Lilly Forklift Blog

Popular Forklift Attachments: #8 Rotators

Written by John Wofford | Mar 7, 2024 11:25:53 PM

A rotator is a multi-purpose forklift attachment. Operators can move standard, palletized loads, then turn around and pick up a bin (or other container) and rotate it 360 degrees – in both directions.

Rotators are popular in food processing, manufacturing and recycling applications. Read on to learn more about how forklift rotators work and what to look for when browsing forklift rotator attachments for sale

Already familiar with fork rotators? Check out our series on the most popular forklift attachments.

Forklift Rotator Attachments

Forklift rotator attachments are an efficient way to transport and dump:

  • tote boxes
  • plastic, wooden or metal bins,
  • or whatever type of container you use.

Here are the applications that typically use forklift rotator attachments:

  • Agriculture
  • Automotive
  • Chemical Processing
  • Food Processing
  • Manufacturing
  • Mining
  • Metal Forging
  • Plastic
  • Recycling
  • Smelting and Casting
  • Steel

5 Things to Know Before You Buy a Rotator Attachment

Look for an attachment that delivers smooth, easily-controlled motion. We also recommended buying a forklift attachment that's easy to service. When well maintained, a high-quality forklift rotator will last for many years.

Also consider if you want a rotator that can automatically stop after 90 degrees or 180 degrees of rotation. This pre-programmed feature, known as rotation control, can help operators save time and ensure precision.

When you’re ready to buy a forklift rotator, the seller will need to know the maximum capacity of your loads. The Lilly Company offers rotator attachments in capacities ranging from 3,500 lbs. to 46,000 lbs. 

You’ll also need to decide if you want an attachment with bin hold-downs (retainer clamps that ensure the container doesn’t get dumped along with the load).

If you need to invert loads of palletized material, Cascade’s Turnaload attachment is a specially-designed solution. Watch this video to see it in action.

Buy or Rent a Rotator Attachment in the Mid-South


Have questions? Our experienced and friendly forklift attachment experts can help you choose the best rotator attachment for your operation. We offer forklift rotators from Cascade, Rightline and Long Reach. 

We also rent forklift attachments to businesses throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and eastern Arkansas. Try before you buy or respond to a seasonal spike in business. We rent rotators and other forklift attachments by the day, week or month.

If we don’t have the attachment you’re looking for, we’ll get it! Contact us about a forklift attachment rental and we’ll get back to you ASAP! Or, come see us at one of our thirteen locations across the Mid-South.

Arkansas - Jonesboro
Alabama - Birmingham, Dothan, Irondale, Madison, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi - Tupelo and Richland
Tennessee - Jackson, Kingsport, Knoxville, and Memphis

Further Reading:
Do I Need a Forklift Attachment?
Popular Attachments: #2 Barrel Grabbers and Drum Clamps
Popular Forklift Attachments: #4 Bale Clamps
Popular Forklift Attachments: #5 Carton Clamps