FORKS MATTER
Finding the right material handling equipment for your company is top priority, and this includes the best forks for your application. Use this quick reference to help you find the right forks.
What type of forklift is being operated?
What are you lifting?
Is an attachment being used?
What type of forklift is being operated?
Forklifts are divided into classes based on fuel type and function. Industry standard mandates that forks be interchangeable between manufacturers based upon capacity; however the carriage height may be different, and forks cannot fit different carriage heights. For this reason, if your fleet has a mixed range of forklift capacities, the forks on one truck may not fit the carriage of another unit.
What are you lifting?
The three things to keep in mind when lifting are weight, dimensions, and load center.
Weight
Forklifts have a set capacity levels, and it is important use forks that are thick enough to handle the same capacity as the forklift. Without any change in blade width, a change in thickness from 1.5 inches to 2 inches can double the capacity.
DIMENSIONS
The blade length should extend under at least 75% of the product. Best practice is to not extend the blades past the product. If the blade length extends past the product, the collision risk increases as the operator may not be able to gauge where the end of the forks are behind the load.
Load Center
Know your load center to decrease the risk of tipping. The data plate on the forklift will contain information about the load center. This information can save money and lives.
Is an attachment being used?
If you use an attachment, it may require specific forks. Some attachments require the blade length, thickness, or width to match certain criteria in order to perform properly.
It is important to have the proper blades for your forklift and your product. If you are unsure your forks are ideal for your application, contact us, and we will evaluate your current set-up.
Please remember, prior to changing fork style or installing an attachment, you need to contact the forklift manufacturer. The manufacturer will evaluate your forklift to determine the capacity of the forklift with the new set-up. The manufacturer will then provide a new data plate with updated information regarding capacity and load center.
CALL TODAY!
To inquire about new forks, call (503) 659-5438 or send an inquiry by clicking the button.