Reel handling device and method

A method for handling reels having an arbor hole using a forklift having forks comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a device for handling reels that includes a telescoping assembly, a first fork sleeve and a second fork sleeve attached to the telescoping assembly, a first reel lifter fitting and a second reel lifter fitting attached to the telescoping assembly and a first reel lifter arm having a first hook portion and a second reel lifter arm having a second hook portion, said first reel lifter arm slidingly received within the first reel lifter fitting and said second reel lifter arm slidingly received within the second reel lifter fitting;
• b. providing a special shaft;
• c. positioning the special shaft within the arbor hole of the reel so that shaft end portions are exposed on opposite sides of the reel;
• d. attaching the fork sleeves to the forks of the forklift;
• e. adjusting a horizontal spacing between the fork sleeves so that the first and second hook portions of the first and second reel lifter arms may engage the exposed end portions of the special shaft;
• f. adjusting positions of the first and second hook portions with respect to the first and second reel lifter fittings to accommodate a diameter of the reel;
• and
• g. lifting the reel by raising the forks of the forklift

A system for handling a reel having an arbor hole comprising:

• a. a reel handing device including:
• A device for handling reels comprising:
• i) a telescoping assembly;
• ii) a first fork sleeve and a second fork sleeve attached to the telescoping assembly so that a position of the first fork sleeve may be adjusted with respect to a position of the second fork sleeve;
• iii) a first reel lifter fitting and a second reel lifter fitting attached to the telescoping assembly so that a position of the first reel lifter fitting may be adjusted with respect to a position of the second reel lifter fitting;
• iv) a first reel lifter arm having a first hook portion and a second reel lifter arm having a second hook portion, said first reel lifter arm slidingly received within the first reel lifter fitting and said second reel lifter arm slidingly received within the second reel lifter fitting;
• b. a stand including a base, a main vertical support having a first and second end and a cradle, where the first end of the main vertical support is attached to said base and said cradle is attached to the second end of the main vertical support;
• c. a special shaft adapted to be positioned through the arbor hole of the reel and having a first end and a second end;
• and
• d. a rack including a pair of generally parallel reel supports adapted to support the first and second ends of the special shaft.