Many of our customers come to us looking for a way to move trailers with their forklifts, skid steers or telehandlers. For this, we have a pair of mobile trailer attachments that attach directly to your forks and trailer hitch.
In this article we will discuss some of the best forklift accessories for moving trailers, also known as trailer spotters. There are several different forklift attachment options on the market. Hopefully, after reading this, you have a better understanding of what kind of trailer viewer to choose.
How does a mobile forklift trailer attachment work?
A forklift trailer that moves the attachment slides over the forks of the forklifts and is locked in place behind the heel of the forks. On the trailer side of the attachment is a 2 inch receiver to attach to any trailer hitch you need. For example, you can put in a 2-inch ball hitch, pin hitch, or other combination hitch styles.
The lift trailer moving attachment can then be used to move trailers around a yard just like you would your truck.
These attachments are easy to use, allowing the operator to face the trailer for better visibility and easier maneuvering. Fork mounted trailer spotters also take advantage of the added power and torque of most forklifts and skid steers.
What type of trailer hitches do forklift trailer spotters come with?
Forklift trailer spotters come in different shapes and sizes, depending on what you need them for. There are several types of trailer hitches that include forklift trailer spotters. This includes:
-Ball coupling: this type of coupling is used on trailers with ball coupling. This is the most common hitch to forklift trailer watchers.
– Pin Hitch: Pin hitches typically have higher towing capacities than ball hitches and are often used on farm equipment. They are generally preferred for off-road use.
– Combo hitches: Combo hitches will have a ball hitch and a pin hitch all in one.
Some manufacturers sell hitches separately.
Maximum towing weight of Spotter towing accessories
The maximum gross trailer weight for lift trailer mobile attachments varies by model and manufacturer, but you can expect to find them between 10,000 pounds and 30,000 pounds.
What is the forklift trailer hitch with the highest towing capacity?
The Navy Lift n Tow 1396C has the largest towing capacity. Its maximum gross trailer weight is up to 30,000 pounds and a maximum lift capacity on the swivel hook of 12,000 pounds.
How much does a lift trailer mobile attachment weigh?
A mobile forklift trailer attachment could weigh anywhere from 100 to 500 pounds, depending on the manufacturer and materials used. It is recommended that you choose ones constructed from high quality American steel and coated with rust and corrosion resistant properties to ensure that your trailer hitch will last for an extended period of time.
Common fork slot dimensions for trailer moving attachments
Trailer moving accessories are designed to fit the most common fork sizes. Fork groove dimensions will typically range from 2.5″ thick by 6.5″ wide and will be 34″ center to center.
It is always best to measure the forks and check the dimensions of the accessory you are buying.
Always use a safety chain with your attachment
The most common cause of accidents is not using the accessory correctly. Always use a safety chain when using a trailer spotter. This chains the attachment to the forklift to prevent the trailer from running away in the event of a catastrophic failure. The safety chain must be provided by the manufacturer at the time of purchase.
What forklift trailer moving accessories do we recommend?
Two of the most trusted manufacturers in the accessory business are Star Industries and Haugen, both known for making high-quality equipment, including trailer spotters.
Load-N-Tow 1398
The Load-N-Tow manufactured by Star Industries offers a simple solution for loading and unloading bulky and heavy equipment. By simply sliding the Load-N-Tow onto the forks, a single person can maneuver it safely and quickly with ease.
Star Industries Lift n Tow 1390B
This is the most popular trailer hitch accessory we offer. This series includes a lifting hook and trailer hitch, making it an easy and safe way to lift, load and tow with your forklift.
Lift n Tow 1390B is the standard model of the series. It weighs 220 pounds without the hitch adapter. The maximum gross trailer weight is 10,000 pounds and a lift capacity of 4,000 pounds on a swivel hook.
Star Industries Super duty Lift n Tow 1395B
Next in line is the superduty Lift n Tow 1395B with open pocket ends that will fit a fork pocket size of 48″ long x 8 ¾ x 3″ ID and a fork size of 8″ wide x 2 ¾” thick. Weighing 400 pounds without the hitch adapter, its maximum gross towing weight is up to 16,000 pounds.
Star Industries Navy Lift n Tow 1396C
Among Star Industries’ Lift-N-Tow series, the Navy Lift n Tow 1396C has the largest towing capacity. Unlike other models, it comes with a clip with every purchase. A pin hitch is primarily used for heavy trailers, especially on rough terrain and off-road, providing a pivot point around which another object rotates.
Attachments Haugen Fork Mounted Trailer Spotter
Move your boat, trailer or other equipment quickly and safely without fear with the Fork Mounted Trailer Spotter from Haugen Attachments. This Haugen model uses pins to secure the binding behind the fork heel. The receiver for the trailer hitch is a two inch ball.
Unlike the Star industries brand, this attachment will not offer a lifting hook. However, you’ll spend less to acquire it, and it’s often in stock and ready to ship.
conclusion
A good forklift trailer will increase your efficiency and reduce the risk of accidents on the job sites. Enjoy the versatility and increased functionality of your forklift when it can safely move trailers.
To view our collection of miniature mounted trailer spotters, click here link.
