Hoist FR 60/80 lifting ring dual pick setup improving load control without a spreader bar

Lifting Rings for Extendable Forklifts: Improving Control and Reducing Headroom

Not every load can be picked from a single point.

When you are handling long or uneven loads, a single pick point often leaves you fighting the load instead of controlling it.

That becomes a problem quickly when the center of gravity is not ideal or the load needs to be set precisely.

This is where lifting rings come into play.

Installed on the boom of an extendable forklift, a lifting ring provides a second pick point, giving operators and rigging crews more control during the lift and placement.

Hoist FR 40/60 lifting ring second pick point improving load control during machinery move
Lifting ring setup on a Hoist FR 40/60 providing a second pick point and improving control during a machinery moving application.

What Is a Lifting Ring on an Extendable Forklift?

A lifting ring is an attachment mounted on the horizontal section of the forklift boom.

Unlike a fixed hook, the lifting ring can be positioned along the boom to align with the load and rigging setup. This flexibility allows crews to create a second lifting point without adding additional equipment.

Lifting rings are commonly used on:

  • Hoist FR 25/35
  • Hoist FR 40/60
  • Hoist FR 60/80
  • Versa 25/35
  • Versa 40/60
  • Versa 60/80
  • Toyota THDA 25/35
  • Toyota THDA 40/60
  • Toyota THDA 60/80

Each lifting ring is designed specifically for the machine it is installed on.

Why a Second Pick Point Matters

A single pick point is not always ideal, especially when handling large or uneven loads.

Adding a second pick point allows crews to:

  • Improve load balance
  • Reduce unwanted movement or swing
  • Maintain better control during placement
  • Adjust rigging to match the load’s center of gravity

This is especially important in machinery moving, where precision matters.

Reduce the Need for a Spreader Bar

Hoist FR 60/80 lifting ring dual pick setup improving load control during machinery moving application
Dual pick setup on a Hoist FR 60/80 using a lifting ring to improve load control and stability when handling a large industrial machine.

In many applications, a lifting ring can eliminate the need for a spreader bar.

By creating a second pick point directly on the boom, crews can achieve proper load control without additional rigging equipment.

This also reduces the overall headroom required above the load.

This is critical when working:

  • Inside buildings
  • In facilities with height restrictions
  • Around overhead obstructions

Improved Control in Real World Applications

Hoist FR 25/35 lifting ring setup handling industrial equipment during machinery moving application
Lifting ring in use on a Hoist FR 25/35 during a machinery moving project, providing improved control over a large and uneven load.

Lifting rings are commonly used in:

  • Machinery moving
  • CNC equipment relocation
  • Data center installations
  • Industrial equipment handling

In these environments, the ability to control the load precisely is more important than simply lifting it.

Flexible Rigging Options

Hoist FR 60/80 lifting ring with chain routed over top showing alternate rigging configuration for machinery moving
Chain routed over the top of the lifting ring on a Hoist FR 60/80, showing an alternate rigging method for handling large or irregular loads.

Lifting rings allow for multiple rigging configurations depending on the application.

They can be used with:

  • A shackle directly attached to the ring
  • Chain routed over the top through the channel

This flexibility allows crews to adapt to different load shapes and rigging requirements.

Important Considerations

A lifting ring does not replace proper rigging practices.

It is a tool that provides additional control when used correctly.

Operators and rigging crews should always:

  • Understand the load and center of gravity
  • Use proper rigging techniques
  • Follow capacity and safety guidelines
Hoist FR 40/60 lifting ring mounted on boom showing attachment point and rigging interface
Close up of a lifting ring mounted on the boom of a Hoist FR 40/60, showing the attachment point used for adding a second pick point during machinery moving.

Lifting rings are a simple addition, but they can make a significant difference in how a job is performed.

By providing a second pick point directly on the boom, they allow for:

  • Better control
  • More flexibility
  • Reduced need for additional rigging equipment

For many applications, especially in machinery moving and industrial environments, that added control can improve both efficiency and safety.

If you are working with loads that require more control or multiple pick points, we can help determine the right setup for your machine.

👉 https://forkliftexchange.com/contact-us/
📞 630-254-2210
📧 maxx@forkliftexchange.com

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