A forklift boom (also called a forklift jib or crane attachment) turns a standard forklift into a mobile crane. It attaches to the forks or carriage and extends outward, allowing the forklift to lift and position loads that are too long, too high, or too awkward for standard forks. The table below provides a quick overview of leading suppliers, followed by detailed guidance on selecting the right boom for your operation.
Quick Reference: Top Forklift Boom Suppliers
Supplier Key Products Capacity Range Notes
Air Technical Industries (ATI) Jib-Master Forklift Crane 500 – 10,000 lbs Offers fully powered telescoping booms with up to 148" reach; includes remote controls. Ideal for heavy-duty, multi-directional lifting.
Caldwell Group Fixed-Length Booms (EB Series) 1,500 – 4,000 lbs Standard, cost-effective fixed-length booms. Great for predictable, repetitive lifts where telescoping isn't needed.
CBI Forklift Attachments Carriage & Fork Mounted Booms Contact supplier US-made heavy-duty booms. Offers custom manufacturing if standard options don't fit your application.
Arrow Material Handling KAUP by Arrow Booms Contact supplier Leverages 50+ years of OEM engineering. Focuses on attachments with very low lost load center, maximizing crane capacity.
Note: International suppliers like Shandong Tavol Machinery offer solutions but require careful logistics and communication management. A local distributor is often easier for service and support in North America.
Type of Boom: Telescoping vs. Fixed
The first decision is whether you need a telescoping (adjustable) boom or a fixed-length boom.
Telescoping/Fully Powered Booms are the most versatile. They feature a hydraulic cylinder that allows the operator to extend the boom length under load without repositioning the forklift. This is critical for precision placement, feeding material into machines, or reaching into the center of a truck. ATI's Jib-Master is a prime example, offering up to 148 inches of reach with a 3,000 lb capacity and includes a remote push-button pendant for safe operation away from the pinch points.
Fixed-Length Booms are more economical. They are a solid steel beam with multiple hook positions. They are lighter than telescoping models, preserving more of the forklift's net lifting capacity. The Caldwell EB-40 offers 5 different hook positions, allowing you to change your lifting point mechanically, but you must drive the forklift to reposition the hook.
Lost Load Center: The Critical Specification
When you attach a boom, you are moving the load's center of gravity far forward of the forklift's front axle. This drastically reduces the forklift's rated capacity.
For every inch the boom extends past the forks, you lose lifting capacity. A forklift rated for 5,000 lbs with standard forks might only lift 1,500 lbs at the end of a 48-inch boom.
This is why Caldwell lists the maximum capacity at specific hook positions, and why CBI and Arrow emphasize "low lost load center" in their engineering. A well-designed boom will be strong but lightweight, using high-strength alloy steel to keep the attachment weight down so more of the capacity goes to the load.
Application and Capacity Matching
Light-Duty / Maintenance (1,500 - 3,000 lbs): If you are lifting motors, spools, or scrap into a hopper, the Caldwell EB-15 or a standard manual boom from Hoists Direct is often sufficient and budget-friendly.
Heavy-Duty / Construction (4,000 - 10,000 lbs): For moving heavy machinery, pallets of brick, or structural steel, you need a heavy-duty option. ATI's high-capacity jibs or a custom CBI boom will provide the necessary safety factor and durability for daily use.
Powered Positioning: If you need to angle the load (forks tilt) or change the length while holding a load, you need a powered model like the ATI Jib-Master. Relying on manual adjustments for heavy loads is dangerous and inefficient.
North American vs. International Sourcing
USA & Canadian Manufacturers (Caldwell, CBI, ATI, Gorbel, Arrow) offer several distinct advantages. Typically, you will receive a finished product faster, as there are no lengthy ocean freight times or customs delays. They must comply with ANSI/ASME safety standards for overhead lifting, which is legally mandatory in many workplaces. Parts and warranty support are easier and faster to access.
International Suppliers (Tavol, Shacman) offer lower base prices. However, this requires paying significant freight charges, often by sea, which takes weeks. You must also verify safety standards, as some international equipment may not carry the required North American safety certifications (CE vs. ANSI), creating liability in the event of an accident.
Key Takeaway: Unless you are a machinery dealer or buying an entire truck-mounted system, sourcing from a local US or Canadian distributor will save you significant logistical headaches and safety liability.
Summary Decision Matrix
Use this decision tree to guide your selection:
Hydraulic, adjustable length needed under load? Choose Air Technical Industries (ATI).
Static, fixed-length, budget-friendly? Choose Caldwell (Hoists Direct).
Heavy capacity, custom size, US-made? Choose CBI.
Need OEM-style quality with low clearance loss? Choose Arrow.
Before purchasing, always verify your forklift's de-rated capacity with the attachment. A good supplier will ask for your forklift model number to confirm the combination is safe, as the attachment itself may weigh several hundred pounds.