What Are Forklift Beams Used For?

Forklift beams are used to turn your ordinary forklift into a hoist, performing controlled lifts using shackles and/or sling hooks. This is safer than simply throwing straps over the forks of your forklift, or even worse, squeezing a small master link onto your fork and causing the link to spread and weaken. These beams also help you reduce headroom issues because the attachment point is relatively tight to the forks. Forklift beams are really popular in shops where there is no overhead hoist, or on jobsites where overhead hoists or cranes aren't available.

Inside Shackle vs. Outside Hooks

These forklift beams come in two models...Inside Shackle and Outside Hooks. For common lifting, the inside shackle model will work fine. This gives you one central pick point, even though the beam attaches to both forks. But if you have a wider load, such as rebar, you may want the model with outside hooks. It allows you to connect to your load at two points, which gives the load greater support and stability.

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