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Ultimate Guide to Forklift Magnetic Sweepers

Forklift magnets are essential tools for industries needing efficient metal debris management. They attach to forklifts, simplifying metal debris collection while enhancing safety and efficiency. Here’s an overview of the types of forklift magnets available and their pros and cons.

Hanging Forklift Magnet

Vigilant Magnet Mounted Magnetic Sweeper for Forklift Bottom View

Hanging forklift magnetic sweepers are mounted underneath the forklift, automatically collecting metal debris as the forklift moves. This setup provides continuous cleanup, which is especially useful in large indoor environments like warehouses and manufacturing plants.

These hanging forklift magnetic sweepers use powerful magnets to remove metal debris from areas that forklifts frequently pass over. The magnet is suspended underneath the forklift either by chains or magnet pods and constantly operates without requiring the forklift operator to engage or disengage it. This helps keep work areas clean without adding any additional tasks for the operator.

For smaller forklifts the Vigilant or Defiant are great easy to install options that continuously collect metal while your forklift works. If you are operating something bigger with more ground clearance, one of the larger hanging magnets like the Eiger or Nyx are great options to collect larger pieces of debris.

Pros:

– Continuous operation: The magnet is always active as the forklift moves.

– Low maintenance: With few moving parts, hanging forklift magnets are highly durable.

– Safety enhancement: These magnets collect dangerous debris like nails and screws that could cause tire damage or injuries.

Cons:

– Limited range: Since they are fixed to the forklift’s underside, they only sweep areas directly beneath the vehicle.

– Less control: The fixed position means that operators cannot adjust the height or position of the sweeper for specific debris collection.

Fork-Mounted Forklift Magnetic Sweeper

Nova Fork Mounted Magnetic Sweeper

Fork-mounted forklift magnetic sweepers attach to the forklift’s tines, offering more control over positioning and height.

This type of forklift magnetic sweeper allows the operator to adjust the sweeper as needed for varying surfaces or types of debris. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, and its flexible setup enables the collection of metal debris from uneven terrain or cluttered areas.

These forklift magnets can be outfitted with more features and bigger magnet housings because they are supported by the forks of the lift truck. This allows for faster sweeping in rougher terrain while picking up bigger debris types.  Additional features on Bluestreak fork mount magnetic sweepers include ground tracking technology to maintain perfect sweeping height, remote control or lever action clean off, and debris digging rakes to dislodge embedded debris.

Ranging from the simple Bluetang Forklift magnet to the Nova (pictured), there are many options for any scenario available from Bluestreak Equipment to keep large areas clear of metal debris.

Pros:

– Height adjustability: The operator can raise or lower the magnetic sweeper, providing precision in areas where debris may be difficult to access.

– Stronger magnets: Fork-mounted sweepers often have higher magnetic strength, allowing for the collection of larger metal debris.

– Easy to remove: These sweepers can be detached quickly when they aren’t needed, making them flexible for changing work environments.

– Convenience features: More space allows for features that make operating the sweeper easy, such as remote control clean off and ground tracking technology

Cons:

– Obstruction: The sweeper blocks the forklift’s normal functions, requiring the operator to remove the sweeper to use the forklift to lift again.

Rear-Mounted Forklift Magnetic Sweeper

Forager XL Forklift Magnet

Overview:

A rear-mounted forklift magnetic sweeper attaches to the back of the forklift, providing wide area coverage without interfering with the machine’s primary operations.

This type of magnetic sweeper is ideal for large areas where metal debris is scattered across the floor. By attaching to the rear of the forklift, it allows for sweeping areas with minimal impact on forklift operation.

Rear mounted forklift magnets can be larger and are usually easier to clean off than hanging magnets as they usually have some sort of feature to clean the magnet off and they aren’t under the forklift so accessing the magnet is easier. A wide range of magnets are available for most scenarios, rear mounted magnets that are tucked in and under forklifts like the Naos or hug the counterweight like the Guardian keep the profile of the forklift to a minimum so they can work in tight spaces. Conversely the Forager XL magnet is designed purely for maximum power and rough terrain performance but take up more space on the forklift, so it is best for outdoor large spaces.

Pros:

– Wide coverage: Rear-mounted sweepers cover large areas, making them perfect for open spaces like warehouses or outdoor lots.

– Non-obstructive: Since they are mounted at the back, they don’t interfere with normal forklift activities, such as lifting or transporting goods.

– Wide range of magnets available: weight is less of an issue when mounted to the rear pin so you can hang very powerful magnets from the back of a forklift

Cons:

– Add length to forklift: if operating in extremely tight spaces, rear mounted magnets add length and therefore turning circle so they can get in the way.

Which Forklift Magnetic Sweeper Is Right for You?

guardian forklift magnet

Choosing between these types of forklift magnets depends on your specific operational needs and the work environment. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

– Hanging Forklift Magnet: If you need a continuous, low-maintenance option for indoor use on smoother surfaces, the hanging forklift magnet is ideal. It’s best for large, open environments where forklifts frequently move across the same paths.

– Fork-Mounted Forklift Magnetic Sweeper: For environments that require more control and flexibility, such as outdoor job sites or areas with uneven terrain, a fork-mounted sweeper offers the ability to adjust positioning and height to match the surface and debris type. Heavier and stronger magnets allow for picking up larger debris types also.

– Rear-Mounted Forklift Magnetic Sweeper: If you want wide-range debris collection without interrupting regular forklift duties, a rear-mounted sweeper is the best choice. Heavier magnet housings allow for higher sweeping heights and heavier debris pickup.

Final Thoughts

Forklift magnetic sweepers are invaluable tools for enhancing worksite safety and efficiency. By removing harmful debris like nails, screws, and other metal objects, they protect both employees and equipment from potential damage. When selecting the right type of sweeper, consider the layout of your work area, the amount of debris, and how much control you want over the cleaning process.

Each type of forklift magnet comes with its advantages and trade-offs, but when properly matched to your environment, they provide effective and efficient debris management. Whether you choose a hanging magnet for automatic, continuous operation, a fork-mounted sweeper for precision control, or a rear-mounted sweeper for wide coverage, incorporating a forklift magnetic sweeper into your workflow is a wise investment.

By optimizing your worksite with the right forklift magnet, you’ll not only improve safety but also enhance productivity.