Forearm Forklift 2-Person Lifting and Moving Straps — Adjustable Forearm Harness, Up to 800 lb

Forearm Forklift 2-Person Lifting and Moving Straps overview

The Forearm Forklift 2-Person Lifting and Moving Straps (L74995) are the original forearm-strap moving system — two adjustable straps that slide under an item and loop around each person's forearms, so two people can lift and carry furniture, appliances and mattresses using their legs while keeping their hands free to grip and steer. They're rated up to 800 lb total for the pair, and the forearm design shines on flat carries and awkward-to-grip items. See our best ergonomic equipment guide and the ergonomics collection.

Two things to be clear about. First, the 800 lb is a combined two-person total, shared between both people — not a one-person lift, so this is always a two-person tool for big loads. Second, despite the word "harness," these are a moving aid, not fall-protection equipment — for carrying at ground level, never for working at height or overhead lifting. Used right they cut strain through leverage and a legs-first lift, but they don't remove injury risk. How do they compare in the range? The forearm straps keep your hands free and give the most control; the shoulder harness system puts the weight on your shoulders for stairs and long carries, and the two-person moving straps are another option. Round out the lifting kit with a back support belt and grip material-handling gloves.

Where the Forearm Forklift 2-Person Lifting and Moving Straps fit

They're the two-person carry tool for movers, delivery crews, warehouse and facilities teams, and anyone shifting sofas, dressers, appliances and mattresses through a home or building. The forearm design is best when you want your hands free to grip and steer on flat carries and through doorways. Where they're not the tool is a one-person job, a very heavy item that needs a dolly or hand truck, any overhead lift, or anything to do with fall protection — and for stairs, the shoulder-harness version is usually easier. Pair them with the right foot and hand protection — our steel toe boots and slip-resistant work shoes guides cover carrying safely, and a work boot insoles guide helps on long moving days.

Pros & cons

Specifications

Related guides

• Best ergonomic equipment
• Best steel toe boots
• Best slip-resistant work shoes
• Best work boot insoles
• Safety footwear complete guide

Related resources

• Forearm Forklift shoulder harness system
• Forearm Forklift 2-person moving straps
• Ergodyne ProFlex 1650 back support belt
• Material-handling gloves
• Shop ergonomics

Frequently asked questions

Can one person lift 800 lb with these straps?

No. The 800 lb figure is the combined capacity of the two-person system, shared between two people — not what one person can or should lift. These are a two-person tool, and heavy or bulky items always need both people and proper technique.

Are these a fall-protection or safety harness?

No. Despite 'harness' in the name, they're a moving and lifting aid, not a fall-arrest harness. Never use them for fall protection, working at height or anything overhead — fall protection requires PPE that's rated and certified for that purpose.

Can I use them for overhead lifting?

No. They're for two people carrying items at ground level through a home or building. They are not a rigging sling and are not rated for overhead lifting, hoisting or crane work.

How do the forearm straps work?

You slide the two adjustable straps under the item and loop the ends around each person's forearms, then both people lift with their legs and stand. The load rides on your forearms, which keeps your hands free to grip and steer the item.

Forearm straps or a shoulder harness — which should I get?

The forearm straps keep your hands free and are great for flat carries and gripping awkward items; the shoulder-harness version shifts weight onto the shoulders and is easier on stairs and long carries. Pick the forearm straps for control, the shoulder harness for stairs.

What kinds of items are they for?

Bulky, awkward loads two people would struggle to grip — sofas, dressers, appliances, mattresses, large boxes — within the combined capacity and what each person can safely handle.

Are the straps adjustable?

Yes. The straps adjust so you can size the loops to the item and to each person's height, cradling the load at a comfortable lifting position for both movers.

Do they prevent back injuries?

No. They reduce strain by improving leverage and encouraging an upright, legs-first lift, but they don't eliminate injury risk. Keep your back straight, lift with your legs, clear the path first, and don't use them as a reason to move something too heavy for two people.

Do I still need foot protection?

Yes — moving heavy furniture and appliances is a drop hazard, so safety-toe footwear is a smart pairing. A dropped appliance can break a foot regardless of how you carried it.

Are they good for stairs?

They can be used on stairs but take care, because the forearm design puts the load on your arms; many people find the shoulder-harness version easier on stairs. Go slow, communicate, and clear the path and footing first.

Do grip gloves help?

Yes. Good material-handling gloves improve grip and protect your hands on rough or sharp edges while you position the straps and steady the load.

What are their limits?

Stay within the 800 lb combined two-person rating and within what each person can safely handle — and remember straps aren't a substitute for a dolly, hand truck or mechanical aid when an item is very heavy or needs to roll a long way.

Reviewed by Steven Eaton, WC Safety. Specifications reflect Forearm Forklift's published data for the L74995 straps; they are a two-person ground-level moving aid — not a fall-arrest harness, not for overhead lifting, and not a one-person tool — so treat the 800 lb figure as a combined total and pair them with proper technique and safety-toe footwear.