Is It Safe to Lift A HMMV with an Atlas 2 Forklift?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:35:30 -0500

My NCOs and I were tasked with Providing Valid Reasons for Why a mission Concerning the Lifting and Movement of HMMV with a Forklift shouldn't be done.

The Equipment concerning this type of Movement is the Atlas 2 Forklift and M1097 HMMV.

While , I understand their is a safety Concern. I'm hoping to be pointed in the right direction concerning this type of mission.

I have not received any other information regarding the Movement other than it needed to be moved.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2024 9:14 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 09:14:56 -0500

I would recommend you find all documentation stating WHAT the Atlas 2 Forklift is rated for...and if the M1097 is NOT listed, then you tell those folks telling you to move the 1097 with the Atlas 2 to pound sand.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Jan 23 at 2024 9:35 AM

CSM William Everroad — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 09:35:24 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member while an empty and stock M1097 (5,600 lbs) is within the weight capacity of event the smallest Atlas 2 (6,000 lbs), the issue is center of gravity (COG). An important note, some variants of the 1097 can reach upwards of 10K lbs.

Even the heavier Atlas 2 with the longer forks (rated @ 10,000 lbs) requires most of the weight to be within 2' of the carriage, at that point it is rated for only 6,000 lbs. Because the M1097's COG is further than 48" from the side (3.5'), even if you tie it to the carriage, you will exceed the operating limits of the forklift.

Lifting an M1097 with an ATLAS 2 equipped with the short fork carriage if definitely out of operating range.

Not that it can't be done with the longer fork carriage, but the risk of the HMMV falling off the fork or the forklift tipping increase. For that reason, I cannot see any rational officer signing off on that risk assessment unless you know the COG is within 48" and the load (including straps) is <6,000.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jan 23 at 2024 9:36 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 09:36:04 -0500

First thing I would recommend is pulling the TM's on both pieces of equipment. A quick look says that a base M1079 is within the capacity of the Atlas with the boom retracted, However, as a starting point, I would look at the center of gravity on the M1079. It's been a long time, but I believe that over 60% of the weight is over the front tires. I couldn't find anything on lift points in a quick search, but that would be the other factor. If I think of anything else, I'll post it later.