Types of crane forks: an exploratory guide
Features and Uses
Crane forks are an essential piece of lifting equipment, inserted between the hook of the lifting device and the weight to be handled, thus facilitating the movement of loads. These devices consist of two or more arms attached to a mast with an upper arm. They are essentially designed for lifting and handling pallets or goods at height, such as plastic-wrapped palletised unit loads, which are secured to the fork by means of restraining devices such as chains, straps or bars. This versatility makes them indispensable in various industries, where efficiency in material handling is crucial.
Models
Manual
The manual forks are constructed with adjustable side tips, which slide on a tubular crossbar at the base, allowing them to adapt to different load widths. These models are also adjustable in height at regular intervals, offering flexibility for various types of loads. Equipped with a functional and manoeuvrable locking lock, the forks are easily adjusted by means of a hand wheel.
Self-balancing
The self-balancing forks are designed with two adjustable tips, which can slide on a tube to accommodate various widths. This model is also adjustable in height at regular intervals, allowing greater flexibility for different types of loads. The suspension ring, activated by a spring, automatically aligns with the load’s centre of gravity, ensuring optimal stability during lifting. The automatic balancing function kicks in with a minimum load of 25 per cent of the fork’s rated capacity, ensuring safe and efficient use even with partial loads.
Compass crane fork
Compass forks are self-balancing devices constructed with two moving tips. These forks can be equipped with an additional centre point on request. Although the latter does not affect the load capacity, it is attached to a moving sleeve by means of a through bolt. The sleeve allows vertical movement both upwards and downwards, thus controlling the opening and closing of the side tips. A special device guarantees perfect alignment of the tips in any position, ensuring efficient and safe operation during lifting operations.
Materials and safety regulations
Crane forks are made of high-quality steel and subjected to rigorous testing in accordance with various safety regulations. These include:
UNI EN 13155
Establishes requirements for the design, construction, safety and testing of non-motorised lifting equipment, including lifting forks.
UNI EN ISO 12100
Defines basic concepts relating to machine safety and provides guidelines for risk assessment and risk reduction during the life cycle of machines.
UNI EN 349
Deals with the minimum safety distance to prevent the risk of crushing or pulling between moving parts of a machine and a fixed or stationary point.
ISO 8686
Specifies design and safety requirements for lifting devices, including lifting forks, fitted to agricultural tractors.
UNI EN 10204
Refers to material control documents and inspection certificates for supplies of metal products.
Accessories
Additional accessories can significantly improve the usefulness and versatility of lifting forks, especially under special conditions.
One of the most common accessories are extensions, with or without hooks, which are ideal for handling extraordinarily long loads, allowing safe and stable lifting of even bulky materials.
In addition, Soltec branded fork hooks are a valuable addition to optimise the use of your forklift trucks. Designed to be compatible with other Soltec products, such as the swivel hook and shackle, these hooks offer a complete solution for a wide range of lifting applications. Made of painted iron, these accessories provide superior durability and strength, as well as safety and adaptability during lifting operations.
Want to make sure you choose the perfect forks for your crane? The Soltec team is here to give you all the assistance you need!
