What are hydraulic forklift attachments?
While a forklift already uses hydraulics to lift and lower loads, a range of forklift attachments are available that can greatly extend the functionality of the machine.
Most hydraulic forklift attachments are picked up by the tines and connect to the forklift’s hydraulic system with hydraulic couplings. They can generally be operated
Examples of hydraulic forklift attachments include:
- Forklift rotator: One of the more permanent hydraulic forklift attachments, a forklift rotator enables you to rotate the tines of your forklift a full 360 degrees clockwise or anti-clockwise. They are most commonly used for transporting and emptying bins of loose loads and liquids.
- Drum rotator: This forklift drum handling accessory is designed to rotate 205L (55 gallon) drums, making them easier to empty and store.
- Wire mesh lifter: Designed to lift and shift reinforcing mesh, hydraulic arms extend over a bundle then contract to grab and hold it.
- Loader bucket: This accessory transforms your forklift into a front end loader. You can pick up loose loads and even transport liquids in the bucket.
- Hydraulic fork extensions: This attachment allows you to quickly switch between transporting longer and shorter loads by hydraulically extending and contracting the length of the tines.
3 ways hydraulic forklift attachments improve efficiency
1. Handle larger and more challenging loads
Hydraulic forklift attachments can greatly expand the capabilities of your forklift, allowing it to move larger and more awkward loads. With the right attachment you can quickly secure, lift and transport everything from barrels to bins to bundles of mesh – loads that are otherwise challenging and time-consuming to handle.
2. Use your forklift for more than lifting and shifting
When you add the right hydraulic attachments your forklift becomes so much more than a machine that lifts and shift loads. You can empty drums and pour out bins. You can scoop up materials like a front-end loader. You can reorient items for better material storage. And the power of hydraulics means you can do all of this ultra-efficiently, and without making huge investments in dedicated machinery.
3. Operate everything from the driver’s seat
Most hydraulic forklift attachments can be operated from the driver’s seat of the forklift, so the user doesn’t need to constantly jump in and out of the forklift. This not only improves operational efficiency, it also significantly increases safety, as the driver is kept out of harm’s way, and no outside help is required from other workers.
Helping New Zealand manufacturers safely solve their lifting challenges with the best local and global solutions
By selecting the right hydraulic attachments for your forklift, you can make your business far more efficient, not to mention safer and more productive. But with a wide variety of hydraulic attachments available, which will make your business better?
At Stratalign we’ve spent years helping Kiwi businesses identify and secure the hydraulic forklift attachments they need to work smarter, quicker and safer. Home to an extensive range of forklift accessories, our team has the knowledge and expertise you need to identify the ideal hydraulic attachments for your situation.
And once you’ve made your investment, we’ll be there to provide all the support you need to maximise your return.
