A forklift hopper (often called a self-dumping hopper) is a specialized attachment that turns a standard forklift into a bulk material handling system. It is designed to transport, lift, and discharge construction debris, scrap metal, concrete, gravel, and other heavy materials without requiring the operator to leave the forklift seat. Prices range from approximately $800 for used units** to over **$4,200 for new powered models, depending on capacity, construction, and dump mechanism.
Types of Forklift Hoppers
Type Best For Key Features
Self-Dumping Hopper Construction debris, waste, scrap metal, bulk materials Manual rope or chain release; tips forward to dump; automatically returns to locked position
Powered Self-Dumping Hopper High-volume, frequent dumping operations Hydraulic or electric powered; start/stop at any point during dump cycle; controlled from forklift cab
Concrete Hopper Concrete placement without pump rental Swivel chute for precise pouring; holds ¾ cubic yard or more
Bag Hopper Filling bulk bags (agriculture, mining, construction) Fork-mounted; holds bag via hoop restraints; 1,500mm opening
2026 Forklift Hopper Price Guide and Models
Model / Type Capacity Price (USD) Condition Source
3x Self-Dumping Hoppers — Auction (ended) Used Aucto
Self-Dumping Hopper (Craigslist) 2 cu yd / 2,000 lb $800 each Used Craigslist
Reconditioned Dump Hopper 3 cu yd $2,214 Reconditioned GE&S
Star Industries Hopper (0.5–2.5 cu yd) 0.5–2.5 cu yd / 4,000 lb $2,432 – $4,922 New Forge Claw / Star Industries
Valley Craft Powered Hopper 1 cu yd / 4,000 lb $4,229.99 New Northern Tool
Self-Dumping Hopper (Auction) 1 cu yd Auction (ended) Used Yoder & Frey
Global Industrial Low-Profile Hopper 1.5 cu yd / 5,000 lb Price on request New Global Industrial
Beacon Self-Dumping Hopper 6,000 lb $1,541.16 New Beacon Industries
13.5 cu ft Hopper 13.5 cu ft Price on request New Zoro / Jescraft
Self-Dumping Hopper (Purple Wave) — $1,017.50 (sold) Used Purple Wave Auction
Concrete Hopper 0.75 cu yd Price on request New Star Industries
Telehandler Concrete Hopper — Price on request New Haugen
Key Specifications to Compare
Specification What to Look For Typical Range
Capacity (Volume) Cubic yards or gallons 0.5 – 5.0 cu yd
Weight Capacity Maximum load in pounds 750 – 6,000+ lbs
Fork Pocket Dimensions Must fit your forklift forks Width: 7–8″, Height: 2–3″
Dump Mechanism Manual rope, chain, or powered Pull cord / hydraulic
Construction Material Steel gauge 10 gauge – ¼″ steel plate
Dump Angle How far the hopper tilts Up to 90°
Weight (Hopper Only) Affects maneuverability 460 – 1,430+ lbs
Where to Buy Forklift Hoppers
Channel Examples Notes
Online Retailers Northern Tool, Global Industrial, Zoro New units with warranties; shipped directly
Specialty Dealers Forge Claw (Star Industries), GE&S (reconditioned), Haugen Attachments Wide range of capacities and custom options
B2B Platforms Made-in-China Factory-direct pricing; volume discounts
Auction Platforms Purple Wave, Aucto, Yoder & Frey Used units at lower prices; sold as-is
Classifieds Craigslist Direct from owners; local pickup; negotiate price
Buying Considerations
Match Capacity to Your Operation – Hoppers range from 0.5 to 5.0 cubic yards. A 0.5–1.5 cu yd hopper suits renovation crews and small job sites; 2.5–5.0 cu yd models are for large-scale construction and industrial waste management.
Check Fork Pocket Compatibility – Ensure the hopper‘s fork pockets accommodate your forklift fork dimensions (width and thickness). Standard fork pockets typically accept forks up to 7–8″ wide and 2–3″ thick.
Manual vs. Powered Dump – Manual rope/chain release is reliable and cost-effective for occasional use. Powered hydraulic dump offers start/stop control, 5-second cycle time, and eliminates manual pulling – ideal for high-frequency operations.
Reconditioned vs. New – Reconditioned units (e.g., GE&S 3 cu yd at $2,214) offer significant savings with a 90-day operational warranty. New units come with 12-month warranties and full manufacturer support.
Safety Features – Look for safety chains to secure the hopper to the forklift, integrated safety locks to prevent accidental discharge during transport, and automatic return to upright locked position after dumping.
OSHA Compliance – OSHA requires contacting the forklift manufacturer for written approval before using any attachment.
Optional Features – Heavy-duty caster wheels allow mobile use without a forklift. Lifting hooks enable crane handling. Custom colors and leak-proof hoppers available on request.
Shipping and Delivery – New units ship fully assembled. Reconditioned units typically ship within 5–9 business days. Large/industrial items may require lift gate service for delivery.
Summary
Forklift hoppers in 2026 range from approximately $800 for used 2-cubic-yard units** to **$4,229 for new 1-cubic-yard powered models. Star Industries offers new self-dumping hoppers from $2,432 to $4,922 across 0.5–2.5 cubic yard capacities. Reconditioned 3-cubic-yard units are available for $2,214 with a 90-day warranty. Purchase through online retailers (Northern Tool, Global Industrial), specialty dealers (Forge Claw, GE&S), auction platforms (Purple Wave, Aucto), or classifieds (Craigslist). When buying, match capacity to your operation, verify fork pocket compatibility, consider manual vs. powered dump mechanisms, and confirm safety features are included. Always check forklift manufacturer approval per OSHA requirements before using any attachment.