Quick answer: Match the pad size and arm opening to your largest and smallest loads, make sure the clamp can control squeeze pressure for your product, and confirm your forklift has the hydraulics and capacity to run it.
What a carton clamp does
A carton clamp grips boxed goods from the sides with two large pads, so you can move cartons, appliances and electronics without pallets. That saves pallet cost, fits more product in a trailer and speeds up floor-stacked loading.
What to look at when choosing a carton clamp
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Load size and arm opening | The clamp must open wide enough for your biggest load and close tight enough for your smallest. |
| Pad size | Larger pads spread the squeeze over more of the carton, which helps prevent crushing. Taller loads need taller pads. |
| Clamp force control | Fragile or light products need lower squeeze pressure. Pressure control keeps you from crushing boxes or dropping loads. |
| Pad facing | Pad surfaces vary in grip. Slippery or wrapped cartons need more grip than plain corrugated. |
| Sideshift | Most carton clamps include sideshift, which helps line up loads in tight trailers and racks. |
| Capacity | The clamp must handle your heaviest multi-carton load at its load center. |
Common carton clamp applications
- Appliances and electronics. Refrigerators, washers, TVs and other boxed goods.
- Beverage and grocery. Cases of product handled without pallets.
- Furniture and e-commerce. Floor-stacked trailers and mixed carton sizes.
Check your forklift first
- Hydraulics. Most carton clamps need one or more auxiliary hydraulic functions on the forklift.
- Carriage class. The attachment must match your forklift’s carriage class and mounting.
- Capacity. Every attachment reduces the forklift’s usable capacity, and the truck’s capacity plate should reflect the attachment. Your forklift dealer can confirm this.
Not sure what fits? Send your forklift make, model and capacity with your carton clamp rental request and we will match the right unit.
Rent first, then decide
If you are still deciding on size or style, rent one and test it on your own loads. Our rent vs. buy guide explains when renting makes more sense than buying. Forklift dealers can rent at dealer pricing through the AttachCo Dealer Rental Program.
Frequently asked questions
What forklift do I need for a carton clamp?
A forklift with auxiliary hydraulics, usually for both the clamp and the sideshift, and enough capacity once the attachment is added.
Will a carton clamp damage my product?
Not when the clamp force and pad size are matched to the load. Pressure control is the key to handling fragile cartons.
Can I rent a carton clamp for peak season?
Yes. AttachCo rents carton clamps short term or long term and ships nationwide in 1 to 2 days.
Need a carton clamp?
AttachCo rents reconditioned carton clamps that ship the same day or within 1 to 2 days, anywhere in the continental U.S., through your forklift dealer.