Forklift attachments are tools that significantly boost productivity, create cost savings, and improve workplace safely. Our comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about forklift attachments, including their purpose, benefits, types of attachments, safe usage, safety standards, and how to choose a quality forklift attachment suitable for your purpose and industry.
What are Forklift Attachments
Forklift attachments are a type of materials handling equipment that can be attached to the tynes or carriage of a forklift. Attachments enable traditional forklifts to be used for specific tasks, such as lifting oversized, unbalanced, and non-palletised loads.
Why Use Forklift Attachments?
Forklift attachments are versatile pieces of equipment that expand a forklift’s capabilities by allowing it to handle heavy, oversized, awkward, and non-palletised loads efficiently and safely. Specialised forklift attachment tools reduce manual handling, improve safety, lower the risk of product damage, and boost productivity on your worksite.
Types of Forklift Attachments
There are numerous types of forklift attachments used in materials handling applications. The most common forklift attachments include:
Forklift Slippers
Definition: Forklift Slippers, also known as fork tyne extensions or fork extensions, temporarily lengthen your forklift tynes.
Purpose: Safe, stable handling of long or oversized loads, large crates, and machinery.
Industries: Mining, warehouse, manufacturing, construction.
Benefits: Provide load stability to handle awkward, long or oversized loads.
Typical Capacity / WWL: Up to 3,000kg
Forklift Spreaders
Definition: A forklift spreader or spreader bar is a slip-on forklift attachment that distributes a forklift’s lifting weight over a wider area.
Purpose: Designed to handle wide or bulky loads safely and efficiently by increasing load stability and balance.
Industries: Warehousing, manufacturing, transport, mining, construction and beyond.
Benefits: expand the use of your forklift trucks, reducing costs and freeing up staff to focus on less labour-intensive tasks.
Typical Capacity / WWL: 2,500kg
Forklift Jibs
Definition: A forklift jib is designed to extend a forklift’s reach
Purpose: Lift and manoeuvre heavy, oversized, or irregular loads that can’t be handled with standard tynes.
Industries: Warehouse, manufacturing, mining, construction, container unpacking
Benefits: Converts your forklift into a versatile, mobile crane.
Typical Capacity / WWL: Up to 5,000kg
Read more: What is a forklift jib attachment used for?
Forklift Safety Cages
Definition: A forklift safety cages is a secure steel platform attached to a forklift
Purpose: Securely lift personnel to conduct tasks at height such as stock picking, maintenance, and other elevated tasks.
Industries: Industrial, warehousing
Benefits: Protect personnel and improve workplace safety when working at height.
Typical Capacity / WWL: 250kg/2people for safety cage, 500kg for order picking cage
Read: How to use a forklift safety cage
Forklift Goods Cages
Definition: A forklift goods cage is a heavy-duty steel cage attachment that slides onto the tines of forklift.
Purpose: Storage and transport of loose, bulky, or large items
Industries: Industrial and warehousing
Benefits: Prevent items from toppling or falling during transit, dramatically reducing product damage and workplace injuries.
Typical Capacity / WWL: 1000kg
Forklift Bin Tippers
Definition: Forklift bin tippers are forklift attachments designed to lift safely and efficiently, tip and empty product using a forklift.
Purpose: Lift, tip, and empty bin waste
Industries: Mining, construction, warehousing, and factories.
Benefits: Improve workflow in warehouses, manufacturing, and recycling operations through conveniently and hygienically moving and emptying waste bins efficiently at speed.
Typical Capacity / WWL: Up to 2,000kg
Forklift Carpet Poles
Definition: A forklift carpet pole is a long, sturdy spike designed to slide into the hollow centre of long, hollow goods.
Purpose: Effectively access and handle a range of long, awkward items such as carpet rolls, fabric, polypipe, and cable.
Industries: Industrial, warehousing
Benefits: Prevents crushing damage, significantly speeds up loading and unloading times, and improves manoeuvrability.
Typical Capacity / WWL: up to 550kg
Forklift Drum Handling
Definition: A forklift drum handler is a specialised forklift attachment that slides onto a forklift’s forks.
