It’s crucial to use the correct equipment for a given application to maximize efficiency, extend equipment life and streamline mission-critical processes. Purchasing the right forklift accessories for your operations can be complicated, but working with a reliable business partner helps ensure you find the equipment that meets your requirements.

The Most Common Types of Forklift Attachments

Many forklift accessories are available for various use cases. The most common types of forklift attachments are: 

1. Sideshifters: These attachments enable lateral fork movement for faster loading and unloading, which can also reduce wear and minimize the risk of product or pallet damage.
2. Integral carriages: Integral carriages are mounting mechanisms that connect various attachments like sideshifters, fork positioners, clamps, and rotators to a forklift. They enhance stability, capacity, and safety by positioning the load closer to the forklift’s center of gravity.
3. Push-pull attachments: These attachments use grippers and platens to slide under and grip a loaded slip sheet, then push the load onto a rack or pallet. Push-pull attachments require skilled operators who’re familiar with the specific loading and unloading process.
4. Clamps: Forklift clamps enable operators to handle palletless or awkwardly shaped loads. Specific examples include bale clamps and concrete block clamps. 
5. Paper roll clamps: Developed specifically for the paper and printing industries, paper roll clamps enable operators to lift and carry large rolls of paper without applying too much force. These attachments can simultaneously handle anywhere from one to eight rolls, depending on their size and weight.
6. Carton clamps: These specialized clamps grip and transfer delicate retail cartons with the minimally required force, protecting the load from damage during transport. 
7. Fork positioners: These hydraulic attachments enable the operator to adjust the fork width without leaving their seat.
8. Rotators: A rotator enables operators to turn the lift’s load.
9. Multiple load handlers: Also known as single-double forks, multiple load handlers extend laterally to handle multiple loads simultaneously. Their simple configuration also makes them suitable forklift attachments for unloading heavy loads faster than is possible with standard forks.
10. Layer pickers: This attachment type can lift and transport multiple product layers at a time, which is especially advantageous for the beverage industry, where operators handle layers of stacked beverage cartons to enhance efficiency.
11. Coil rams: Coil rams are cylindrical poles that enable forklifts to lift and transport heavy coiled materials such as steel and aluminum. The specific model you’ll need depends on the size and load of the coils your operators handle.
12. Automotive frame handlers: This attachment resembles a tall claw, which allows the machine to grip and support multiple automotive frames for vehicle assembly and frame stamping.
13. Carpet poles: Similar to coil rams, carpet poles are long attachments that extend in front of the forklift to lift and carry rolled carpets of various weights and sizes.
14. Fork extensions: These attachments fit securely on top of the machine’s existing forks to provide greater surface area for lighter loads. Fork extensions are thinner and less rigid than standard forks, so operators must ensure they are working within the attachment’s maximum load rating to prevent breakage.

7 Key Considerations for Choosing a Forklift Attachment

Purchasing the right forklift equipment requires careful thought and evaluation. These key considerations are vital for finding the most suitable tools.

1. Equipment Goals and Application

Understanding the crew’s needs is critical for deciding which attachment to purchase. Fleet managers should consider their highest-priority goals for each project while searching for the right fit.

Common forklift applications include:

• Metal fabrication: Forklifts are useful for transporting metals between steps in the fabrication process, saving valuable time and keeping employees safer compared to manual labor.
• Automotive manufacturing: Forklifts are essential in the automotive industry for assembly, material handling and warehouse management processes.
• Warehousing and distribution: Transporting heavy pallets full of product throughout a warehouse or distribution center requires an ergonomic solution that enhances operator safety and charges fast for ongoing use. 
• Recycling: Attachments like bale clamps are ideal for efficiently moving compounded recyclable material between areas in a recycling facility.
• Construction: Forklifts can move construction supplies efficiently across job sites, keeping projects on schedule and minimizing the need for manual labor.
• Retail: Brick-and-mortar retailers require product to move quickly throughout the store. Smaller material handling lifts streamline tasks like stocking shelves, taking inventory and unloading deliveries.
• Agriculture: Forklifts simplify the process of conveying crops, seed and fertilizer across large distances, which improves efficiency in farming operations.

2. Attachment Compatibility

If your attachment is incompatible with your application, you could experience issues such as:

• Loosened equipment connections
• Loss of maneuverability
• Uneven load distribution
• Operator safety risks
• Equipment damage
• Accidental load drops
• Product damage

Compatibility considerations to make before selecting an attachment include:

• Load size: How heavy is the intended load? What are its dimensions?
• Load lift height: How high must the forklift raise the load? 
• Mast height restrictions: How tall is the forklift mast, and will it fit into your space? 
• Job site conditions: How much space is available on the job site to maneuver the equipment? The attachment should have sufficient space for safe movement.
• Required functions: You should consider what tasks the forklift will handle during normal operations to ensure your attachment is compatible with its intended application. For example, will it move specific materials or travel a set distance? 
• Duration of installation: How long will the attachment be in use before it must be changed? Will it be temporary or permanent? 
• Usage frequency: How often will this attachment be necessary? Is the attachment stable enough to withstand the intended usage frequency?

Managers who need assistance should consult with experienced equipment sales representatives — like the team at Black Equipment — to confirm whether the attachment in question is suitable for their application.

