Is a Double Forklift Right for Heavy Material Handling?
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Summary: A double forklift setup helps contractors and fabrication shops handle heavy, oversized, and irregular materials more safely and efficiently. Aardwolf forklift attachments available from Tait Sales & Consulting increase lifting versatility, improve load control, and reduce reliance on additional lifting equipment, making demanding material handling operations more productive. |
Moving heavy materials safely and efficiently is one of the biggest challenges in stone fabrication, construction, and industrial distribution. As slab sizes increase and bundled materials become heavier, standard forklift forks may not always provide the flexibility or support needed for certain lifting tasks.
That's where a double forklift setup can make a significant difference.

By adding specialized attachments such as double Forklift Boom or swivel hook attachments, contractors and fabrication shops can expand the capabilities of an existing forklift without investing in an entirely separate lifting machine. These attachments help improve load handling, reduce manual repositioning, and increase efficiency when moving awkward or oversized materials.
At Tait Sales & Consulting, the Double Forklift category includes professional-grade Aardwolf attachments designed to support demanding material handling applications across fabrication shops, warehouses, and construction sites.
Understanding a Double Forklift Setup
A double forklift configuration doesn't mean operating two forklifts together.
Instead, it refers to using a standard forklift equipped with specialized double-fork attachments that extend its lifting capabilities.
Depending on the attachment, a forklift can:
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Lift bundled materials
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Handle awkward loads
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Support longer lifting reaches
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Function similarly to a mobile lifting crane
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Improve stability during heavy material movement
Rather than replacing your existing forklift, these attachments enhance its functionality for applications where traditional forks may be limited.
For businesses regularly handling stone slabs, bundled materials, or oversized products, this added versatility can make daily operations safer and more productive.
Why Double Forklift Attachments Matter
Standard forklift forks perform well when lifting pallets and evenly balanced loads.
However, certain materials present additional challenges.
Examples include:
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Granite slab bundles
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Marble slabs
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Quartz bundles
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Structural steel
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Lumber packages
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Long construction materials
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Industrial components
These loads often require better support, improved balance, and more controlled lifting points.
Double forklift attachments help solve these challenges by creating engineered lifting solutions designed specifically for heavy and irregular materials.
Instead of relying on manual balancing or multiple pieces of equipment, operators can perform lifting tasks using a single forklift equipped with the proper attachment.
Aardwolf Double Forklift Attachment (FHADF2)
One practical solution available from Tait Sales is the Aardwolf Double Forklift Attachment (FHADF2).
This attachment quickly converts a standard forklift into a mobile crane-style lifting system.
Instead of lifting only with traditional forks, operators gain access to a swivel hook designed for awkward or suspended loads.
Key Features
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Converts a forklift into a mobile crane within seconds
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Heavy-duty welded steel construction
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Durable powder-coated finish
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Swivel hook with integrated safety latch
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36-inch safety chain included
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Easy installation using hand screws
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Working load limit of 6,614 lbs (3,000 kg)
The swivel hook allows operators to lift materials that may not sit securely on standard forks.
This makes it an excellent solution for fabrication facilities, warehouses, logistics operations, and construction environments where lifting flexibility is important.
Because installation is quick, operators can easily switch between conventional forklift work and specialized lifting applications.

Shop Aardwolf Double Forklift Attachment (FHADF2) now.Â
Aardwolf Double Forklift Boom (DFB2-5000)
For larger slab bundles and heavier industrial materials, the Aardwolf Double Forklift Boom DFB2-5000 offers even greater capability.
Designed specifically for removing bundles of marble and granite slabs from closed-top shipping containers, this telescoping boom significantly expands what a forklift can accomplish.
Its two-section rectangular steel boom provides excellent stability while allowing operators to insert the full boom length into containers.
This design brings loads closer to the forklift mast, improving both lifting capacity and overall stability.
Key Features
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Feature |
Benefit |
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Working load limit: 11,023 lbs (5,000 kg) |
Handles heavy slab bundles and industrial loads |
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Telescoping two-section boom |
Extended reach inside containers |
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Adjustable connection bar |
Fits different slab bundle widths |
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Open hook design |
Quick sling attachment |
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Powder-coated finish |
Long-term durability |
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Double-fork installation |
Simple attachment to compatible forklifts |
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Designed for 5-ton forklifts and larger |
Heavy-duty performance |
One standout feature is the adjustable connection bar.
The distance between the two forks can be adjusted from 300 mm to 1,300 mm (11.8–51.2 inches) to accommodate different slab bundle sizes without blocking the operator's visibility.
This contributes to both safer operation and improved productivity.
The boom extensions are also designed so they cannot be accidentally pulled completely out during operation, providing an additional level of safety.