Purpose: Safely and securely lift, move, store, and dispense drums
Industries: Warehouse, manufacturing, and chemical processing
Benefits: Prevent spills, reduce strain injuries, prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals
Typical Capacity / WWL: Up to 1000kg
Forklift Container Ramps
Definition: A forklift container ramp is a heavy-duty portable ramp that is used to drive a forklift in and out of shipping containers.
Purpose: Provides safe and stable access between forklifts and containers or elevated surfaces.
Industries: Warehouse, transport and logistics
Benefits: Improve loading and unloading efficiency, reduce stock damage and injury risk
Typical Capacity / WWL: Up to 9,000kg
Read: Is unpacking your shipping container causing you grief?
Read: Tips for buying a quality container ramp
Forklift Bulk Bag Lifter
Definition: A bulk bag lifter is a specialised forklift attachment used to safely lift, transport and unload large bulk bags.
Purpose: Transport and dispense bulk bags safely.
Industries: Agriculture, construction, mining, food processing
Benefits: Maximise efficiency, reduce load swinging, protect stock.
Typical Capacity / WWL: Up to 2,000kg
Forklift Broom Attachment
Definition: A forklift broom attachment is a heavy duty broom that slips directly onto the tines of a forklift.
Purpose: Efficiently sweep large areas contaminated by litter, gravel, cartons, grain, and many other materials.
Industries: Warehousing, logistics, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, events
Benefits: A powerful and versatile industrial size sweeper
Typical Capacity / WWL: n/a
Forklift Bucket Attachment
Definition: A forklift bucket attachment is a heavy duty scoop that converts a standard forklift into a mobile front loader.
Purpose: The bucket attachment can scoop, transport and dump loose items like gravel, sand, debris and stock feed.
Industries: Construction, agriculture, manufacturing, warehousing
Benefits: Versatile tool to bulk handle loose materials, improve efficiency and productivity, and increase safety.
Typical Capacity / WWL: 500kg
Forklift Attachment Comparison Table
| Forklift Attachment Type | Industry / Usage | Purpose | Australian Standard | Typical Capacity / WLL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forklift Slippers | Mining, warehouse, manufacturing, construction. | Load stability to handle awkward, long or oversized loads. | AS 2359.1 | 3000kg |
| Forklift Spreaders | Warehouse, manufacturing, transport, mining, construction. | Carries wide loads. | AS 2359.1 | 2500kg |
| Forklift Jibs | Warehouse, manufacturing, mining, construction, container unpacking. | Extends forklift reach to carry heavy and irregular loads. | AS 2359.1 | Up to 5000kg |
| Forklift Safety Cages | Industrial, warehousing | Lift personnel to conduct tasks at height. | AS 2359.1 | 250kg for safety cage, 500kg for order picking cage |
| Forklift Goods Cages | Industrial, warehousing | Transport loose, bulky or large items. | AS 2359.1 | 1000kg |
| Forklift Bin Tippers | Mining, construction, warehousing and factories. | Lift, tip and empty bin waste. | AS 2359.1 | Up to 2000kg |
| Forklift Carpet Poles | Industrial, warehousing | Effectively handle a range of long, awkward items. | AS 2359.1 | 550kg |
| Forklift Drum Handling | Warehouse, manufacturing and chemical processing. | Safely and securely lift, move, store, and dispense drums. | AS 2359.1 | Up to 1000kg |
| Forklift Container Ramps | Warehouse, transport and logistics. | Improve loading and unloading efficiency, reduce stock damage and injury risk. | AS 2359.1 | Up to 9000kg |
| Forklift Bulk Bag Lifters | Agriculture, construction, mining, food processing. | Maximise efficiency, reduce load swinging, protect stock. | AS 2359.1 | Up to 2000kg |
| Forklift Broom Attachments | Warehousing, logistics, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, events. | Sweep large areas contaminated by litter, gravel, cartons, grain, and many other materials. | AS 2359.1 | n/a |
| Forklift Bucket Attachments | Construction, agriculture, manufacturing, warehousing. | Can scoop, transport and dump loose items like gravel, sand, debris and stock feed. | AS 2359.1 | 500kg |
Benefits of forklift attachments
- Improve workplace productivity through faster loading, unloading and movement of goods.
