or tear. A rough floor or one with obstructions can easily tear the slip sheet during the pull.

The 5-step slip sheet process

Step 1: lay the slip sheet down and stack the load

Spread the slip sheet flat, leaving the tab (a protruding lip of 50-100 mm) extending out from one edge. Stack the load onto the sheet just as you would on a pallet, keeping the center of gravity even and not letting the goods overhang the edge of the sheet.

Step 2: grip the tab with the push-pull

Bring the forklift with the push-pull into position and let the gripper jaw hold the tab firmly. The tab must be wide and strong enough for the jaw to grip, which is exactly why the tab must never be cut off.

Step 3: pull the load onto the platen

Pull slowly so the entire load slides onto the flat platen of the push-pull. Pull with a steady hand and avoid jerking to prevent tearing the tab or shifting the load out of place.

Step 4: move and place onto racking or into the container

Move the load to its position. Slip sheets allow tighter loading into a container than pallets because they do not waste the height of pallet feet, maximizing the use of space.

Step 5: push the load off the platen

At the destination, use the push mechanism of the push-pull to slide the load off the platen and down onto the floor or onto a new slip sheet. The old sheet is recovered if it is still usable.

What you need to switch from pallets to slip sheets

A common workaround: many warehouses use slip sheets inside the container to save space, then place the load onto a pallet at the destination warehouse if the receiver has no push-pull.

Tips to avoid tears and safety issues

Do not cut or damage the tab

The tab is the part the push-pull jaw grips. If the tab is cut off or torn, it cannot be pulled. Choose a slip sheet with a tab that is wide and strong enough for the load.

Pull steadily and within the rated load

Jerking or pulling loads that are too heavy tears the sheet and topples the cases. Stay within the recommended load rating of the slip sheet you are using; for heavy goods, switch to pallets.

Stack evenly and wrap the load to hold it together

Loads stacked off-center are prone to toppling when pulled. Wrapping the load with stretch film to stabilize it before pulling keeps the cases from shifting and improves safety.

Tab configuration by pulling direction

The number of tabs determines how many directions you can pull from. Choose based on the movement flow within your warehouse and container.

A standard tab for a secure push-pull grip is 75-100 mm (3-4 inches). New operators should choose a wider tab of 100-150 mm for easier alignment, and can reduce it after 1-2 months once they are comfortable.

Why a slip sheet does not slide in transit yet can still be pulled

A slip sheet is designed with two faces that have different friction coefficients: the top face has high friction to keep the load from shifting during transport, while the bottom face has low friction so the push-pull can slide it easily. This is why the load stays put in transit yet can be pulled onto the platen smoothly. Placing the correct face up when stacking is important so the load does not slide when tilted.

Load limits and when not to use slip sheets

Paper slip sheets typically handle up to roughly 2 tons per sheet. Beyond this, or for goods with sharp edges that could puncture the sheet, or loads that need to be stored on load-bearing racking, you should use pallets instead of slip sheets. For heavy goods with sharp edges that still need slip sheets, choose PP/HDPE plastic and consider added reinforcement.

Push-pull investment and productivity

The push-pull attachment mounts onto the forklift quickly via the hydraulic coupling. An important technical note: fitting the attachment reduces the forklift’s rated lifting capacity because it increases the load center and adds the weight of the equipment, so check the forklift’s load chart and allow for the reduction before buying. In return, slip sheets significantly cut loading and unloading time, fit more goods into a container by not wasting pallet-foot height, and are many times lighter than wooden pallets.

Related articles

Frequently asked questions about using slip sheets

1. Does using slip sheets require special equipment?

Yes. You need a push-pull attachment mounted on the forklift to pull and push the sheet. Without a push-pull, slip sheets cannot be handled by forklift.

2. What is a push-pull attachment?

It is a unit that replaces the forklift forks, consisting of a flat platen and a gripper jaw. The jaw holds the tab of the slip sheet and pulls the entire load onto the platen, then pushes it off when setting down.

3. What if the receiving party has no push-pull?

A common approach is to use slip sheets inside the container to save space, then place the load onto a pallet at the destination warehouse. That way the receiver can handle the goods without a push-pull.

4. How many times can a slip sheet be used?

Usually 1-3 times depending on the material and how it is pulled. PP/HDPE plastic slip sheets are more durable and can be reused more times than paper slip sheets.

5. Why do slip sheets often tear when pulled?

Usually because the tab is too small or has been cut, the pull is jerky, the floor is rough, or the load is too heavy. Choosing a wide enough tab, pulling steadily on a flat surface, and staying within the rated load will prevent tearing.

6. What is the maximum load a slip sheet can hold?

Up to roughly 2 tons per sheet as a reference, depending on the material and thickness. For heavier goods, items with sharp edges, or loads that need load-bearing racking, use pallets instead of slip sheets.

7. Does fitting a push-pull affect the forklift’s lifting capacity?

Yes. A push-pull attachment reduces the rated lifting capacity because it increases the load center and adds the weight of the equipment. Check the forklift’s load chart and allow for the reduction before deciding on a load.

Contact and slip sheet quotes from ICD