Top 5 Forklift Accessories & Attachments
There’s no denying the impact standard pallet forklifts can have in your average supply chain or warehouse. The functionality of such lifts are fairly limited, though – to really satisfy customer needs and diversify your offerings, it helps to be able to move and stock a wide variety of orders. That means requiring a variety of forklifts or forklift attachments.
With the right forklift accessories and attachments, you can increase the functionality of your forklift. At the same time, you can help your forklift operators become more productive, leading to improved results at your worksites.
There is no shortage of forklift accessories at your disposal. Now, let’s look at five forklift attachments that can help your forklift reach new heights – both literally and figuratively.
1. SAFETY WORK PLATFORM
A safety work platform (SWP) fork attachment is designed to provide forklift operators with extra stability and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Ensure your SWP includes safety features and adhere to the forklift manufacturer’s safety guidelines.
2. SIDE SHIFTER
When you require added flexibility with right-to-left or left-to-right positioning, a side shifter is a terrific option. A side shifter works great in tight spaces, and it can move side to side without requiring workers to move a lift truck. Also, a side shifter can help workers accurately position a fork and lower fuel consumption costs.
3. FORKLIFT SPREADER BAR
If your forklift has limited horizontal carrying capability, a spreader bar can help you move it and stabilize larger-than-average loads. A forklift spreader bar is a popular attachment for businesses in a variety of industries, including shipping, transportation, and storage. The accessory attaches to the front of a lift and can stabilize a load that otherwise can bend when it is lifted and become unstable. It can simultaneously make handling large materials easy and safe and reduce the risk of damage to nearby structures.
4. FORK EXTENSIONS
For large pallets, shipping containers, and other cargo that may be difficult to handle, fork extensions provide extra stability and additional leverage. Fork extensions are simple to use, and they feature steel straps that prevent loads from slipping and causing serious forklift accidents. The bottom line: fork extensions are your go-to tool when you need to handle large loads.
5. HOISTING HOOKS
Hoisting hooks allow workers to position loads that may be inaccessible with traditional forks. They are perfect for lifting and lowering hook-mounted loads and won’t break your budget. Ensure proper attachment when using hoisting hooks, and you’re good to start using them right away. Forklift lifting attachments like hoisting hooks are among the most important – and valuable – accessories available.
6. BIN DUMPER
This forklift attachment converts existing lifts into a portable bin dumper, quickly and easily allowing operators to efficiently dump bins. Ideal for moving non-palletized items, bin dumpers are especially useful for those working in the agricultural, manufacturing, or food processing markets. By emptying bins completely on the very first attempt, operators relying upon bin dumpers save valuable time and energy.
HOW DO ATTACHMENTS AFFECT FORKLIFTS?
There’s no denying that forklift attachments can make existing equipment more versatile and efficient. As you’re shopping around for accessories, though, it’s important to consider the impact they might have on your lifts. Attachments alter the maximum load capacity of your lift. Lifting a load without an attachment is what the vehicle was designed for; adding attachments increases the overall weight of the lift while simultaneously changing the way the payload is lifted.
Before using a forklift accessory, always make sure operators understand how it will impact it will have on the lift’s maximum load capacity. Trying to lift too much weight can damage the attachment, the lift, and even put the operator in danger. Avoid forklift tip overs and other accidents by thoroughly understanding the impact an attachment will have on the vehicle.
OSHA REQUIREMENTS FOR FORKLIFT ACCESSORIES
Forklift attachments and accessories fundamentally change the performance of the lift. Because of these changes, operators must be fully trained in the proper use of accessories before they attempt to use them. Attachments can alter the lift’s center of gravity, capacity, and visibility. Any time new forklift accessories are added, operators must be retrained. OSHA also requires serious consideration of the mechanical limitations of the forklift and attachment added. This consideration should focus on both loaded and unloaded lifts.
Additionally, OSHA requires name plates, tags, and decals to be updated any time forklift attachments are introduced. Accessories must also be factored into existing inspection and maintenance programs. Modifications to the attachment may impact safe operation or capacity and should not be implemented without proper approval.
FIND THE RIGHT OSHA FORKLIFT ATTACHMENTS
Devote time and resources to learn about OSHA requirements. This ensures that your business can avoid safety violations, as well as reduce the risk of forklift accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Meanwhile, your business can provide its forklift operators with the accessories they need to thrive.
As you evaluate OSHA forklift attachments, you may want to pursue forklift safety training as well. If you can teach your workers about forklift safety, you can help them get the most value out of any forklift accessory investments. Best of all, you can put your forklift operators in the best position to succeed today, tomorrow, and long into the future. FLC’s online training takes about one hour to complete. It’s never been more convenient – or more affordable – to get your employees certified.
FAQs
1. ARE FORKLIFT ACCESSORIES NECESSARY?
Forklift accessories can help workers maximize their productivity and efficiency. In some instances, accessories may help workers safely operate forklifts and lower their risk of accidents and injuries. While standard forklifts are incredibly useful on their own, attachments help warehouses level up on productivity. By enhancing the versatility of your lift, you improve functionality and efficiency. Of course, it’s always important to consider additional safety measures when determining which forklift attachment to add to your toolbox. The most effective accessories are the ones that help keep employees safe.
2. WHICH FORKLIFT ATTACHMENTS DO YOU NEED?
It often helps to consult with workers to determine which forklift attachments are the best options for your business. Forklift operators can provide insights into the challenges they face every day, along with recommendations about any attachments that may be used to alleviate these issues.
In terms of safety, it is beneficial to select forklift attachments that help workers comply with OSHA requirements. Forklift accessories should help workers do their jobs safely. With accessories that fall in line with OSHA mandates, your business can support its forklift operators, enhance on-the-job safety, and drive unprecedented productivity and efficiency.
OFFER FORKLIFT CERTIFICATION TRAINING TO YOUR WORKERS
There’s no denying the value forklift accessories can add to your warehouse or supply chain, but the use of forklift attachments warrants additional training for your employees. Don’t let certification stop you from implementing these valuable tools in your organization. If your business is ready to provide forklift certification training, FLC is happy to help in any way we can.
At FLC, we ensure that you can partner with a trusted provider of forklift certification training. We offer in-depth forklift certification training courses, all of which teach workers how to correctly use forklifts and forklift accessories and attachments. To learn more about our forklift certification offerings, please contact us online or call us today at (888) 278-8896.