- Reduce operational costs through reducing manual labour costs, and reduced equipment and stock damage
- Improve workplace safety through minimising manual handling, reducing injury rates in the workplace.
What is the Australian Standard for Forklift Attachments
Forklift attachments in Australia are governed by Australian Standard AS 2359.1 Powered Industrial Trucks. This standard sets mandatory requirements for the design, manufacture, load rating and certification of forklift attachments — including jibs, work platforms and man cages.
AS 2359.1 applies because these devices fundamentally change how a forklift behaves. A jib extends the load centre beyond the standard tyne position, reducing the truck’s effective lifting capacity. A man cage introduces personnel risk that requires additional structural and safety measures. Without compliance to AS 2359.1, neither device can be legally or safely used on an Australian worksite.
Key requirements under AS 2359.1 include:
- Design must be carried out or reviewed by a qualified engineer (a “competent person” under the standard)
- The attachment must be proof load tested before being put into service
- A forklift compliance plate must be affixed showing the rated capacity, applicable standard, and unique serial number
- Load rating charts must be supplied and displayed on or with the attachment
- Structural integrity must be verified through fully welded construction and appropriate material selection
Where a forklift attachment is used to lift people — such as a man cage or work platform — additional requirements apply under AS 2359.1 in conjunction with AS 1891.4, which governs industrial fall-arrest systems and harness attachment points.
Read more: Australian Standards for Forklift Attachments
Forklift Attachments and Load Capacity
What is forklift load capacity?
A forklift’s load capacity is the maximum weight that a forklift can safely carry at a specified load centre and a maximum load height.
Where to find your attachment’s load capacity
You can locate a forklift attachment’s load capacity information on its data plate. The data plate contains valuable details such as the model number, serial number, weight, and capacity of the attachment. In some cases, you may also find additional relevant information on the plate. If the attachment is missing a data plate, you can contact the manufacturer to obtain a replacement. To do this, you will need to provide them with the attachment’s serial number, typically stamped somewhere on the attachment’s body. Contact your forklift dealer to specify the attachment rating relative to your fork truck.
Impact of Attachments on Forklift Load Capacity
Your forklift is rated for a specific maximum load capacity, and forklift attachments affect the maximum load capacity of your forklift. Put simply, when you use an attachment on a forklift, the load capacity will be reduced and the centre of gravity of the forklift will be affected, making it less stable than it would be without the attachment. This is because you are putting weight in front of the fulcrum point (the point or support on which a lever pivots) of the forklift prior to picking up your load. It is therefore necessary to drive the forklift as if it were partially loaded, even prior to picking up the load.
If you attempt to lift a payload that is higher than your rated maximum lift capacity, while your forklift may be able to do it – at least for a short time – it isn’t safe and it risks the safety of your operator and employees in the immediate area. It may also damage your forklift, forklift load, and surrounding equipment, costing you money and downtime.
Read more: How forklift attachments affect a forklift
How to calculate the new forklift load capacity
To accurately calculate the new forklift capacity after adding an attachment, you must calculate its residual (net) capacity. Adding an attachment adds weight and extends the load centre forward, reducing the overall safe lifting limit.
Step one: Identify your specifications for the calculation:
- Your forklift’s rated capacity
- The distance from your wheel centreline to carriage face (in mm)
- The forklift rated load centre distance (usually 500/600mm)
- Weight of your forklift attachment (kgs)
- Thickness of your attachment (lost load centre distance from the carriage face to attachment face)
- The attachment horizontal centre of gravity (distance from the attachment rear face to its own centre of gravity)
- The new load centre (distance from the attachment face to the centre of gravity of the new load)
Step two: Calculate the Allowable Load Moment
The allowable load moment is the total rotational force (torque) that the forklift can safely balance over its front axle before there is a risk of tip-over.
