Attachments and Ratings

Forklift operations often require extra attachments, in place of the regular forks. As forklift trucks are used across a vast range of industries and applications, there are many types of attachments designed to assist specific forklift tasks.

Forklift attachments are made to lift a particular working load limit (W.L.L). The Working Load Limit will be clearly displayed on the forklift attachment or its’ data plate for example 2 Tonne.

Some types of forklift attachments include:

• Blade extensions (or slippers) slide onto the forklift tines to extend their reach. These are common attachments which increase the ability of the forklift to lift larger loads.
• Sideshifters are used to shift the forks right or left. This allows the operator to position or align the load without having to move the whole forklift.
• Fork positioners use hydraulic power to move the forks closer or further apart from one another. This attachment allows for more effective handling of different sized loads.
• Forklift jibs can be custom made to suit a repetitive workplace task. Jibs usually slide onto forklift tynes, and have a hook for attaching the load. Extendable forklift jibs are also available, custom made to the required length.
• Carton clamps are designed to handle square shaped loads which are not palletised. This type of attachment applies pressure to the load for lifting, and is commonly used in in appliance factories for washers/dryers etc.
• Bale clamps work in a similar fashion to carton clamps, however, they are designed for lifting baled products such as cotton, wool, newsprint, metal scrap or synthetics.
• Drum clamps are hydraulic powered and are available in different configurations to handle between one and four drums. Drum clamps are also available in rotation type for tipping and pouring drums. These attachments are often used in the petroleum industry.
• Man cages slide onto the forklift tines and are usually rated for 2-4 people, depending on the forklift capacity. Workers must wear harnesses (link) attached to the railings of the cage for safe hoisting.
• Pole attachments are long spike-style jibs, which are used for lifting and transporting rolls of carpet in warehouses.

When purchasing forklift attachments there are hazards that the potential buyer should consider to ensure safe lifting. Potential overloading of a forklift attachment which adds extra weight, reducing the overall lifting capacity of the truck. Difference in load centre  using extendable attachments will change the load centre of the forklift truck, increasing the chance of it tipping. Forklift license holders must be re-trained to safely operate the truck using each new forklift attachment.

WorkSafe states that the design and manufacture of the forklift truck and its associated features must meet Australian Standards AS 2359.1 Powered industrial trucks, and a manufacturer’s data plate is attached.  It is also important that forklifts and attachments are regularly inspected by a competent inspector for any deformation or cracked welds.

We have seen forklift tine extensions and other “home-made” forklift attachments which lack an identification plaque to confirm the manufacturer, date of manufacture, safe working load and any limitations or precautions.

WorkSafe require that all forklift lifting attachments must be:

a) Suitable for the load to be lifted;
b) Operated in a manner that ensures that any risk is eliminated or minimised as far as reasonably practicable. Therefore documented instructions on connect use (e.g. operating instructions) should also be supplied with all lifting attachments.

WorkSafe also requires equipment used to lift or suspend loads to be specifically designed to lift or suspend the particular load. This would require the manufacturer’s plaque and safe load capacity to be displayed in order to confirm compliance.

Industrial trucks or their attachments shall not be modified in any way which will affect operation or performance within the scope of this standard, except with the prior approval of the manufacturer and the Statutory Authority. After any such change has been affected, appropriate alterations shall be made to any relevant nameplates and markings prior to placing the industrial truck or its attachments back into service.

Note: All lifting attachments must be securely attached and not loose on the forklift tine.