Different Forklift Hopper Attachments for Specific Tasks

Hoppers are one of the most popular and versatile forklift attachments. They are convenient for collecting waste, debris, recycling, and other materials in warehouses, on docks, in mills, and other worksites.

They also let you get double duty out of your existing forklift fleet, quickly and easily snapping into place so forklift operators can be on the go in just seconds.

But hopper attachments come in different styles and designs. The type you use is going to depend on your specific application.

How Hopper Forklift Attachments Work

Generally, most hopper attachments feature the same specific parts. They have a drum or bin to store collected materials and a special fulcrum lever that lets the forklift driver dump out the hopper by tipping it forward.

Some hopper forklift attachments have a lever that can be manipulated from inside the cabin while others simply require the operator to drive forward to activate the switch that opens the hopper. Most also have safety retention chains combined with a rope assembly that prevents accidental opening of the hopper, especially when traveling over rough terrain.

Types of Hopper Forklift Attachments

One of the most common types of hopper forklift attachments are construction grade dumping hoppers. These durable, heavy-duty hoppers are designed for collecting large, rough-edged materials such as particle board, concrete, brick, plaster, and even rebar. Construction grade hoppers typically have reinforced bin walls made from welded steel plates.

In manufacturing operations where materials like metal shavings or production waste need to be collected, low-profile hopper forklift attachments are often used. These make it convenient to move the hopper next to or underneath machinery to conveniently catch materials before transporting them to a waste or recycling area.

In food production facilities, special stainless steel hopper forklift attachments provide a sanitary surface for materials collection, reducing the risk of a foodborne illness.

Dock and warehouse operations will often use chute hoppers, which provide a narrower profile to take up less space while improving both productivity and neatness.

Hopper Forklift Attachment Sizes

Hopper forklift attachments are not a “one-size-fits-all” type of equipment. These helpful attachments come in a variety of sizes so you can fit the one you need to the specific task at hand.

Larger hopper forklift attachments can sometimes carry up to two tons of materials with no problem. Other hopper forklift attachments may be as small as four cubic yards to accommodate narrow aisles or tight working spaces.