Can I Use My Forklift to Tow Things in the UK?

Forklifts are incredibly popular pieces of warehouse equipment. This is because they’re extremely versatile, allowing even fledgling warehouse workers to get the job done quickly, efficiently and, most of all, effectively. Forklifts provide the average warehouse employee with the necessary capabilities to tackle a wide range of warehouse applications, but what about towing? A commonly-asked question in the industry is whether or not forklifts can, in fact, be used for towing things in the UK, so let’s discuss it.

Can I use a forklift to tow things in the UK?

No. It is not advised that you use a forklift for towing things in the United Kingdom. It’s a widely-assumed no-go in the industry to use a forklift as a tow truck, so we heavily advise against doing this. Where forklifts are incredibly strong, sturdy and powerful machines, they’re not designed with towing in mind and so it could lead to damage of the vehicle, the item you’re towing or even cause harm or injury to the operator and others in the vicinity.

Forklifts, unfortunately, do not have the weight distribution or braking capacity needed to be able to execute the act of towing, even if it’s something relatively light or small. In addition to that, the way in which the vehicle is configured also hinders its ability to tow things. The front wheels are generally used for braking, whereas the back wheels are responsible for the steering of the machine.

This means that there’s a far greater risk of it tipping over. They’re simply not designed to tug heavy weights. To ensure the safety of everyone in the warehouse and to protect your assets and stock, please refrain from using a forklift for the purposes of towing. Instead, use a powerful, high-quality tow truck.

Here at Multy Lift, we have an extensive range of tow trucks available from Mitsubishi; one of the most popular material handling manufacturers in the industry. Renowned for their innovative design and impressive engineering, a Mitsubishi tow truck from Multy Lift has a variety of capabilities, each one designed for a busy warehouse:

• Speed automatically reduces when driving around corners
• Stability and strength is guaranteed, simultaneously, thanks to its low centre of gravity
• Steering is made easy and comfortable as the wheel is ergonomically-designed
• Excellent acceleration is experienced with top speeds of 12km/h, even when towing the heaviest of loads
• It ensures a smooth and quiet ride thanks to its suspended drive unit
• Low maintenance levels are needed, allowing operators and warehouse workers to focus more of their time on other jobs
• The operator cabin is spacious with a low step height and easy access from both sides
• Maximum visibility can be enjoyed by a competent operator
• It has a long life-span and robust operation

Can I use the hook on my forklift to tow things?

It’s understandable when a forklift owner sees a hook on either the front or back side of their vehicle to assume that it’s there in order for a forklift to tow things, but you’d actually be mistaken. The towing hook located on a forklift is solely so that another vehicle can tow the forklift, not the other way around.

If your forklift ever broke down or needed to be moved from one area to another without wasting fuel, then towing it would be a useful and convenient thing to do. This is what the towing hook on a forklift is for. It’s important that you consult your manufacturer’s handbook or manual to see exactly how the forklift can be towed safely. But do not use the hook to tow something using the forklift itself.

Can you buy forklift towing attachments?

Generally, all forklifts are not suitable for carrying out towing actions, even if you have the right attachments. Again, the hook on the forklift itself is not for the forklift to tow other items, it’s there so that a larger vehicle can tow the forklift. Instead of looking for the right towing forklift attachments, because it’s highly-unlikely that there will be any that exist anyway, because forklifts are not designed for towing things, you should, instead, look to purchase or hire a tow truck.

Are there any instances where I can use my forklift to tow something?

There are really only one or two instances where a forklift might be able to withstand the action of towing something. Although using a forklift to tow anything is strongly discouraged, a forklift could be used to either nudge or move a small object from one place to another, but you do so at your own risk.

Make sure that you carry out a full risk assessment, also, before attempting to use the forklift in this way. Check that there isn’t anyone in the vicinity and that the operator is wearing a seatbelt at all times. Again, this is strongly discouraged as a forklift should never be used in this way, no matter how seasoned the forklift operator is and regardless of the object you’re wanting to tow.

Multy Lift has over three decades of experience and knowledge in the material handling industry. We are pleased to provide customers with new and used forklifts as well as brand new and second-hand warehouse equipment, including reach trucks, order pickers and pallet trucks, to name a few. For more advice about forklift uses and to find out which heavy piece of machinery might be better for towing, get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.