Telehandler & Forklift Spreader Bars

A forklift spreader bar turns a set of pallet forks into a proper lifting point for loads that were never meant to sit on a pallet — roof trusses, precast panels, pipe, and steel bundles. Skid Steers Direct carries fork-mounted bars from Haugen Attachments and Star Industries in rigid, extendable, and adjustable configurations, plus top-hook models for crews that also rig from a crane. The decision comes down to the width of your loads, whether that width changes job to job, and how the load attaches. Our bars slide onto standard pallet forks, and rated capacity drops as an extendable bar lengthens, so match the rating at full extension against your heaviest pick.
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5 products

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a spreader bar attachment used for?

A spreader bar mounts to your forks and gives you two or more wide-set lifting points for loads that can't ride on a pallet — trusses, precast panels, pipe bundles, and
crated equipment. Picking the load at wider points keeps it level and cuts down on swing, which makes long or awkward lifts far more controlled than balancing the
same load on bare fork tines.

Should I get an adjustable or a fixed-length spreader bar?

Fixed-length bars are simpler, lighter, and cost less, so they make sense when your loads are consistently the same width. Adjustable and extendable bars let one
attachment cover a range of load sizes, which is worth the extra cost if you handle varied material. Keep in mind that rated capacity on an extendable bar drops as it
extends — always check the rating at the length you'll actually run.

How much can a forklift spreader bar lift?

Capacity varies by model and, on extendable bars, by how far the bar is extended — ratings can fall significantly at full length. The real limit is often your machine
rather than the bar: adding a spreader bar moves the load's center of gravity forward, which reduces what your forklift or telehandler can safely handle. Check both
the bar's rating and your load chart before lifting.

Will a spreader bar fit my pallet forks?

-mounted spreader bars slide over standard fork tines and secure with retaining hardware, so they fit most forklift and telehandler carriages. Fork spacing, tine
width, and tine thickness are what matter — not the machine brand. Measure your tines before ordering, and contact us with your fork dimensions and heaviest
planned lift if you'd like us to confirm the fit.

What are the top hooks on some spreader bars for?

Top hooks let the same bar be picked by a crane hook or sling instead of, or in addition to, fork tines. That's useful on sites where a load starts on a telehandler and
finishes on a crane, or where the pick point has to change partway through the job. If your crews run both machines, a top-hook model saves buying two separate
rigging setups.