When it comes to improvements in efficiency, there is a vast array of forklift attachments and extentions on the market that have the potential to increase your logistics productivity.
With so many forklift accessories to choose from, selecting the right forklift attachment for your requirements can be tricky. Keeping in mind the aim of expanding functionality, we take a look at a few of the most common forklift extensions available, as well as some best practice and safety recommendations.
TL;DR
- Forklift attachments expand what a truck can do, but they change its lifting capacity and fulcrum points, so overloading and tip-over risk increase if they are misused.
- The HSE is clear that a truck must be derated by a competent person before an attachment is used, and operators must be trained, competent and authorised for that attachment.
- Common attachments include side shifters, fork positioners, man-riding baskets, drum-handling attachments and scoops, each suited to a specific job.
- Never lift a person on the forks or a pallet; only a purpose-built man-riding basket with fall protection should be used to raise people.
- Separate training is needed for each type of attachment, along with regular inspection for distortion and cracks in load-bearing welds and components.
- AFTT offers AITT-accredited training for lift trucks and attachments, from management to the warehouse floor.
How do you safely use forklift attachments?
You use forklift attachments safely by respecting the reduced lifting capacity, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and training operators on each attachment before use. When using forklift extensions, the potential for overloading increases. The weight and positioning of the attachment has considerable impact on load lifting capacity and fulcrum points.
If these are not correctly understood, there is increased risk of the forklift tipping over and causing injury. By following a few key forklift accessory instructions, it is possible to avoid such incidents.
- Use forklift extensions for light unwieldy loads but not for loads that exceed the maximum load recommendation
- Ensure separate training for each type of forklift accessory to be used and provide regular retraining as necessary
- Make sure that maximum lift capacities have been correctly advised
- Avoid picking up loads with the tip of a fork extension. All loads should be balanced over the centre of the fork
- Remember that an empty forklift with forklift extensions in place can behave like a loaded forklift
- Establish a regular inspection routine for forklift attachments and check for distortion and cracks in load bearing welds and components
What training is required to use forklift attachments?
Recommended training is legally and practically essential: operators must be properly trained, competent and authorised to use the specific attachment, and the truck’s capacity must be reduced first. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines for the safe use of lift trucks recommend that bulkier loads should only be lifted with the correct forklift attachments fitted.
‘Always use suitable attachments for lifting unusual or wide loads and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.’
The guidelines also make it very clear that the only safe way to operate a truck with forklift accessories is to make sure that recommended training has taken place and that the lift truck’s load capacity has been reduced.
‘Always ensure you are properly trained, competent and authorised to operate the lift truck with the attachment being used.’
‘Never use an attachment unless a competent person, an authorised dealer or manufacturer has derated the lift truck (reduced the actual capacity).’
Professional lift truck training in the use of forklift attachments is vital to ensure that forklift accidents such as tip-overs, crushes and falling loads are to be avoided.
Spotting and mitigating the individual potential hazards faced when using forklift accessories, requires training and experience; all employees engaged in the use of these should be provided with training, support and review opportunities.
Which forklift attachment suits which job?
The right attachment depends on the load and the task, from precise pallet alignment to moving drums, loose materials or people. The table below matches the common attachments covered here to what they do best, before we look at each in detail.
| Attachment | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Side shifter | Moves the forks side to side in small increments | Aligning forks with a pallet quickly and efficiently |
| Fork positioner | Moves the tines in or out | Unusually shaped loads or pallets of different sizes |
| Man-riding basket | Purpose-built platform with a load rating | Raising people safely to a work area, with fall protection |
| Drum-handling attachment | Lifts, secures and sometimes tips drums | Regularly moving drums (or wheelie bins) |
| Scoop or bucket | Holds loose material | Sand, aggregate, gravel and loose waste |
What is a side shifter attachment?
A side shifter is a standard attachment on many lift trucks that lets the forks move side to side in small increments to line up with a pallet. Accurate fork positioning can make load moving quicker and more fuel efficient, and will reduce manoeuvring time. The side shifter attachment is standard on many lift trucks, and allows the forks to be moved, in small increments, from side to side in order to correctly align the forks and the pallet.
What do fork positioners do?
Fork positioners move the tines in or out so the forks better fit the load being handled. Whereas side shifters move the whole fork from side to side, fork positioners move the tines in or out to better fit a load. This flexibility is particularly useful for unusually shaped loads or pallets of difference sizes.
Can you lift a person with a forklift attachment?
