Get the Right Forklift Attachment for the Job


With the right forklift attachment, you can increase productivity and safety. There are dozens of such attachments to choose from. Some are very inexpensive, while others may be expensive, yet indispensable. In choosing forklift attachments, the cost of the attachment should be balanced against its productivity and safety features.

Safety should always be your primary consideration. Generally, if a forklift attachment makes a job easier, it will also make it safer. Safety is designed into every forklift accessory. In many working situations where the right attachment is not available, workers improvise with ropes, chains or whatever else is at hand. That is not the safe way to do it.

There are safety forklift attachments that a price tag cannot be put on. They may not increase productivity, but an accident can grind productivity to a halt, so it is still a valid consideration. Among these safety attachments are things like forklift replacement seats with built-in seatbelts, while others include lights, reverse beepers and other warning devices.

Is a forklift attachment that costs several thousand dollars worth the investment? That depends on a couple of things. If it is necessary for the job and will be used repeatedly, it probably is worth the investment. If it saves time and increases productivity, it is worth the investment, too. Weigh the initial cost against the the medium to long term savings in terms of labor and productivity.

There are some forklift attachments that come in a variety of sizes, load capacities and capabilities. You can buy an inexpensive telescoping boom, for instance, that attaches to the forks. With lifting capacities of up to 8,000 lbs., one of these may be all you need for your purposes.


Is it cheaper to let your workers do jobs manually than to buy forklift attachments that would free up their time for more productive tasks? Usually, the answer to this is "No."
While it only may take a few minutes to empty a steel drum filled with offcuts, for instance, the job requires two workers and a handtruck. Aside from the time it takes to empty the drum, they are diverted from their primary duties and it takes time for them to get up to speed again. Using a forklift drum attachment, on the other hand, a lift truck operator can pick up and dump a drum in minutes without even stepping out of the cab.

Some forklift accessories are so cheap, they're worth having on hand just for occasional use. Dock accessories that cost less than $100 but greatly enhance workplace safety and efficiency are good examples of these. Other forklift attachments that are worth their weight in gold include products such as pallet dumper retainer attachments, tow and hook attachment bases and fork mounted front loaders.

The right way to do any job is to do it efficiently and to do it safely. This is also the cheapest way to get it done. Get the right forklift attachment and get the job done right.

Are you looking for a new forklift or materials handling supplies? If so, check out the website of our parent company, Bahrns Materials Handling Equipment and Supplies Inc. A Central Illinois institution for over 45 years, the enormous catalog of Bahrns equipment and warehouse supplies is now available online. Read about Bahrns Equipment and discover why this company enjoys an unparalleled level of respect among its thousands of satisfied customers.