Allowable Moment = A x (B + C)
Step three: Calculate the Attachment Moment
This identifies how much the safe balance force is lost just by hanging the forklift attachment on the front forklift carriage:
Attachment Moment = D x (B + F)
Step Four: Calculate the Next Safe Load Capacity
Subtract the lost attachment force from the forklift’s total allowable force, then divide by the new overall distance from the front axle to the load centre.
Net Capacity = Allowable Moment – Attachment Moment
B + E + G
How to be sure which attachment size is right for your forklift?
To ensure your forklift attachment is the correct size for your forklift:
- Match your forklift attachments compatibility with your forklift specifications.
- Consider the dimensions and maximum load weight
- Ensure it can be safely and properly mounted to your forklift with suitable locking devices
- Ensure the attachment is appropriate for the specific forklift task and load you are lifting
- Ensure the compliance plate shows:
- Working load limit (WLL)
- TARE weight
- Model number / code
- Horizontal centre of gravity (HCOG)
- Vertical centre of gravity (VCOG)
- Manufacture month and year, and job number
- Verify the new load capacity with the forklift attached.
Always confirm the correct sizing with your forklift dealer and forklift attachment manufacturer.
Forklift Attachment Safety
To ensure your forklift attachment is safe to use, always:
- Conduct daily visual inspections to identify any wear or damage, including hydraulic cylinders and hoses.
- Forklift Capacity – always check the rated forklift capacity and WLL before using attachments.
- Ensure the forklift attachment is correctly attached for the forklift carriage using the designated chains, locking pins, etc.
- Only use attachments for their specifically designed purpose.
- Ensure forklift operators are licensed and trained in using the forklift attachment.
- Drive carefully to compensate for reduced forklift stability, and always be aware of surroundings and pedestrians
Read: How to reduce forklift accidents in the workplace
How to select a quality forklift attachment supplier
Use Compliant Forklift Attachments
Using a forklift attachment that does not comply with AS 2359.1 is not just a regulatory issue — it is a safety risk. Non-compliant attachments may be under-rated for the loads they are used with, lack the structural features needed to prevent failure, or expose your business to WHS liability if an incident occurs. Always use compliant forklift attachments that have compliance plates attached.
Buy Australian Made Forklift Attachments
Purchase forklift attachments that are designed and manufactured in Australia from a reputable manufacturer like Bremco Metal Products. Bremco products come with compliance plates, load rating charts, test records and certificates. Every Bremco attachment is designed for AS 2359.1 from the ground up, not adapted from an overseas equivalent. Ensure that your forklift attachments complies with Australian Standards, is fully welded and durable, and will be a safe and effective attachment tool for your workplace.
Contact the friendly Bremco team for a fast quote and expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Forklift Attachments are a type of materials handling equipment that can be attached to the tynes or carriage of a forklift.
Forklift attachments are versatile pieces of equipment that expand a forklift’s capabilities by allowing it to handle heavy, oversized, awkward, and non-palletised loads efficiently and safely.
Types of forklift attachments include forklift slippers, forklift spreaders, forklift jibs, forklift safety cages, forklift goods cages, forklift bin tippers, forklift carpet poles, forklift drum handling, forklift container ramps, forklift bulk bag lifters, forklift broom attachments, and forklift bucket attachments.
Forklift attachments can improve workplace productivity, reduce operating costs, and improve workplace safety.
Forklift attachments in Australia are governed by Australian Standard AS 2359.1 Powered Industrial Trucks.
A forklift’s load capacity is the maximum weight that a forklift can safely carry at a specified load centre and a maximum load height.
To accurately calculate the new forklift capacity after adding an attachment, you must calculate its residual (net) capacity. Adding an attachment adds weight and extends the load centre forward, reducing the overall safe lifting limit.
Always use a reputable forklift attachment manufacturer who complies with Australian Standard AS 2359.1, and provides compliance plates, load rating charts, test records and certificates. Purchasing from Australian companies like Bremco Metal Products ensures that your forklift attachments complies with Australian Standards, is fully welded and durable, and will be a safe and effective attachment tool for your workplace.