Forklifts are essential in many settings, including warehouses, storage facilities and distribution centers. When a project requires moving or handling bulk materials and goods, project managers commonly choose a forklift. Common types of forklifts are internal combustion forklifts and electric forklifts. You can customize both types with a variety of attachments to help maneuver specific goods and materials. In this post, we discuss common forklift attachments and how they can increase productivity on your project site.
Benefits of Using Forklift Attachments
Forklift attachments are tools that allow you to expand the functionality of a forklift for various material handling tasks. These attachments connect to the forklift’s existing forks or mast and allow an operator to perform specialized functions such as lifting, rotating, clamping or tilting loads.
Forklift attachments also allow project teams to customize their forklifts, which can significantly improve productivity. By using different attachments, a forklift operator can handle multiple tasks with a single piece of machinery. Using forklift attachments may also eliminate the need for multiple lifts at your jobsite, streamlining and optimizing your rental equipment fleet.
In some cases, forklift attachments can also improve worker safety. For example, some forklift attachments used for moving heavy items can help reduce strain on workers. This can help prevent worksite accidents. By using the right forklift attachments, workers can avoid potential injury and stay productive. For information on safety regulations for forklifts, please visit OSHA’s website.
Below we discuss common forklift attachments and how you can use them to improve productivity on your project.
4 Forklift Attachments that Maximize Productivity
1. Truss Booms
Truss booms are strong, lightweight arms that attach to the forks on a lift. These attachments are typically used to lift and place roof trusses, frames and beams. Truss booms can be anywhere from 6 -15 feet long and come in both fixed-length and extendable options. Generally, truss booms have a weight capacity between 2,000 –10,000 pounds. This allows an operator to lift heavy items into place for workers to secure.
2. Carpet Poles
Carpet poles, or rug poles, are long, metal rods designed to move rolls of carpet or fabric. The pole is inserted into the hollow core of the carpet roll, making it easier to move and position heavy rolls of carpet in warehouses, retail stores or construction sites. The carpet pole forklift attachment can be mounted to the lift’s forks or carriage. Fork-mounted carpet poles are easily removed, offering a temporary solution. On the other hand, mounted poles attach directly to the forklift’s carriage and tend to be a more permanent option.
3. Bin Dumper
A bin dumper forklift attachment allows an operator to lift and tilt bins, crates or other large containers. These attachments help operators efficiently empty materials from a safe distance. With a bin dumper attachment, a forklift operator can easily dump trash, debris or bulk material on a project site. Bin dumpers can be manually operated or hydraulically powered.
4. Jibs
A jib forklift attachment is an extendable arm that secures to the forks on the lift. A jib extends the forklift’s reach, allowing it to raise loads that would otherwise be difficult to handle. Jib attachments usually have a hook at the end for securing items and are commonly used to transport materials that are difficult or awkward to position. Jibs have a working load limit, which is the maximum weight the jib can safely move. The working load limit will be displayed on the jib to ensure operator safety.
Rent High-Quality Forklift Attachments from Herc Rentals
Improve productivity on your project site with Herc Rentals. Our dedicated team of experts will help you find the right forklift and forklift attachments to efficiently tackle your material handling needs.
Explore all our material handling solutions, including high-quality forklift attachments, on our website. Or, give us a call at 888-777-2700 to discuss solutions with one of our equipment experts.
