A forklift is much more than just a vehicle for lifting and transporting pallets in modern intralogistics. By using the right forklift attachments, a conventional forklift can be transformed into a multifunctional working machine in no time. Whether you need to grip bulky goods, tip bulk material, lift people to heights, or clear the company premises of snow in winter – the right attachments make it possible. For Swiss companies, this means an enormous increase in flexibility and efficiency without having to purchase an expensive special vehicle for every specific application. In this comprehensive guide, we take a detailed look at the most important attachments, their areas of application, the associated costs in Switzerland, and the essential safety regulations of the SUVA. As your reliable partner from Amriswil in the canton of Thurgau, staplerboss.ch is always on hand to advise you on choosing the optimal equipment.
Why these special attachments increase efficiency in your company
Purchasing specialised industrial trucks for every single task in your warehouse or on your production site is extremely cost-intensive and takes up valuable space. This is where these special attachments show their greatest strengths. They allow you to maximise the utilisation of your existing forklift fleet. An industrial truck that transports standard pallets in the morning can lift heavy machine parts with a crane arm or load waste paper with a bale clamp in the afternoon.
This versatility leads to a direct reduction in operating costs. You save on the acquisition costs for additional machines as well as on the ongoing expenses for maintenance, insurance, and parking spaces. You also optimise workflows: your employees do not have to switch between different vehicles but can adapt the forklift to the respective task by quickly changing the attachment. Modern quick-change systems make this process safer and more time-saving than ever today.
The most important attachments at a glance
The market offers an almost endless variety of attachments. Below, we present the most common and important forklift attachments that are part of the standard equipment in many Swiss companies.
Sideshifts and fork positioners
The sideshift is probably the most frequently used attachment in logistics. It allows the driver to hydraulically shift the forks together with the picked-up load to the left or right. This is particularly invaluable when positioning pallets exactly in narrow high-bay warehouses or when loading lorries. The driver does not have to reposition the forklift multiple times, which saves valuable time and significantly reduces wear on tyres and steering.
The fork positioner additionally allows the continuous hydraulic adjustment of the distance between the two forks. If you regularly work with load carriers of different widths in your company – such as Euro pallets, special industrial pallets, or extra-wide stillages –, this device is indispensable. The driver can comfortably adjust the fork distance from the driver's seat without having to dismount and manually move the heavy forks. This significantly increases ergonomics at the workplace and occupational safety.
Rotators and clamps
Rotators allow the forks to rotate by up to 360 degrees. They are used where containers or special tubs need to be emptied safely, for example in agriculture or recycling. They transform the forklift into a mobile tipping station.
For goods without pallets, clamps are the perfect solution. Paper roll clamps grip heavy, sensitive paper rolls securely without damaging the material. Bale clamps are used to transport pressed bales of waste paper or recycled material. The hydraulic pressure can be set exactly to the sensitivity of the load to avoid damage.
Crane arms, working platforms, and snow ploughs
Crane arms are ideal for suspended loads such as engines or unwieldy components. They are pushed onto the forks and locked. This extends the reach of your forklift to safely lift loads over obstacles.
Working platforms provide a safe platform for maintenance work at heights. Instead of using wobbly ladders, employees can be driven up in a secured basket. In Switzerland, strict SUVA regulations apply here to prevent falls.
In winter, your forklift becomes an efficient clearing vehicle with a snow plough attachment. This ensures that your company premises remain safely navigable even in the most adverse weather conditions.
How much do forklift attachments cost in Switzerland?
The investment in such additional equipment varies greatly depending on the type, load capacity, complexity, and manufacturer of the device. Simple mechanical attachments such as a rigid crane arm or a snow plough are available from around 800 to 2,500 CHF. Hydraulic devices that have to be connected to the forklift's control system are naturally more expensive.
A standard sideshift usually costs between 1,000 and 2,500 CHF. For a high-quality fork positioner, you should expect costs between 2,500 and 5,000 CHF. Specialised and complex hydraulic attachments such as paper roll clamps or 360-degree rotators can quickly cost between 6,000 and 15,000 CHF or more, depending on the required load capacity and specific requirements.
