A forklift truss boom is a specialized attachment that converts a standard forklift or telehandler into a mobile crane for lifting and positioning long, heavy materials such as roof trusses, steel beams, lumber, and industrial piping. It is a cost-effective alternative to using a dedicated crane for low-rise construction projects and material handling tasks.
How a Truss Boom Works
The truss boom is a rigid, elongated frame that attaches to a forklift's fork assembly using detachable hooks, fork pockets, or a quick-attach system. A cable assembly with a load-carrying drop block passes over a sheave or through a guide at the front end of the boom. This allows the operator to lift and move loads from the forklift's cab, extending the machine's horizontal reach and vertical lift height significantly.
Key components of a typical truss boom include:
Rigid truss frame – Usually made from fully welded, square-tube steel for durability
Fork pockets or quick-attach system – For mounting on standard or wide carriage forks
Pintle hitch or lifting hook – At the end of the boom to secure the load
Safety pins and chains – Required by OSHA to secure the attachment to the forklift
Adjustable length or fixed length – Ranging from 2 ft to 15 ft
Specifications and Capacities
Truss booms come in a wide range of load capacities and lengths. The table below summarizes typical specifications from leading manufacturers.
Model Length Max Capacity Empty Weight Mounting Type
Star 1310 10 ft 2,000 lbs ~480 lbs Low Profile
Star 1320 12 ft 2,000 lbs ~560 lbs Low Profile
Star 1330 15 ft 2,000 lbs ~640 lbs Low Profile
Star 1302 2 ft 10,000 lbs ~335 lbs Low Profile
Star 1302-12K 2 ft 12,000 lbs ~341 lbs Low Profile
Star 1303 2 ft 22,000 lbs ~550 lbs Low Profile
Star 1325 12 ft 2,000 lbs ~90 lbs Wide Back
Star 1335 15 ft 2,000 lbs ~795 lbs Wide Back
Haugen 12' 12 ft 2,000 lbs — Fork Slot
Haugen 15' 15 ft 2,000 lbs — Fork Slot
Adjustable Truss Boom 10-14 ft 2,000 lbs @10ft / 750 lbs @14ft — Forklift pockets
Vestil LM-EBT-8 12 ft max extension 8,000 lbs — Forklift attachment
Important note: Load ratings listed are for the truss boom only and do not reflect the actual forklift load capabilities. The forklift's rated capacity must be derated to account for the weight and extended load center of the attachment.
Common Applications
Truss booms are widely used in:
Setting roof trusses – Wood or metal trusses on residential and low-rise commercial buildings
Metal building construction – Positioning steel beams and framing
Post-frame building assembly
Handling long materials – Lumber, pipes, and industrial components
Low-rise wood and metal building projects
Truss Boom vs. Jib Boom
While often used interchangeably, there is a distinction. A jib boom is a general-purpose extension arm that attaches to a forklift or telehandler for lifting and placing loads. A truss boom is a specific type of jib boom designed for setting trusses and handling long building materials. The term "truss boom" typically refers to a longer, lighter-weight boom with a cable and hook system specifically for overhead placement of structural components.
Safety Requirements
Using a truss boom without proper safety procedures can result in serious accidents, OSHA citations, and substantial penalties.
Critical safety rules:
Manufacturer approval is required – OSHA prohibits modifications or additions that affect the capacity or safe operation of equipment without the manufacturer's written approval.
Secure the attachment – Truss booms must be secured to the forklift with safety pins and chains. In one OSHA case, an unsecured boom attachment caused a load to fall, exposing workers to crushing injuries.
Never carry loads on top of the boom – The boom is designed for suspended loads only, not for carrying materials on its top surface.
Stationary operation – A jib or truss boom should only be used to lift and place loads when the machine is stationary and the frame is level.
Low load transport – When transporting suspended loads, do not raise the load more than 12 inches above the ground.
Lift vertically – Never drag the load; always lift vertically.
Use appropriate attachments – OSHA recommends using truss boom or crane hook attachments specifically designed for the type of work being performed.
OSHA penalties: A serious citation for an unsecured truss boom attachment carried a penalty of $4,505. Using a truss boom without manufacturer approval can also result in serious citations.
Purchase and Rental Options
Truss booms are available for purchase or rental from various suppliers and equipment rental companies.
Option Supplier Details
Purchase Star Industries Quick-Tach Truss Booms from $2,899.99; models from 2,000 to 22,000 lbs
Purchase Haugen Attachments Fork Slot Truss Jib Boom, 12' or 15', 2,000 lbs capacity, $5,052.52 SGD
Rental Herc Rentals 12-15 ft truss boom, 2,000 lbs capacity
Rental Cal-West Rentals 6', 12', and 15' truss booms, 2,000 lbs rating
Used Machinery Trader Used truss booms from $1,850
Used Purple Wave Auction listings for truss booms
Compatibility with Forklifts and Telehandlers
Most standard forklifts can use a low-profile truss boom. Some telehandler and forklift models with extra-wide quick-attach designs require a wide-back truss boom instead. When ordering, the forklift's make, model, quick-attach style, and serial number may be required to ensure proper fit.
Truss booms also fit specific telehandler models, including JCB Q-Fit, Gehl Dynacarrier, Bobcat Versa Handler, and Ingersoll-Rand models VR518, VR623, VR638.
The bottom line: A forklift truss boom is a cost-effective, crane-style attachment for setting trusses, positioning beams, and handling long materials on low-rise construction projects. It is available in lengths from 2 to 15 feet, with load capacities ranging from 750 lbs to 22,000 lbs depending on the model and boom length. Safety is paramount: manufacturer approval is required, the attachment must be secured with safety pins and chains, and loads must be lifted vertically with the machine stationary. Purchase prices start at approximately $2,900, while rental rates are available from national equipment rental companies.