Buy Aardwolf Double Forklift Boom DFB2-5000 now.Â
Benefits of Using Double Forklift Attachments
Adding the right attachment can significantly expand the capabilities of an existing forklift.
Greater Load Versatility
Some materials simply aren't designed to sit safely on standard forks.
Double forklift attachments make it easier to lift:
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Slab bundles
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Long materials
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Irregular loads
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Suspended components
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Oversized products
Instead of forcing difficult loads onto conventional forks, operators gain lifting points designed specifically for these applications.
Improved Load Capacity and Stability
Attachments such as the DFB2-5000 boom allow operators to handle heavier materials while keeping loads positioned closer to the forklift.
This improves stability throughout the lifting process.
Rather than purchasing larger equipment for occasional heavy lifts, many operations can increase capability by adding the appropriate attachment to an existing forklift.
Increased Productivity
Every equipment change creates downtime.
Switching between forklifts, cranes, and manual lifting equipment slows production.
A properly equipped double forklift setup allows operators to perform multiple lifting tasks using one machine.
Benefits include:
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Faster loading
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Quicker unloading
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Reduced equipment changes
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Improved workflow
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Better labor efficiency
These improvements become especially valuable in busy fabrication shops where heavy materials move throughout the day.
Better Protection for Materials and Operators
Large stone slabs and bundled materials represent significant investments.
Poor lifting practices increase the risk of:
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Broken slabs
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Surface damage
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Load shifting
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Operator injuries
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Equipment damage
Engineered lifting attachments help reduce these risks by providing more secure lifting methods and better load control.
Common Applications
Double forklift attachments serve a wide range of industries.
Stone Fabrication Yards
Granite and marble bundles require careful handling from delivery through fabrication.
The Aardwolf Double Forklift Boom allows operators to unload containers, move slab bundles around the yard, and position materials safely for storage.
Warehouses and Distribution Centers
Wide or irregular pallet bundles often extend beyond standard forklift forks.
Booms and swivel hook attachments provide additional flexibility when handling oversized shipments.
Construction Sites
Building materials such as structural steel, bundled lumber, mechanical equipment, and large components frequently require specialized lifting methods.
Double forklift attachments simplify transportation while improving load control.
When a Double Forklift May Not Be Necessary
Although these attachments provide excellent versatility, they aren't the best solution for every application.
If your operation primarily handles:
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Standard pallets
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Small loads
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Lightweight materials
traditional forklift forks may provide the most economical option.
Space also plays an important role.
Longer boom attachments require adequate operating clearance.
Facilities with narrow aisles or confined workspaces may benefit more from conventional forklifts or pallet jacks.
Likewise, jobs requiring extreme lifting heights or highly specialized placement may still be better suited to dedicated cranes or telehandlers.
Evaluating your daily workflow helps determine which equipment provides the greatest value.
Choosing the Right Heavy Material Handling Solution
Before investing in a double forklift attachment, consider several important questions.
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Consideration |
Questions to Ask |
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Load type |
Are you lifting slab bundles or irregular materials? |
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Weight |
Are heavy loads handled regularly? |
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Work environment |
Is there enough space for boom operation? |
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Equipment compatibility |
Can your forklift safely support the attachment? |
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Operator training |
Are operators familiar with attachment safety procedures? |
Answering these questions helps determine whether a double forklift configuration will improve productivity within your operation.
Support from Tait Sales & Consulting
Selecting the right material handling equipment involves more than comparing specifications.
At Tait Sales & Consulting, LLC, you'll find professional solutions designed specifically for stone fabrication, construction, and industrial material handling.
Whether you're considering the Aardwolf Double Forklift Attachment FHADF2 or the Aardwolf Double Forklift Boom DFB2-5000, experienced guidance can help you choose equipment that matches your forklift, materials, and workflow requirements.
The right attachment not only expands lifting capability but also supports safer, more efficient day-to-day operations.
Conclusion: Is a Double Forklift Right for Your Operation?
For businesses regularly handling heavy slab bundles, oversized materials, or awkward industrial loads, a double forklift setup can significantly improve material handling efficiency. Attachments like the Aardwolf Double Forklift Attachment FHADF2 and Aardwolf Double Forklift Boom DFB2-5000 transform a standard forklift into a more versatile lifting solution without the need for additional cranes or specialized equipment.
Before investing, evaluate your load types, available workspace, forklift capacity, and daily workflow. When matched to the right application, these attachments help improve productivity, enhance load control, reduce manual handling, and provide a safer approach to moving heavy materials across fabrication shops, warehouses, and construction sites.
FAQ's
No. Always ensure your forklift meets the attachment's size and load capacity requirements.
Not entirely. It expands forklift capabilities but doesn't replace every crane application.
Yes, provided there is adequate operating space and proper safety procedures are followed.
They improve the handling of heavy, long, and irregular loads with greater stability and control.
Yes. They allow a standard forklift to perform a wider range of lifting and material handling tasks.
Robert Tait
Robert Tait is a senior sales and operations leader with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and distribution. Based in Overland Park, Kansas, he is the President of Tait Sales & Consulting LLC (TSC), a family-owned and operated venture he founded in 2019. TSC was founded to provide diamond tooling, material handling, and all related consumables to the natural stone industry. The industries have now expanded to include, construction, glass, tile, masonry, hardscape and concrete industries.