Forklift Attachments: The Most Common & Helpful Forklift Parts

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Attachments are a critical component in material handling because without them, some loads would be impossible to move. Unfortunately, attachments are often overlooked, which can cause potential damage to products, poorly planned operations, and even employee injuries. With so many available forklift attachment options, it is increasingly important that you pick one that fits your application, as this leads to safer handling and increased productivity. Below are some of the details about the most common and useful forklift attachments out there.

Side Shifter

Side shifters are among the most common forklift attachments used in modern day warehousing. It allows you to move a load from side to side. This enables the operator to make minor adjustments to the alignment of the pallet without having to skillfully maneuver the entire forklift. Some of the major benefits of this attachment include reduced fuel usage, reduced pallet damage, improved warehouse space utilization, and faster pallet loading times.

Fork Positioner

Fork positioners are meant to allow your forklift’s forks to be positioned hydraulically. This is useful when the load widths change often, as the operator can align the forks with pallets more quickly for more efficient handling.  Some advantages of using a fork positioner include increased productivity, reduced pallet damage, and no need for a manual adjustment of the forks.

Push-Pull Attachment

The push-pull attachment is a cost-effective solution where standard wooden or plastic pallets are substituted by an inexpensive slip sheet, which can increase shipping volume. This attachment connects to the forklift and can be quickly disconnected once the operator returns to handling regular pallets. Some of the main benefits of the push-pull attachment include the following:

·        Reduced packaging weight (slip sheets are significantly lighter than wooden/plastic pallets).

·        Makes handling goods much easier.

·        Installation is quick and easy, as there is no need to remove your truck’s forks.

Multiple Load Handler

Multiple pallet handlers are used to handle a single pallet or several pallets at once (as indicated by the attachment’s name). This attachment works by allowing the forks to be spread hydraulically to lift, side shift, and carry multiple loads at the same time. This attachment really does do it all – it can fit through narrow aisles all while minimizing the number of trips needed to get the job done for efficiency’s sake. The multiple load handler is one of the most versatile forklift parts, with some of its key functions including:

• Doubling the handling capacity of pallets.
• Reducing the amount of required truck maneuvers.
• Reducing unloading and loading times.

If you are in the market for a forklift attachment, browse Darr Equipment’s impressive inventory of forklift parts. In addition to our parts and new and used equipment, we can provide the OSHA training that is required for your operators to use your forklift and attachments safely. Contact us today to learn more.