However, it does not always have to be a new device. At staplerboss.ch in Amriswil, we also offer you a selection of tested, used attachments that represent a cost-effective alternative. In addition, it is worth considering renting for rarely needed attachments. We would be happy to advise you individually on which solution is the most economical for your budget and frequency of use.
Safety and SUVA guidelines when using attachments
Working with industrial trucks involves risks that become more complex with the use of attachments. In Switzerland, the SUVA is the authoritative body for occupational safety. When using the various forklift attachments, various guidelines must strictly be observed to prevent accidents.
First of all, it must be ensured that the attachment is approved for the respective forklift. Installation may only be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. The use of working platforms for transporting people is particularly critical. The SUVA stipulates: The working platform must be positively connected to the forks. In addition, the forklift must have an appropriate load capacity and the driver must not leave the forklift as long as there are people in the raised working platform.
Furthermore, specific instruction for forklift drivers is essential. A regular forklift licence does not automatically mean that complex hydraulic clamps can be operated safely. The driving behaviour changes significantly due to the additional weight. Regular training is therefore a must.
Attention: The impact on residual load capacity
A technical aspect that is often overlooked is the impact of attachments on the residual load capacity of the forklift. Every attachment has its own weight and its own lost load centre (the distance from the fork carriage to the load centre of gravity).
When you mount an attachment, the load centre of gravity shifts further forward. At the same time, the dead weight reduces the usable lifting capacity. A forklift with a nominal load capacity of 2,500 kg may only be able to safely lift 1,900 kg with a mounted fork positioner.
If this reduced residual load capacity is ignored, there is an acute risk of tipping! It is legally required that a new load capacity chart must be attached to the industrial truck for every combination of forklift and attachment. The driver must be able to see at all times what the maximum weight of the load may be. The experts at staplerboss.ch will be happy to assist you in calculating the residual load capacity.
Maintenance and care for a long service life
To ensure that your hydraulic and mechanical attachments function reliably for many years, regular maintenance is essential. Hydraulic components such as hoses and cylinders are exposed to high loads and must be checked for leaks. Moving parts such as the plain bearings of sideshifts require regular lubrication.
Integrate the visual inspection of the attachments into the daily pre-shift check of your forklift drivers. Cracks in welds or leaking hydraulic oil must be repaired immediately. A defective attachment poses a massive safety risk and can cause expensive damage. We at staplerboss.ch offer you comprehensive service contracts that also include the professional inspection of your attachments.
Conclusion
Forklift attachments are the key to highly flexible, efficient, and economical intralogistics. They enormously expand the range of applications of your industrial trucks and turn a simple means of transport into a versatile tool for almost any challenge in everyday operations. From sideshifts and bale clamps to working platforms and snow ploughs – the right equipment saves time, money, and protects the health of your employees.
However, it is important that safety is always the priority during selection, installation, and use. Compliance with SUVA guidelines, the correct calculation of the residual load capacity, and regular maintenance are essential. If you are looking for the right attachment for your company, the experienced team at staplerboss.ch in Amriswil is at your disposal. We advise you competently, independently of brands, and together we will find the solution that perfectly fits your requirements and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need special training for these special attachments?
Yes, according to SUVA guidelines, the regular forklift licence is often not sufficient when special attachments are used. The employer must ensure that the drivers receive device-specific instruction. This concerns the changed driving behaviour and reading the new load capacity charts. Documented instruction protects you in the event of a claim.
How much does an attachment reduce the load capacity of my forklift?
The reduction in load capacity depends on the dead weight of the attachment and its lost load centre. Since the load centre of gravity shifts forward, the load capacity can drop significantly. It is mandatory to attach a new load capacity plate to the forklift that shows the exact residual load capacity.
Can I mount any attachment on my existing forklift?
No, not every attachment fits every forklift. The decisive factors are the ISO class of the fork carriage, the available hydraulic power, and the number of free hydraulic functions. In addition, the forklift must have sufficient basic load capacity. Get advice from staplerboss.ch before buying to avoid compatibility problems.
