Ever found yourself needing to buy new material handling equipment to cope with changing seasons, environmental conditions or to handle specific tasks? Well, did you know that most forklifts can be modified with interchangeable forklift attachments to complete those tasks? In our latest edition of the Back To Basics series, we’re providing you with an introduction to forklift attachments. What are they? What are the most common types? How can they help improve efficiency and safety in your operations? And why should you consider them for your business?
What are forklift attachments?
Forklift attachments allow a truck to work in a different way through enhanced functionality. A forklift attachment is a device or add-on fitted to the truck’s forks or cab. They are designed to modify or enhance the functionality of the truck, making it suitable for more than just moving pallets.
Are forklift attachments custom-made or standard designs?
Briggs Equipment can offer both custom-made forklift attachment designs and standard off-the-shelf models.
We have variety of off-the-shelf models available via Briggs Store which can be applied to your forklift to have you up and running with basic tasks quickly. However, some tasks and environments require bespoke, custom made models. We have a team of experts who will assess your business’ specific requirements and we’ll work with the manufacturers to create a bespoke forklift attachment for you. Just contact Briggs Equipment to learn more about our bespoke solutions.
What types of forklift attachment are there?
Forklift lifting attachments can come in the form of anything from a white goods clamp to fork extensions. Some of the most common types of forklift attachment include:
- Sideshifters
- Push Sweepers
- Forklift Booms
- Winter Attachments
- Fork Extensions
- Scoops, Buckets and Tippers
- Clamps
- Rotators
- Lighting
- Jibs and Hooks
Sideshifter Attachment
A sideshifter attachment allows an operator to move the forks side to side, without needing to reposition the entire truck. This attachment would be most beneficial in narrow aisle environments or tight spaces where space optimisation is key.
Push Sweeper
Transforming your forklift into a cleaning machine for simple cleaning tasks, a forklift sweeper attachment will give a forklift truck the capability to sweep up mess and debris around your warehouse. The attachments are mounted to the forks and use a brush system to collect the dirt. It is even possible to attach magnetic sweepers to a forklift to collect loose metal.
Forklift Boom
A forklift boom attachment extends your forklift’s reach. There are varying styles of boom extensions. Carpet poles or rug poles are a slim, forward-facing arm which attach to the forks and can fit through the centre of rolls and coiled goods such as carpets or floor coverings.
Winter Attachments
When colder weather hits, winter-specific attachments like snow ploughs and salt spreaders come into their own. These allow forklift operators to clear snow and ice from yard areas and walkways, reducing slip hazards and keeping your site safe and operational.
Fork Extensions
If the load is longer than the default forks on your lift truck, an easy solution is to apply forklift extensions. This prevents the need to unload the pallet’s contents to a smaller vessel, thus reducing the need for double handling, as well as saving you time and money.
Forklift Scoops, Buckets and, Tippers
There are many sizes and designs of scoops, buckets and tippers for forklifts, but all open the possibility of moving a broader range of materials with your lift truck. Enclosed and cage designs are suitable for keeping the load safely contained, whilst the tilting skips and bins allow you to move the materials and empty in the desired location with minimal effort.
Clamps
One of the most common lift truck attachments, rotators and clamps are used for gripping loads in a secure way.
Rotators
These allow you to move goods from one location and tip them out at their destination. With a rotator attachment the forks can rotate 360-degress.
Lighting
These can come in the form of beacons, reverse lights or general spotlight torches fitted to the cab. This not only increases visibility for the operator but also ensures that the active vehicle can be clearly seen in low light conditions.
Forklift Jibs and Hooks
This form of forklift attachment consists of a hook attached to the end of a jib, with a frame which slides on to the forks of your lift truck. It transforms the forklift to act in a similar way to a reach truck with the boom extending upwards and outwards to access high spaces.
What does a forklift cover do?
Also known as a fork guard, a fork cover is a protective sleeve that fits over the forks. It helps reduce wear and tear, prevents damage to sensitive loads, and prolongs the life of your forks, especially when handling delicate or high-value items.
What are the benefits of forklift attachments?
Forklift attachments can be hugely beneficial in terms of improving efficiency and keeping costs low. With such a vast range of forklift and MHE accessories available, your lift truck can be adapted to handle tasks that it ordinarily would not be possible to do without hiring another specialist machine to complete the task.
No matter the industry, forklift attachments are a smart way to enhance your truck’s productivity. They help adapt your equipment to your needs, reduce downtime, and improve overall site efficiency.
Can I Add A Forklift Attachment To My Used Forklift?
Yes, you can add a forklift attachment to a pre-owned forklift, but you need to ensure that the attachment meets the compatibility requirements of the machine and that it is fitted by a professional. Buying a used forklift and adding an attachment to adapt it for specific tasks can be a great combination to make your budget go further.
Learn more about purchasing a pre-owned forklift and attachments in our guide, Key Considerations For Buying A Used Forklift.
Where can I get forklift attachments?
We at Briggs Equipment have access to a diverse range of forklift attachments. We also have a diverse range available for purchase through our Briggs Store website.
Learn more from our experts about forklift hire and attachments in What You Need To Know Before You Hire A Forklift.
Take the next step and contact our team today.
As specialists in materials handling equipment we can assess your business’ needs and provide expert advice on how to get the most from your forklift and MHE.
Tel: 0330123 98 50
Email: info@briggsequipment.co.uk