You can lift a person only with a purpose-built man-riding basket, never on the forks or a pallet. Lifting a person without a specific recommended forklift attachment contradicts HSE health and safety rules.
‘Never lift a person on the forks, or on a pallet, or similar, balanced on the forks.’
However, man-riding and access platforms are available and can help where people need to be lifted to a work area that might not be accessible via a ladder.
Man-riding baskets all have a load rating and can also be used to lift loads to a raised working area. All people using a man-riding basket should wear fall protection equipment.
How do drum-handling attachments work?
Drum-handling attachments let an operator lift, secure and sometimes tip drums that do not come stacked on pallets. Not all loads come conveniently stacked onto pallets and a drum-handling forklift attachment offers a convenient and safe solution for those who need to regularly move drums around.
Drum-handling attachments either slide onto the forks or attach directly to the carriage and enable the operator to lift, secure and sometimes tip drums safely and efficiently. Similar attachments are available for wheelie bin handling.
What are forklift scoop attachments used for?
Scoop attachments are used for loose waste and bulk materials such as sand, aggregate or gravel. Lift truck scoop attachments are really useful for loose waste and loads of materials such as sand, aggregate or gravel. This really is a case of obtaining the right equipment for the right purpose, as design options vary greatly.
These options include compact forklift buckets that can take heavier loads such as wet sand, and long-reach lift truck scoops, which allow the operator to unload into the back of a lorry.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of forklift attachments?
The main advantage is that attachments let you move heavier and larger loads more easily and safely, while the main disadvantage is the investment cost and the need to match the attachment carefully to both load and truck. Purchasing a forklift accessory represents considerable investment so it is important to weigh up the pros and cons before you do so.
Forklift attachments allow you to transport loads of increased weight and size in a much easier and safer manner but it is important to make sure that the correct attachment for both your load and your forklift is used. Driver and warehouse safety should always be paramount in purchase, forklift fleet maintenance and training decisions.
What are your forklift attachment training options?
We provide AITT-accredited training for lift trucks and forklift attachments, for everyone from management to the warehouse floor. Whatever your lift truck or forklift attachment training needs, we are proud to offer Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT) accredited courses.
If you are thinking about introducing a forklift extension or accessory to your workforce, we can provide the training and certification required. At AFTT we offer a comprehensive range of lift truck and forklift training for everybody from management to the warehouse floor.
Get in touch today on 01438 222157 for a free, no-obligation quote and find out how we can help you meet your training requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do forklift attachments reduce lifting capacity?
Yes. The weight and positioning of an attachment change the truck’s fulcrum points and reduce its safe lifting capacity. The truck must be derated by a competent person, dealer or manufacturer before the attachment is used. Ignoring this increases the risk of overloading and tipping over.
Do operators need separate training for each forklift attachment?
Yes. Each type of forklift accessory requires separate training, with regular retraining as necessary. Operators must be trained, competent and authorised for the specific attachment they will use. This is both a safety essential and in line with HSE guidance.
Can you lift a person on forklift forks?
No. The HSE states you should never lift a person on the forks, on a pallet, or on anything balanced on the forks. People may only be raised using a purpose-built man-riding basket or access platform with a proper load rating. Anyone in a man-riding basket should wear fall protection equipment.
What does derating a forklift mean?
Derating means reducing the truck’s stated load capacity to account for the weight and reach of an attachment. It must be carried out by a competent person, an authorised dealer or the manufacturer. Using an attachment without derating the truck first is unsafe and against HSE guidance.
What is the difference between a side shifter and a fork positioner?
A side shifter moves the whole fork carriage side to side to align with a pallet, while a fork positioner moves the individual tines in or out to fit the load. Side shifters speed up pallet alignment; fork positioners handle unusually shaped loads or pallets of different sizes. Many trucks have a side shifter fitted as standard.
What forklift attachment is used for moving drums?
Drum-handling attachments are used for moving drums that do not sit on pallets. They either slide onto the forks or fix to the carriage and let the operator lift, secure and sometimes tip drums safely. Similar attachments are available for handling wheelie bins.
How often should forklift attachments be inspected?
You should establish a regular inspection routine for all forklift attachments. Check for distortion and for cracks in load-bearing welds and components before problems develop. Routine inspection is part of keeping both the equipment and operators safe.
Does AFTT provide training for forklift attachments?
Yes. AFTT offers AITT-accredited courses covering lift trucks and forklift attachments for staff at every level, from management to the warehouse floor. If you are introducing a new attachment, we can provide the training and certification required. Call 01438 222157 for a free, no-obligation quote.
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