Buyers Guide: What forks do I need?

Forklift forks are always being overlooked by the majority of their operators. However, when the time comes to either replace the current forks or to get an alternate size for different loads, it is imperative that you purchase and order the CORRECT set. So, we have got a very easy buyers guide to help you understand your forklift and which forks to purchase!

Fork Styles

You will find that the most common fork style is the ITA/FEM and supplied to the majority industrial forklifts. They come in 5 different ‘classes’ most common you will find being 2-4 and come with various undercarriage clearances!

Typically, forklift trucks that are up to 2500kg lift capacity will have Class 2 forks. Then up to 5000kg lift capacity would be class 3 forks and up to 8000kg lift capacity would be class 4 forks! Onwards from 8000kg, most forklifts will use a shaft/pin mount (Forks which mount on a pole on the carriage) or propriety mount.

Size of the Forks

So, now you know what style of fork you need… Now, its time to figure out the what size of that fork you need! This can be worked out simply by the industry that you operate in. You can use the graph in the images supplied to calculate what forks can be used on your truck. Things to remember: Thicker and wider forks will always be harder wearing and more durable so would perform better in a harsh environment. However thinner and lighter forks are superior for lighter loads and confined spaces, therefore work better in warehouses etc.

Taper

Loads can be picked up in multiple different ways and this is accomplished by the difference in tapers on a fork! Now, the basic explanation of a taper on a fork is the difference in thickness from the tip of the fork and the gradient that it follows as it goes back towards the shank.

Standard – Taper begins 400mm-600mm from the tip of the fork and will have a 3/8″ tip and no beveling.

Full-Taper – Begins from the heel of the fork and goes right to the tip.  Similar to the standard fork, the tip is 3/8″ and perfect for getting under cardboard boxes and plywood etc.

Full Taper & Polished – Exactly the same as describe above, but the fork is polished!

Fully Tapered w/ bottom bevel – Similar to the standard ‘Fully Tapered’ fork, but has a bottom level bevel – this can also be referred to as a ‘Chisel Tip’

Fully Tapered w/ top bevel – Same as explain above but has the bevel on top.

Example Images

Tip Styles

Style 1 – This is the most common tip. The front of the fork is rounded and flat which makes it very versatile.

Style 2 – Has a more pointed end and considered a ‘sharp’ fork. Used commonly for block forks!

Style 3 – These have a flat tip which goes across nearly the entire width of the tip but with rounded off edges. These are standard on forks with over 7″ width.

Example Images

Speciality Forks

Block Handling Forks – Predominantly used for lifting high volumes of concrete blocks in large numbers. Due to these forks being very thin, they’re are used in high quantity’s (Usually over 8!) in order to spread the load and reduce the risk of skidding and losing structural integrity.

Bolt-on forks – These forks are typically quite rare because they fix in to position which rules out the ability to move.

Coil Handling – These forks are chamfered on the edges to enable them to move coils of steel, reels, concrete pipes etc. When straddling the load is required or desired.

Tire Handling – These are made similarly to the coil handling forks, these have an inner chamfer to handle the tires without damaging them.

Corrugated Handling – These forks are typically used for loads that aren’t on skids/blocks/pallets so they’re really thin to be able to fit between the load and the ground or split loads. Are popular for lifting corrugated metal.

Drum Handling –  The clue is in the name on this one… These forks have small radius’s cut out of the centre edges and are designed to lift 55 gallon drums. You can also get fork mounted drum rotators so that you have the ability to lift and tilt for dumping.

Offset – Primarily used for the forks to reach beyond the standard width of the forklift’s current carriage width.

Example Images

Fork Vocabulary/Terms

Blade – The horizontal portion of the fork upon which the load is supported.

Heel – The radius portion of the fork connecting the blade to the shank.

Shank – The upright (vertical) portion of the fork to which the supporting hooks are fixed.

Hooks (or clips, hangers) – Lugs attached to the shank to support and retain the fork on the carriage.  They may be made as non-integral hooks (attached to the shank) or as integral hooks (formed integrally with the shank).

Tip – The free end of the blade that is inserted into the load.

Positioning Lock (or pin assembly, locking pin) – Device for locating the fork on the carriage (typically at the top of the shank on the hook).

Tube – The tube used for mounting the forks onto shaft-type carriages.

Thank you for reading our buyers guide to forks! If you have a question about our buyer guide or require any additional information, or you can’t see what you need on our website – give one of our professional and friendly team a call today on 01392 464656! You can also get in touch with us via our contact page here.

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