Forklifts are some of the most used and best-known pieces of heavy machinery. Whether you’re working in the lumber or construction industry, forklifts are an essential piece of machinery. That being said, it can be difficult to know exactly how you should be using your forklift attachments. That’s where we come in. Below, we’re going to describe the various kinds of forklift attachments and how you can use them. For more information, keep reading!
Types of Forklift Attachments
To begin our forklift attachments guide, we’re first going to describe the various forklift attachments that you can buy. We’re also going to go over some of the benefits of using forklift attachments.
1. Side Shifters
Side shifters are best for situations that require you to balance the tines of your forklift. You can adjust your side shifters to accommodate for the weight being placed on your forklift. This will allow your forklift operator to line the forklift with any palettes you’re moving. Subsequently, you’ll get work done more quickly and will experience an increase in overall efficiency.
2. Extended Forks
Extended forks are generally used when you have a load that’s especially heavy or large. These forklift attachments allow you to support more weight, as well as longer objects and palettes. This is also true for those who are looking to transport large loads because you can attach them to match the size of the objects you’re lifting.
3. Man Baskets
These forklift attachments are primarily used for those who need to work at greater heights. There are many benefits for those who choose to use man baskets. They can hold additional weight, with their maximum weight capacity generally being around 450kgs. You can also detach and reattach these baskets fairly easily, making them especially versatile and easy to use. Man baskets also have handrails that make it easier for workers to balance themselves at a height.
4. Telescope Forks
Telescopes are used when you need to increase the versatility of your forklift. If you need an increased reach to lift heavy or large loads, a telescope fork will provide you with that reach. Using a telescope fork, then, will provide you with more time to focus on other components of your project because you won’t have to struggle too much when you’re moving your loads. These attachments are also incredibly versatile because you can buy hydraulic forks, manually extendable attachments, and mast height attachments.
5. Paper Roll Forks
These forklift attachments are mostly used in industries that handle paper and printing. That’s because paper roll forks have clamps that can transfer paper safely. These attachments also have sensors that tell you whether the paper roll clamps are securely attached to the paper. Likewise, the sensors will let you know if the clamps are too tight. The attachment also rotates a full 360 degrees, which makes it easier to navigate the paper and machinery.
How to use forklift attachments safely
The most important part of operating any heavy machinery is doing so safely. When you use the aforementioned attachments, you can expect the overall load capacity to be reduced. While some attachments can help to balance out this change, your forklift’s center of gravity will also be impacted.
When you move your palettes, more weight is being used on the fulcrum point of the lift. The fulcrum point is the part of the forklift that pivots when you pick up heavy objects. As such, you should always consider the forklift to be full, regardless of whether it’s empty or not.
Because more weight is being placed on the fulcrum point, you should move slowly when you’re working. You should also have a clear idea of what the various carrying capacities of your attachments are. By doing so, you can avoid overloading your forklift. Keep in mind that anyone who operates the forklift should also have appropriate training and should have completed any certifications necessary to operate the fork attachments.
Before you use the machinery, you should make sure the attachment fits the forklift. It should also be placed with a locking device that prevents it from moving. Your truck’s data plate should support the attachment you’re using.
Final Thoughts
It’s no secret that operating forklifts is complex and the industries that require this machinery are even more so. One of the most convenient components of using forklifts involves the attachments you can use. Depending on your individual needs, different forklifts will make your job significantly easier.
The good news is that we have a variety of forklift attachments. Whether you’re looking for drum grabs, hooks, or bag lifters, we have the forklift attachment for you. If you have any questions that we haven’t answered thus far, feel free to contact us today! We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.