Attachments

How to Choose the Right Attachment for Your Machine

Start with the machine, then the load. Before you compare models, check these four things:

1. Carrier and mount. Forklift attachments usually slide onto the forks through fork pockets or channels, or mount on an ITA carriage. Skid steer attachments use a quick attach plate. Crane and hoist attachments hang from a hook or lifting eye. If the mount doesn't match your machine, nothing else on the spec sheet matters.
2. Rated capacity. Never go over the lower of the two ratings: the attachment's or the machine's. Forklift attachments add weight and move the load center forward, which lowers the truck's real capacity. Our guide to forklift attachment types and capacity derating shows how to check this.
3. Load type. Loose debris needs a hopper. Pipe, barriers and curbs need a clamp or hook built for that shape. Slabs and sheets need vacuum or clamp lifters.
4. Site conditions. Think about your aisle width, dumping height and floor or ground surface. Also check whether the attachment needs hydraulics or power.

Attachment Types at a Glance

Forklift Attachments: Hoppers, Dumpsters, Forks and Scales

Hoppers and dumpsters are the most common way to put a forklift to work on cleanup. Self-dumping models from Star Industries release with a rope or a rear release. They have a safety lock and a safety chain with a locking hook, and come in sizes from 1/2 cu yd upward, with optional casters and lifting hooks. The Apex HD200 dumpster is built from 7GA and 1/4" steel. Vestil adds drop bottom hoppers, overhead self dumping bins and fork mounted trash bin compactors. You can compare the full lineup in forklift attachment dumpsters.

For the forks themselves, Arrow MHP fully tapered ITA forks are 1.75 inches thick, come in 48 inches and 72 inches, and are rated from 6,600 lbs – 11,600 lbs. See more in Arrow MHP. If you want to weigh loads while you move them, the Ravas iForks-32 forklift scale has a max tolerance of 0.1% of applied load and an IP65 protection class.

Skid Steer and Construction Attachments

Loflin Fabrication pallet fork frames fit standard skid steer quick attach systems. There are compact tractor, standard, walkthrough and heavy duty versions, including a 60" heavy duty frame. Each frame takes standard Class 2 pallet forks on a CNC-machined carriage bar with three lock positions. The fork tines and the Class 2 pin kit are sold separately. Vestil adds a multi-purpose lifting attachment, a hydraulic skid steer boom and a skid steer hopper. You can browse them all in skid steer attachments and skid steer dumpsters and hoppers.

For concrete work, the Kenco lifters grip by mechanical action, with no hydraulic hookup needed. They cover concrete pipe hooks, PVC and ductile iron pipe lifts, barrier lifts, and a monument and curb lift for objects from 4" to 16" wide. You can add handling for large or mixed loads with Kenco Multi-Lift systems. For rough loads, an Apex crane dumping bucket rated at 8,000 lbs works as a boom bucket.

Materials, Care and Replacement Parts

Most attachments here are welded steel or alloy steel, so care mostly means inspection. Before each shift:

• Check welds, fork pockets and lifting eyes for cracks or bending.
• Make sure safety chains and latches are in place.
• Look for worn grip pads.

When pads wear, Kenco replacement pads bolt on with the hardware included. For the Kenco curb lift actuator, the manual calls for light penetrating oil only. Keep vacuum suction cups clean and free of grit so they can seal. The stainless steel Abaco swivel hook needs minimal maintenance. Replacement actuators, pads and pin kits are listed in this collection, so you can repair an attachment instead of replacing it.

Brands We Carry

Vestil makes the widest part of this range: hoppers, drum handlers, coil hooks, magnetic spreader beams and trash can dumpers. Vestil items are listed as made in USA with a 1-Year Limited warranty. Kenco makes concrete and pipe handling. Abaco Machines covers stone and glass handling, including A-frames, slab racks, spreader bars and vacuum lifters. You'll also find Star Industries, Apex Hoppers, Loflin Fabrication, Auxx-Lift, Arrow MHP, Ravas and Katool.

Shipping and Returns

We ship within the USA. Shipping rates for most items are calculated at checkout. For oversized or heavy equipment, we may send a formal shipping quote, and you can accept it or cancel for a full refund before dispatch. Most orders take 1-2 business days to process. Standard transit is typically 1-5 business days, while large or custom-crated items can take much longer. Most products ship directly from the manufacturer.

Freight is delivered tailgate only, so you need a forklift, loading dock or enough people to unload. The address must be reachable by a 53’ freight trailer. Inspect the delivery while the driver is there, and write "DAMAGED" on the Bill of Lading if anything is wrong. Report concealed damage within 24 hours.

You can return unused items in their original packaging within 60 days of delivery. You need an RA number first, which you can request at info@vovlift.com. You pay return shipping, and a 30% restocking fee applies.