User guide | Telescopic applicator for stretch film or netting
This guide covers the operation of the telescopic dispenser for stretch film or netting: loading the roll according to the core, anchoring the film at the base of the pallet, ascending spiral with tension regulated from the handle, finishing the top part with the arm extended, and closing. Follow these steps to wrap tall, complete pallets while standing, without a ladder, and with uniform tension from base to top.
Product Specifications
The telescopic dispenser is manufactured by Fortemo with a reinforced extendable arm and supports standard manual stretch film or netting formats. The product has only one variant, so the instructions in this guide apply entirely to your unit. Here are the technical details:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 258176 |
| Compatible roll width | 300 - 500 mm (30 - 50 cm), film or mesh |
| Compatible core | 38 mm / 50 mm / 76 mm |
| Arm | Long-reach telescopic, reinforced shaft |
| Tension control | Adjustable from the handle |
| Roll change | Quick-load system, in seconds |
| Net weight | 1.2 kg (gross 1.5 kg) |
| Dimensions | 91 × 19.5 × 5.7 cm |
| Brand | Fortemo |
Step-by-step instructions for use
The technique is that of classic manual palletizing (anchor at the bottom, spiral with overlap, finish at the top, lower and close), with the difference that the telescopic arm brings the top part of the pallet within reach without a ladder. The complete cycle:
Load the roll onto the shaft according to its core
Mount the film or mesh roll (300-500 mm wide, 38, 50, or 76 mm core) onto the quick-load system, with the cling face towards the pallet when unrolling. Verify that the roll is firmly seated on the shaft and rotates evenly before approaching the load: a poorly seated roll wobbles and the film comes out at an angle.
Anchor the film to a lower corner of the pallet
With the arm retracted, take the first 30-40 cm of film and tie it around a lower corner of the pallet, or pass it under one side and back over itself so that the cling secures it. This anchor prevents the spiral from coming loose when you start rotating; without it, the first turns will detach with movement.
Ascend in a spiral, adjusting pressure from the handle
Walk around the pallet with a 50% overlap between turns, adjusting tension with pressure from the handle: the film should stretch without breaking and leave faint marks on the boxes. Adjusting from the handle results in firm palletizing with fewer turns and less roll consumption than pulling by hand.
Adjust the tension keeping the top in mind: the top of the pallet is the area that moves most in the truck and is the worst-wrapped with short tools. With the arm extended, maintain the same rotation speed as at the bottom; if the film whitens in streaks or sounds like it's tearing, you are over-tensioning at full extension and should loosen the handle slightly.
Extend the arm and finish the top part while standing
As you approach the top edge, extend the telescopic arm to the height of the load and make two full turns at maximum level without advancing, maintaining an upright posture. This is when the tool proves its worth: the top becomes as taut as the base, without a ladder or straining over your shoulder.
Descend, close at the base, and cut
Descend in a spiral with the same overlap, progressively retracting the arm, make two final turns at the base level, press the film against a previous layer to activate the cling, and cut transversally. Check by hand: if the end hangs loose, repeat the closure with more pressure.
Complementary products
The telescopic dispenser works with the same rolls as the manual system; these are its consumables and the fixed station tool that complements it:
The Transparent manual stretch film is the standard roll for palletizing with visual content identification; the Black manual stretch film is the alternative when the load requires visual deterrence or light protection. The Manual stretch mesh wraps agricultural and food loads that need ventilation. The Standard two-handle dispenser remains the most agile for low pallets and loose loads.
Maintenance and care
Weighing 1.2 kg and featuring a non-motorized mechanism, the telescopic arm requires simple care to preserve the rigidity of its arm, which is its critical component:
- Cleaning the shaft and loading points: Remove dust and film residues from the loading system after each workday; accumulated debris hardens the roll's rotation and wears down the supports.
- Telescopic arm inspection: Periodically extend and retract the arm empty, checking that the sections slide smoothly and lock firmly; if a section is loose at its stop, avoid extending it to full load and check the mechanism.
- Storage without falls: Store the tool hung or lying flat, never leaning where it might fall; impact against the floor is the main cause of misaligned sections that no longer maintain tension.
Do not use the extended arm as a lever to arrange boxes or mount rolls outside the 300-500 mm range: the shaft is reinforced for dispensing film and mesh, not for applying lateral force to the load. Impacts and leverage misalign the telescopic sections, and a misaligned tool loses exactly what defines it: constant tension at full extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high can it reach on a pallet?
The telescopic arm is designed to cover the full height of typical tall warehouse pallets while standing, finishing above the operator's head without a ladder or platform. The exact height reached depends on the arm's extension plus the operator's height and working angle; the practical reference is that the top part is wrapped with the arms at chest height, not fully stretched.
How much film does it consume per pallet compared to manual application?
The technique and overlap are the same, so the baseline doesn't change: a standard 305 m roll yields 25-35 typical pallets. The difference lies in consistency: the tension regulated from the handle better utilizes the film's elongation and avoids the extra turns made by hand "just in case," which is where consumption increases for tall loads.
Does it also work for low pallets and loose boxes?
Yes, with the arm retracted, it functions like a conventional 1.2 kg manual dispenser. However, if your operation mostly involves boxes and parcels on a table, a table dispenser is more agile for that station; the telescopic dispenser justifies its choice where there are voluminous or tall pallets daily.