What’s a forklift arm?

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A forklift arm is an attachment that extends the reach of a forklift, allowing it to lift loads over a wider range and clear obstacles. These arms come in various designs, including telescopic and rotating models, and are rated to accommodate a maximum load. However, buyers should consider safety and legal aspects before investing in a forklift boom, as unauthorized attachments can result in fines from safety authorities.

A forklift arm is a device used to extend the reach of a forklift. A standard forklift has two prongs, or tines, that can be used to lift and lower boxes and pallets. A boom attachment allows users to lift loads over a wider range and offers great flexibility so that the forklift can be used for a wider range of applications. A forklift arm can be thought of as a combination of a traditional forklift and a small crane.

These arms fit directly into the tines of a forklift and are secured in place using chains or clamps. The basic models come with an arm, or forearm, that extends in front of the machine. More complex designs include a vertical strut to support the arm and give it greater reach. These units with built-in masts are often known as high-rise models.

Some forklift booms are designed to be telescopic, while others have a fixed length. Buyers can also choose arms that rotate side to side, although the standard models remain stationary. Each forklift arm is rated to accommodate a maximum load, so buyers should match each unit to a specific design to avoid injury or damage. It’s also important to find a boom attachment that’s designed to fit a particular forklift design, as the design and configuration of these fixtures can vary.

One of the main benefits of using a forklift arm is that it allows operators to lift objects higher or clear obstacles. For example, these arm attachments allow users to move building materials across the roof or second floor of a building, even if scaffolding or other obstacles are in the way. These machines also serve as an effective way to install heavy equipment on the roof or to remove old air conditioning and heating units. The forklift arm makes it easy to accommodate heavy or oddly shaped objects that would not fit securely on a standard forklift.

Before investing in a forklift boom, buyers should consider the safety and legal aspects of these devices. The United States (US) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not permit users to add any attachments to a forklift that are not specifically sold with the machine. The only exception is if the forklift manufacturers provide written authorization and assurance that the specified device can be used safely with that forklift. Without this written permission, companies can face fines from OSHA and other safety authorities.




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