People searching for attachments for forklifts have a plethora of questions on how to select and use these products and they also wonder how their use can affect the operation of a forklift. Here are answers to many of those questions.

Q: What should I be considering when selecting a forklift extension?

A: Forklift extensions are commonly limited to 1.5 times the length of the original forks. Forks that are longer have a tendency to bend downward around the tip of the original fork. So new extensions should be more than 1.5 times the length of the original forks. The tip of the extension should be pocketed so that it is full box-section from the end of the fork to the tip of the extension and should include additional internal strengthening on the unsupported length.

Q: How should I go about finding a reputable company capable of selling forklift extensions?

A: Search for a company that has a large assortment of extensions including widths, lengths, thicknesses, polishes, tapers and tip styles.

Q: How can I determine the lifting capacity of my forklift once I add attachments to the carriage?

A: The addition of forklift attachments can change the stability as well as the carrying capacity of a forklift. In fact, changes to the parameters are so complex; many people have difficulty understanding them. A tool that can help you deal with the changes, called the Lift Truck Capacity Calculator, is available. Some things that can be affected include residual capacity of forklift model, tires, mast, carriage, sideshift distance, rotational torque, horizontal load center, vertical load center, attachment specifications, fork specifications, and so on. The Fork Lift Capacity Calculator can be used to build a truck configuration as you add up to three attachments to the front of a lift.

Q: Does attachment sideshift or rotation affect the capacity of a forklift?

A: Sometimes it will. The Lift Truck Capacity Calculator can help you determine if it does and by how much.

Q: How can I be sure which attachment size is right for my application and truck configuration?

A: If you are considering the addition of an attachment you need to know how much excess attachment capacity you have or whether the attachment is limiting your available truck capacity.

Q: How do I know what fork size is optimal for my application and truck configuration?

A: Determining the proper fork size can be a little perplexing because attachments change load centers. 
Ask a salesperson or use the Lift Truck Capacity Calculator to verify if you have excess or insufficient fork capacity and how much. This should assist in selecting the proper fork size for your lift.

Q: Is the manufacturer required to provide the forklift capacity rating information?

A: OSHA requires a professional engineer to provide forklift capacity rating tags. Forklifts must be correctly labeled for capacity with any attachment being used. However, there are circumstances when a manufacturer cannot or will not provide this information in a timely manner. In this case, OSHA allows for the use of the Lift Truck Capacity Calculator. Professional Forklift Engineering Services, which provides the calculator is a licensed professional engineering company authorized by the OSHA regulations and qualified to provide these capacity-rating tags.

Q: Is there a way that I can determine how fork wear is affecting my lift truck capacity and when should I replace my worn forks?

A: It has been recommended that replacement of worn forks take place when the heel thickness has worn down 10 percent.