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Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 24/2026
A push-pull attachment is a forklift device that pulls a load resting on a slip sheet onto a flat platen and pushes it off again when depositing, instead of forking into a pallet. It is the essential link for running slip sheets: without a push-pull, a standard forklift cannot lift a load sitting on a thin sheet.
Push-pull attachment components
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Gripper bar | Clamps onto the slip sheet lip (tab) to pull the load |
| Platens | Flat steel blades that support the load as it is pulled on and slid off |
| Faceplate | Mounts to the forklift’s class III or class IV carriage |
| Hydraulic cylinders | Generate the pull-push force, fed by the forklift’s auxiliary valve |
How the pull-push works
Picking up: the gripper jaws clamp the slip sheet lip and the cylinder pulls the whole load up onto the platen, like dragging it onto a flat shovel. Setting down: the platen slides into position and a push frame pushes the load off the platen onto the floor or onto a load below. The motion mimics a mechanised “shovel and squeegee”, needing no fork clearance like a pallet does.
Selecting a push-pull
| Metric | Typical range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rated capacity | 1,000 - 2,000 kg | Net capacity drops because of the attachment weight and shifted load center |
| Attachment weight | 400 - 700 kg | Subtracts directly from the truck’s residual capacity |
| Valve function | Class III (clamp) or IV (with side-shift) | The forklift needs the matching auxiliary valve |
| Platen width | Matches the slip sheet size (1,000 - 1,200 mm) | Must cover most of the load base to avoid tearing |
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Eliminates pallet cost, more units per container | High attachment cost, needs a forklift with an auxiliary valve |
| Maximises cube, lighter than pallets | Reduces the forklift’s net lifting capacity |
| Clean, no wood splinters, no fumigation | Requires operator training, slower than forking a pallet |
When to use a push-pull
A push-pull pays off when slip sheet volume is high enough that the pallet savings cover the equipment cost: high-volume export, uniform goods (bags, cartons, beverages), fixed lanes where both ends are equipped. For small or occasional batches, renting a push-pull-equipped forklift or sticking with pallets is still more sensible.
What ICD offers
ICD supplies slip sheets in paper and plastic to custom sizes, advises on the right lip type for your push-pull gripper, and offers Xilin forklifts and matching packaging solutions for a smooth switch from pallets to slip sheets.
More on slip sheets
Topic pillar
In-depth analysis articles
| › Slip sheet vs pallet | › Paper vs plastic slip sheet |
| › Slip sheet dimensions | › How to use slip sheets |
| › What is floor loading? |
Frequently asked questions
What is a push-pull attachment?
A forklift attachment that clamps the slip sheet lip, pulls the load onto a flat platen and pushes it off when depositing, allowing handling without pallets.
Why do slip sheets require a push-pull?
Because a slip sheet is just a thin liner with no fork clearance like a pallet; the push-pull is the only way a forklift can pull and lift a load on a slip sheet.
How much does a push-pull reduce forklift capacity?
The attachment weighs 400 - 700 kg and shifts the load center outward, so net lifting capacity drops markedly; always check the de-rated capacity chart before operating.
Which forklifts can take a push-pull?
Forklifts with an auxiliary hydraulic valve (class III or IV) and a standard carriage; if no auxiliary valve exists, one must be fitted before mounting the attachment.
Is a push-pull expensive, and when should I buy one?
The investment is high and only pays off with high slip sheet volume and fixed lanes; for small batches, rent a push-pull-equipped truck or use pallets.
Does ICD supply slip sheets and forklifts?
Yes. ICD provides custom paper/plastic slip sheets and Xilin forklifts, with end-to-end advice on switching from pallets to slip sheets.
Contact ICD Vietnam
ICD Vietnam Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd - pallets, plastic crates, stretch film, forklifts and packaging solutions.
Hotline: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn | Zalo: Chat on Zalo
