With the right forklift attachments, you can turn your forklift into a multifunctional machine, increasing productivity while saving money. Using the proper forklift attachment can reduce handling time, manpower, fuel consumption, and product damage.
Consider these questions before purchasing your next forklift attachment to ensure you get the right accessory for your needs.
What is the weight of the load to be lifted?
Knowing the maximum load weight the forklift attachment must lift is critical for selecting an attachment with the appropriate safe lifting capability. Lifting weights greater than the forklift and forklift attachment are rated to lift can cause severe unit instability, increasing the risk of the forklift and load tipping and causing significant injury or damage to the product and nearby surroundings or equipment.
How high must the load be lifted?
Similarly, knowing how high the load must be raised is crucial when purchasing a forklift attachment that can elevate to the necessary height. Overloading a raised forklift attachment can also cause instability, increasing the risk that the unit will tip over, potentially resulting in disastrous consequences.
What hydraulic functions are needed?
Standard counterbalance forklifts frequently use two or three hydraulic actions to raise, lower, tilt and perform side-shift functions.
A fourth hydraulic function may be required to ensure proper operation of a forklift attachment like a bin rotator or tipper that uses hydraulics to rotate bins around or tip them forward. To operate the attachment, your forklift must have hydraulic capabilities.
Is a permanent or temporary attachment required?
Knowing whether the forklift attachment will be used permanently or temporarily can help you decide whether to purchase one if it will be used frequently or hire one if it will only be used occasionally.
Is it necessary to re-rate your forklift after installing an attachment?
All forklifts must be re-rated with updated data plates following the installation of any forklift attachment. A forklift’s safe rated capacity will decrease to accommodate the increased weight of the forklift attachment, lowering the unit’s safe lifting capability. Therefore, understanding the unit’s re-rated safe lifting capacity is vital to avoid overloading it.
Is it necessary to train operators to use the attachment?
Following the installation of specific forklift attachments, your operators may require additional training to ensure they can operate the forklift attachment safely.
Typical forklift attachments
Now that you have a better idea of the attachment you require for your application consider the following forklift attachments.
Fork positioners
These forklift attachments allow operators to precisely align loads by hydraulically moving the forklift carriage and tines from left to right.
Bale clamps
A hydraulically controlled clamp forklift attachment allows a forklift to safely and efficiently lift cylindrical bales of scrap metal, cotton, textiles, and wool.
Paper roll clamps
This forklift attachment is specifically designed for the paper industry. It’s a hydraulically controlled clamp for lifting and transporting paper bales with minimal damage.
Rotators
These forklift attachments can lift and rotate loads up to 360 degrees.
Forward bin inverter
With a hydraulically controlled forklift attachment, a forklift can lift and transport loads and safely empty bulk loads by tipping the bin forward.
Push/pull
This towbar attachment allows a forklift to transport trailers or related equipment safely.
Advantages of forklift attachments
Forklift attachments can help reduce operator stress and increase efficiency. If you understand the most popular forklift attachments, their benefits, and the industries that use them, you can easily make an informed selection and choose the correct forklift attachment for your individual needs.
Several of these forklift attachments are simple to attach and detach, often without the need to remove the forks. As a result, a single piece of equipment – your forklift – can perform multiple functions, which is an excellent way to reduce operational costs.
Contact Micron MHE for details
Contact Micron MHE today if you’re still unsure about the proper forklift attachment for your application. Our material handling specialists can help you choose the most suitable solution. Alternatively, please visit our website for more information about our offers.