What Are Forklift Booms

Fork Lift BoomsWhat are fork lift booms?

It is a type of fork lift attachment made in the shape of a large, powerful, cylindrical arm that attaches to the forks of a forklift.  Its primary function is to extend the reach of a forklift and allow it to pick up heavy loads that are oddly shaped or not on pallets.  In many respects, a boom attachment combines the function of a fork truck and a small crane.

How do they operate?

Fork lift booms fit directly over the tines on a forklift.  They are then secured with chains or clamps.  In basic models, the boom simply extends in from the front of the fork truck.  More complex lines are built with a vertical riser that will lift the far end of the boom, just like a crane.  Different types of booms are either fixed length or telescoping.  Some models pivot from side to side; others remain pointed toward the front of the forklift at all times.

What are they used to move?Heavy Duty Commercial Forklift Boom Attachment

Fork lift booms are mostly used for lifting and moving very heavy items safely, quickly, and easily.  Because of the extra height they add to a forklift, they can access higher elevations like roofs of buildings.  They are often used to unload freight from open rail cars and flatbed truck trailers.  This reduces the time it takes to move freight into the warehouse.  Some heavy items, like barrels, are not stored on pallets, so normal fork trucks cannot safely lift them.  Booms are typically attached to fork trucks to move large heavy sections of pipe, heavy crates, and cylindrical objects like drums.  Many times too, fork truck boom attachments make it a lot easier to move large objects stored in hard to reach areas.

What types of advantages do fork lift booms offer over standard fork trucks, pallet jacks, or cranes?

They will definitely save you the money you would otherwise have to invest in a crane.  Compared to pallet trucks and fork trucks, they drastically improve the margin of safety when it comes to moving non-palletized loads and oddly shaped heavy loads.  When transporting products from one level to another, they are invaluable time savers in comparison to freight elevators.  Forklift attachment booms can be used by one licensed fork truck operator, so a small team can get a great deal accomplish without having to overextend its manpower.  When removing old HVAC systems, or installing new ones, they are very effective.

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