What is a forklift spreader bar used for?

A forklift spreader bar widens the load-bearing points on a forklift or crane hook so wide, long, or unbalanced loads like crates, panels, or piping can be lifted without pinching, tipping, or damaging the material. It's used when standard fork spacing is too narrow for the load.

How do I know if I need an adjustable spreader bar?

If your loads vary in width or you handle more than one size of crate, panel, or bundle, an adjustable spreader bar lets you set the correct span for each job instead of stocking multiple fixed-width bars. The Star Industries models here adjust from 12 to 20 feet.

Can these spreader bars be used with a crane instead of a forklift?

Yes, the 1160BA and 1160B models include crane pick points in addition to 39″ OC fork mounting, so they work with sling rigging on a crane hook or directly on forklift tines depending on the job.

What's included with the price, and how does shipping work?

Each spreader bar ships with insured LTL freight and carries the manufacturer warranty listed on its product page. Call +1 (307) 441-5529 for freight quotes or help confirming the right adjustment range and capacity for your load.

Professional Forklift Attachment Spreader Bars for Secure Wide-Load Handling | Vovlift

Wide, unbalanced, or crane-rigged loads need a spreader bar to keep forks and slings from crushing the material or tipping the pallet. Vovlift stocks Star Industries adjustable spreader bars that extend from 12 to 20 feet with 39-inch on-center forks, covering crated freight, panels, and machinery moves that a standard fork spread can't handle safely.

✓ 12–20 ft adjustable reach · ✓ 39″ on-center fork spacing · ✓ Manufacturer warranty on every unit · ✓ Insured LTL freight · ✓ Sizing help: +1 (307) 441-5529

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Top Picks

Star Industries Heavy Duty Extendable Spreader Bar

Entry-point extendable bar for standard wide-load pallet work

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Star Industries 1160B | Spreader Bar | 12 to 20 Adjustable | 39″ OC

12-20 ft adjustable bar with 39″ OC fork spacing

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Star Industries Spreader Bar | 12 to 20 Adjustable | 39″ OC & Crane Pick Points

Adjustable bar with crane pick points for sling-rigged loads

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How to Choose a Forklift Spreader Bar

What is a forklift spreader bar?

A forklift spreader bar is an attachment that mounts to the forks or crane hook to widen the load-bearing points, letting a lift handle wide crates, panels, or slung loads without pinching or tipping them. Star Industries models on this page adjust from 12 to 20 feet to fit a range of load widths.

How wide does the bar need to adjust?

Measure the widest point of the load plus clearance for slings or rigging hardware, then confirm the bar's adjustment range covers that dimension with room to spare. All models here adjust between 12 and 20 feet, so match your widest expected load to the low end of that range for a margin of safety.

Do I need crane pick points or fork mounting?

Choose a bar with crane pick points if you're rigging loads with slings and a hook, or fork-mount versions if the load rides directly on the forks. The 1160BA and 1160B models on this page include 39″ OC fork spacing plus crane pick capability for either method.

What capacity does the bar need to carry?

Check the rated capacity against your heaviest load plus rigging weight, not just the forklift's own capacity — the spreader bar has its own limit that must clear the job. Confirm the capacity listed on each product page matches or exceeds your typical load before ordering.