Tough industrial forklift truck operations may need to lift and move awkward or large loads frequently. Configuring Hyster® forklifts with attachments provides a robust, customised solution that enables businesses to hit productivity targets day to day.
Here is a quick guide to some of the common types of attachment for forklift trucks, and how they can help take on challenges across various demanding industries.
Forklift rotators
Some operations require loads to be partially or fully rotated. A rotator attachment, for up to 360-degrees in both directions, can be fitted to specific lift trucks which can support the tipping of boxes or vessels. This type of attachment can prove helpful for tipping raw materials or waste, and can be typically found in metal, foundry, and chemical applications as well as waste management operations.
Check out this example of a Hyster lift truck with 360 degree rotator attachment:
Forklift clamps
Forklift clamp attachments enable non-standard objects and loads, which are often heavy and valuable, to be handled with a tight grip. Tower clamps enable stacks of objects to be securely handled together, while paper roll clamps lift weighty, expensive rolls of paper with accuracy to minimise damage. Clamps can also efficiently move bales, such as waste or paper, slabs of metal and natural stone, concrete pipes, or building materials like blocks and bricks.
Coil rams
Clamps are not the only solution for handling cyclindrical loads. A coil ram attachment is a solid tube at the front of the forklift that can be placed in the hollow area of heavy steel coils or concrete pipes and tubing so they can be lifted or transported effectively.
Multi pallet handlers
Mutliple pallet handling attachments for forklift trucks enable one or more pallets to be handled at the same time, typically side by side, helping to boost productivity. This can help operations to transfer goods more quickly and complete loading/unloading operations faster.
Fork positioners
Steel, wood, and chemical companies may need flexibility to handle different types of loads with a forklift truck. Fork positioners provide a solution – they enable the operator to adjust the forks to be closer together or further apart so a variety of load types can be handled. This also allows applications to handle loads with more unusual dimensions accurately and productively. Hyster A Series forklifts are available now with a premium fork positioner.
Side shifter
A forklift side shift allows loads to be moved from side to side without the need to manoeuvre the forklift truck itself. This can help operations and operators to speed up cycle times and increase accuracy. Loads can be lifted and placed precisely but with fewer truck movements.
Specialist forklift attachments
The list above summarises just a few of the more common forklift attachments that are available to customise Hyster lift trucks for tough materials handling tasks. However, the Hyster special engineering team can also develop bespoke solutions where the application demands it, even for the largest loads.
See one example in action – a Hyster ReachStacker with a specially designed toolchanger attachment that allows easy switching between a standard container spreader and a C-hook attachment, making it possible to handle containers and coils, all with the same truck.
Factory-fit or retro-fit forklift attachments?
As well as selecting the optimal attachment for the particular operation’s demands, it is also necessary to consider whether the attachment should be factory-fitted, and come with the truck, or is a solution to be added later.
A factory-fit forklift attachment is installed at the manufacturing plant, from new. This can provide reassurance that the attachment will work seamlessly with the forklift, supporting performance, often after manufacturer’s own tests. Factory fit attachments for forklifts may also be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.
A retro-fit attachment is added to an existing forklift after manufacturing. The forklift could be new or used. This type of attachment enables forklifts to be adapted to different handling tasks, and can mean existing forklift fleets can be modified without the need to buy a new truck. This may prove a cost effective way for companies to harness peak flexibility, but it is, of course, important to check that the attachment is fully compatible with the forklift, and capable of handling the intended load.
Whether a forklift attachment is available factory-fit or retro-fit will depend on the type of attachment, as well as the manufacturer.
Choose the right forklift attachment with a Hyster dealer partner
With an understanding of your industry, your experienced Hyster dealer can take time to evaluate your specific needs and advise which attachment solutions are a strong match for your lift truck fleet.
Contact your local Hyster dealer now to get started.
