Do you own a manufacturing facility that requires moving bulky materials over short distances? Whether in the warehouse or floor of the production unit, one of the most important pieces of equipment for material handling is a forklift. But even with a forklift, you should cast your eyes beyond using pallets. Keep reading to learn about the leading forklift attachments that can help you to optimize its use in your facilities.

What You Need to Know About Forklift Attachments

When thinking of attachments as a plant manager or forklift operator, it is crucial to look at forklifts beyond what they do. Mainly, here is what you should know: 

• OSHA requires that your operators must be trained about the attachments they will be using. 
• When using any forklift attachment, it counts towards the stated load capacity. 
• The standard weight distribution when using forklift attachment is different compared to when using the forklift with no attachment. 
• When a forklift is fitted with attachments, it is considered technically loaded.

Common Forklift Attachments

A forklift attachment is any modification or addition to a forklift that impacts its rated capacity and stability. Depending on the attachments that you want, it might be necessary to have them certified by an engineer for safety before deploying to your facility. Here are the common forklift attachments that you need to know about:

• Fork Positioners

These are the commonest attachments that you will get on the market today. They are used to help forklifts move their forks closer or far apart when handling loads of varying capacities. With the positioners, you do not have to manually adjust the forks when working on the floor of the manufacturing facility. 

When looking for positioners to use with your forklift, it is advisable to go for the model that makes it possible to move the forks simultaneously. This means that you can comfortably pick and drop loads no matter the side of pallets.

• Side Shifters 

One of the main reasons why forklifts are indispensable for material handling is their ability to maneuver even compact areas. To further enhance its versatility, you should consider acquiring and using a side shifter. This attachment provides the driver with greater control, especially in moving the load from side to side. 

With a side shifter, the forklift driver will not be required first to put the weight down to make adjustments. This is very important in saving time, especially when trying to maneuver through tight spaces in the warehouse. It will also be a good idea to practice using the side shifter for extra safety.

• Forklift Cylinder Candies

If your facility involves using cylinders, such as gas and explosive chemical containers, they require special handling when moving or storing in a warehouse. Because of their delicate and heavy design, you should consider using forklift cylinder caddies. Another awesome thing about these attachments is that they allow you to handle multiple cylinders at once.

• Attachments for Lifting  

If your facility involves handling loads without ground clearance, it can be challenging to move them from one point to another. To address the challenge, you should acquire forklift attachments for lifting. The attachments help to pull or push the load onto the forks for easy movement.  Make sure to factor in the dimensions of your load when selecting the attachment for lifting.

Conclusion

If you have a forklift in your facility, it can achieve a lot more by using the attachments we have listed in this post. Remember to train your staff appropriately on how to use these attachments for safety and efficiency. Make sure also to follow a good repair and maintenance program to keep the forklift in top condition.