3. Equipment Budget

Your budget is a significant factor when buying a forklift attachment. Here are some important steps to consider when creating your budget:

1. Evaluation of company requirements: It’s important for fleet managers to determine their needs beyond the operation at hand. Can the attachment offer other uses and applications in addition to the most immediately pressing requirements?
2. Inventory of equipment: A fleet inventory check can reveal if you even need new equipment. It’s possible you already own another attachment that can serve your needs.  
3. Calculation of operating costs: Ongoing operating and maintenance costs significantly impact ROI. Managers must evaluate these costs for a given period to determine the long-term financial impact.
4. Supplier consultation: After identifying budget limits and ongoing costs, managers can consult with their equipment supplier to discuss specific requirements and preferences.

It’s equally important to find opportunities to save. For example, a company might consider these alternatives to avoid paying full price:

• Equipment financing plans: Most dealers offer financing plans that enable businesses to pay off their purchase over time through a loan or lease, rather than committing to a large upfront investment.
• Purchasing used equipment: A used attachment can help cut equipment costs without sacrificing quality. At the same time, employees may need to perform more frequent maintenance checks.
• Renting attachments: Industries with various applications often require attachments for short-term purposes. Renting an attachment saves money by lowering the initial investment required and eliminating long-term storage costs. Many rental agreements also include regular preventive maintenance and repairs, which further reduces your operating expenses.

4. Forklift Safety and Training Requirements

A basic forklift certification is an OSHA requirement for employers to provide training. In addition, operators must understand how specific attachments can change the forklift’s behavior when in operation. Attachment-specific training can help managers prevent product damage and prepare their crews for safer, more efficient work.

Other requirements for safe attachment handling include:

• Frequent inspections: Operators must conduct forklift inspections before, during and after each shift to ensure proper function and reduce the risk of a breakdown. Crucial areas to inspect include load-bearing welds, hydraulic components and mechanical systems.
• Re-rating capacity: Attachments lower a forklift’s lift capacity due to the additional weight of the attachment and the distance between the load and the center of gravity, which reduces stability. Operators should understand how to re-rate the forklift’s safe lifting capacity after installing an attachment and update the data plate accordingly.
• Familiarity with safety features: Operators must be familiar with and know how to use the attachment’s specific safety features and limitations.
• Understanding attachment movement: Attachments change the forklift’s center of gravity, the operator’s visibility and the machine’s overall capacity. A forklift operator should be able to respond accordingly to subtle changes in machine behavior in order to keep themselves and others safe. 

5. Equipment Supplier

It’s important to work with a trusted forklift attachment supplier to achieve the best results. Companies must be able to form a strong business relationship with their equipment vendor, as they will need to call on this vendor for servicing, advice, repairs and future purchases.

The top qualities of a reputable equipment supplier include:

• Extensive expertise: A reputable vendor has previous experience working with companies in specific industries, so they can provide the most relevant recommendations and services.
• High-quality equipment: Suppliers that carry the top brands in material handling equipment can often meet project requirements more completely than those offering more basic options.
• Ongoing service and support: Dealer-provided equipment service and support helps maximize uptime and productivity by resolving equipment issues when they arise.
• Additional services: A supplier that offers value-added services, such as operator training programs and fleet management assistance, can provide additional value to their customers through expert recommendations.
• Custom solutions: A credible equipment supplier should maintain regular, clear communication with their manufacturers to design solutions tailored to customers’ unique application requirements.

6. Long-Term Maintenance and Lifespan

Striking the balance between robust equipment features and extensive maintenance requirements is essential to maximize uptime and reduce costs. Preventive maintenance enables crews to simplify maintenance for especially complex attachments. Other benefits of preventive maintenance include:

• Extended equipment lifespan: Preventive maintenance helps operators minimize internal damage caused by wear and tear, keeping attachments in working condition for longer.
• Consistent performance: Operators use preventive maintenance to confirm their equipment is in good condition, which ensures peak performance when necessary. 
• Minimize downtime: Keeping equipment in good condition reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns and malfunctions, which can result in hours or days of lost productivity. 

Predictive maintenance is a newer practice that uses internet-connected sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to identify, detect and address equipment issues through cloud technology. It’s often part of a telemetry solution, which elevates material handling operations by simplifying maintenance and fleet management. 

Although the technology is still developing, many manufacturers equip their newer models with internet-connected sensors. These sensors, part of the emerging Internet of Things (IoT), allow fleet managers and operators to monitor equipment condition in real time via a web-based portal or mobile application.

7. Customization Options

Custom material handling and warehouse solutions enable forklift operators to maximize efficiency with attachments designed specifically for unique applications. Examples of custom attachments include:

• Off-set forks: Tines fixed wider than the forklift carriage offer high flexibility and even load distribution for applications involving large materials.
• Chamfered blades: Cutting away the edges on specialty forks enables operators to prevent damage when lifting and carrying specialized materials, such as plywood sheets or coils.
• Custom clamps: Companies that handle delicate, abnormally shaped items may consider consulting their equipment provider for a clamp designed specifically to lift and transport those items. 

A reliable supplier that works closely with your organization and the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a critical player in equipment customization. For example, Black Equipment coordinates the design, manufacturing and communication details so your company can focus on other core tasks.

By keeping all parties in close communication, the equipment supplier can ensure an off-the-shelf or made-to-order attachment meets your expectations and requirements. 

Get the Most Out of Your Forklift With Black Equipment

The Black Equipment team works closely with manufacturers and customers to offer high-quality solutions. Whether a company requires an off-the-shelf attachment or a product tailored to a specific application, we can provide one from the top brands in the industry, including:

• Bolzoni Auramo
• Cascade
• Rightline
• Long Reach
• Greenfield Products

Additional support and training services are available to maximize the functionality of your purchase. Our forklift operator training program can help prepare operators to use your new attachments. 

Contact our team today to discuss your forklift requirements.