How to choose forks for a forklift? 8 tips

Appropriate forks for a forklift enable specific work to be performed in specific conditions. That is why their correct selection is so important. Check what parameters differ and how to choose the right forks for a forklift. Here are our top 8 tips!

1. How to determine fork wear on a forklift?

Forklift forks should always be replaced when they are excessively worn. Otherwise, the equipment may not pass the UDT inspection. The easiest way to check this is with a regular caliper. Check the thickness of the forklift forks. If it is less than 10% or 5 mm from the initial value, it is time to replace it. Working with used forks is dangerous, so it is definitely not worth underestimating this issue.

2. Selection of forks for a forklift - mounting

Contrary to appearances, forklift forks differ in many parameters. When choosing the right model, you should pay attention, among other things, to the mounting method. Depending on the structure of the stroller, you may need:

• standard forks (suspended on the carriage),
• bolted forks or
• forks with PIN hitch.

Standard forks are used most often. You install them yourself by hanging them on the carriage. Forklift.

3. Fork carriage class

In the case of standard forks, it is very important to select them correctly for the carriage class (front plate). Otherwise, they simply won't fit the stroller.

There are 5 classes of ambulances:

• class I (least used),
• class II (most often found in vehicles with a lifting capacity of up to 2,5 tons),
• class III (occurring in trolleys with a lifting capacity of approx. 3-3,5 tons)
• class IV,
• class 5

Each of these classes is further divided into types: A and B. Each of them differs in the dimensions of individual elements.

How to determine the fork carriage class? This can only be done with one measurement. Measure the distance from the bottom of the top hitch to the base of the forks. It is diffelease for each carriage class and subtype.

4. Capacity of forklift forks

The lifting capacity is a very important parameter that determines how much weight a forklift fork can lift. Its value should be adjusted to the vehicle's capabilities. The sum of the load capacity of both forks should therefore be equal to the trolley's capabilities in this respect. Therefore, if the maximum capacity of the truck is 2 tons, the capacity of each pair of forks should be 1 ton.

5. Forklift fork length

Another of the most important fork parameters is their length. It should be adapted to the type of work performed. Forklift forks adapted to standard Euro pallets are most often used, but depending on the specificity of the workplace, models with other lengths may be needed. If work is occasionally performed that requires long forks for the forklift, it is worth using special attachments (so-called extensions). This allows you to increase the use of the stroller without having to dismantle the forks. 

Forklift fork extensions should also be selected appropriately. Their length is very important. The forks of a forklift should not be shorter than 60% of the extension length - this is a guarantee of stability and safe operation. Forklift fork covers can be made of an open profile (empty at the bottom) or a closed profile (more durable).

6. Forklift fork spacing

A very important parameter of forklift forks is their spacing. The appropriate distance between the forks allows them to be inserted into the holes of pallets of a specific structure and safely moved or lifted. The fork spacing of a forklift is most often defined as: 

• standard (52-55 cm) – adapted to support the so-called euro pallets (in all variants);
• narrow (14-45 cm) – used when handling loads placed on pallets of unusual dimensions.
• wide (68 cm) – most often used when transporting long loads or when it is necessary to transport or lift a Euro pallet placed crosswise.

When it comes to the fork spacing of the forklift, it is necessary to adjust it depending on the type of work being performed. When performing various tasks, it is best to choose forklift forks with adjustable spacing. They can be quickly adapted to curlease needs. 

7. Specialized forks for a forklift – types

Forklift forks with specific, special properties are also useful when performing certain tasks. You can find many types of elements on the market that make certain tasks easier and safer. These include:

• telescopic forks - used for one-sided loading and unloading of vehicles and operation of double-deep racks;
• foldable forks - thanks to them, forklifts can legally move on public roads;
• coated forks – intended primarily for transporting goods sensitive to mechanical damage (e.g. scratches);
• antistatic forks (with non-sparking coating) – required in warehouses storing explosive and flammable materials and always when working with goods posing an explosion risk;
• anti-slip forks - ideal for lifting and transporting loads with unusual shapes, as well as slippery or wet surfaces;
• weighing forks – with a panel indicating the weight of the load.

This helps to fit the forks to many categories of work.

Read also: Forklift accessories – useful accessories

8. Marking of the forklift forks

To properly select forks for a forklift, you need to know what the numbers on them mean. Curleasely, two universal marking methods are used. One of them points to:

• forklift fork width,
• fork thickness,
• fork length,
• maximum lifting capacity,
• value defining the center of gravity for the maximum fork load,
• serial number.

In the second system, you can find markings on the forks indicating:

• serial number,
• production date of the item,
• maximum load capacity and center of gravity of forklift forks,
• country of production.

Importantly, forks without a stamped specification according to one of the above diagrams are not suitable for use and will certainly not be approved during the UDT inspection.