Essential Guide to Forklift Jib Attachments
What is a Forklift Jib Attachment?
Forklift jibs are a common attachment that when fitted to a forklift expand its capabilities to become a multi-purpose lifting machine.
Attachments are engineered to slide and secure easily to forklift tynes so that loads can be quickly attached to the hook at the end of the jib.
What is the Purpose of a Forklift Jib Attachment?
Jib and hook attachments provide a simple cost effective way to safely hang loads from a forklifts tynes.
Businesses can benefit from the use of jib attachments as they no longer need to hire or buy expensive additional cranes or hoists to supplement their forklift fleet.
Jibs can be effectively used in warehouse, workshops and factories to handle repetitive lifting tasks.
Common Types of Forklift Jib Attachments
The three most common types of jib attachments include:
- Fixed Forklift Jib – Designed to complete repetitive lifting tasks where adjustments to the length of the jib aren’t necessary.
- Extendable Forklift Jib – Telescopic design allows the length of the jib to be adjusted to safely accommodate loads of different sizes. Each length of extension will have a different safe lifting capacity to maintain the stability of the forklift.
- Adjustable Forklift Jib – Design that allows the end of the jib to be raised and lowered to different angles to accommodate different sized loads. The safe lifting capacity of the jib will vary depending on the angle of the jib.
Safe Working Load Limits of Forklift Jibs
Attachment manufacturer’s engineer each type of jib with a specific maximum load weight (e.g. 2,000kg or 2T) the jib is able to safely handle.
It is important to note that the maximum safe lifting weight limit of the jib will decrease when it is extended or positioned at an angle.
The jibs maximum load limit must not be exceeded under any circumstances.
Trying to lift loads heavier than the forklift and attachment are rated to lift can lead to dangerous unit instability greatly increasing the risk of the load and forklift tipping over potentially causing serious injury, fatalities or damage to product or equipment.
Forklift Jib Inspections, Maintenance and Testing
Like the forklift they’re connected to jib attachments should be periodically inspected and load tested by a qualified inspection officer, this is to ensure the attachment is in safe operational order.
Properly inspecting a jib includes:
- Inspect the whole jib for any wear and tear or damage, pay particular attention to critical points
- Check to make sure the hook and shackle are in safe working order
- Ensure the forklift tynes the jib slides onto are not worn or damaged
All forklift operators must be retrained to be able to safely operate any new jib attachment.
The additional weight of a jib could potentially overload a forklift causing it to tip over due to a change in the unit’s centre of gravity.
Forklift Jib Safety Tips
To help ensure operator safety when using forklift jibs, consider the following safety tips:
- Check the jib and beams before use to ensure the jib is fitted to the forklifts tynes securely and will not come loose during operation.
- Forklifts tynes should always be level or tilted slightly upwards when the jib is attached to decrease the likelihood of the forklift tipping over.
- Jibs are specifically designed to only lift loads vertically, they shouldn’t be used to pull or swing loads. Using tag lines can help reduce any swinging.
- Jib attachments should only be used when the forklift is on level ground, they shouldn’t be used when a forklift is working on an incline.
- Before operating a forklift with jib attached the operator must be properly trained and certified on the use of the forklift and the attachment.
Looking to purchase your first or replace an old outdated jib attachment?
Adaptalift Group are a leading supplier of a wide variety of high quality jibs and other forklift attachments.
Contact our team of attachment experts on 13 22 54 for assistance in finding your new jib or submit an online enquiry.