Forklift Forks

Styles of Forks

Hook Style Forks

Hook style forks are separated into different classes, depending on the size of the carriage. The carriage size is measured from the top to the bottom of the carriage.

Class II	16" Carriage	2,000 to 5,500 lbs
Class III	20" Carriage	6,000 to 10,000 lbs
Class IV	25" Carriage	10,000 to 17,500 lbs
Class V	28.67" Carriage	18,000 to 24,000 lbs

Shaft Style Forks

All shaft forks are special sourced items and must be ordered to customer specifications

Fork Types

Fork Terminology

Fork Inspection and Repair

ANSI/ITSDF B56.1 – 2009

6.2.8 Inspection and Repair of Forks in Service on Forklift Trucks

(a) Forks in use shall be inspected at intervals of not more than 12 months (for single shift operations) or whenever any defect or permanent deformation is detected. Severe applications will require more frequent inspection.
(b) Individual Load Rating of Forks. When forks are used in pairs (the normal arrangement), the rating capacity of each fork shall be at least half the manufacturer’s rated capacity of the truck, and at the rated load center distance shown on the lift truck nameplate.

6.2.8.1 Inspection

Fork inspection shall be carried out carefully by trained personnel with the aim of detecting damage, failure, deformation, etc., which might impair safe use. Any fork that shows such a defect shall be withdrawn from service, and shall not be returned to service unless it has been satisfactorily repaired in accordance with para. 6.2.8.2.

(a) Surface Cracks
(b) Straightness of Blade and Shank
(c) Fork Angle (upper face of blade to load face of the shank)
(d) Difference in Height of Fork Tips
(e) Positioning Lock (when originally provided)
(f) Wear
– Fork Blade and Shank
– Fork Hooks (when originally provided)
(g) Legibility of Marking (when originally provided)

6.2.8.2 Repair and Testing

(a) Repair – Only the manufacturer of the fork or an expert of equal competence shall decide if a fork may be repaired for continued use, and the repairs shall only be carried out by such parties. It is not recommended that surface cracks or wear be repaired by welding. When repairs necessitating resetting are required, the fork shall subsequently be subjected to an appropriate heat treatment, as necessary.
(b) Test Loading. A fork that has undergone repairs other than repair or replacement of the positioning lock and/or the marking, shall only be returned to service after being submitted to, and passing, the tests described in para. 7.27.3*, except that the test load shall correspond to 2.5 times the rated capacity marked on the fork. *Para. 7.27.3 reflects manufacturing standards.

Fork Failures

How Damage and Wear Occur:

• Application environment
• Improper chain adjustments
• Normal wear from extended use
• Operator error or abuse
• Tire wear
• Used beyond rated load capacity

Fork Use Guidelines

To avoid potential damage and injury DO NOT:

• Carry full or partial loads on one fork.
• Change forks from one forklift to another, without knowing the capacity of each.
• Overload forks beyond the rated capacity.
• Use a fork in an application for which it is not designed.
• Use fork extensions that exceed 1.5 times the fork blade length.
• Repair or modify forks in the field, especially by welding. Welding destroys heat treat properties, making the fork brittle.
• Apply sideways pressure on forks, commonly called “side loading,” as they are designed for vertical loading only.

To ensure efficient operation:

• Inspect forks regularly, using an inspection log for recording data
• Make sure the capacity meets or exceeds the forklift rating and load weight
• Obtain written approval from the fork manufacturer prior to making fork modifications.
• Determine your fork wear cycle and replacement schedule for a specific operation. Using larger forks in demanding applications may extend fork life.
• Forks must be properly seated on the carriage and the lock pins fully located in the carriage slot.

Fork Tips

Fork tips and tip bevels are required for ease of entry into load, depending on the application.

Fork Bevels

Bevels can be requested. There are four basic designs.

Fork Tapers

Fork tapers are required to enhance the ease of travel of the fork when engaged into a load.

Fork Wear Calipers

Fork wear calipers (p/n - A000025174) are used to check for wear and distortion. ANSI/ITSDF states “the fork blade and shank shall be thoroughly checked for wear, special attention being paid to the vicinity of the heel. If the thickness is reduced to 90% of the original thickness, the fork shall not be returned to service.” (B56.1d-2009 6.2.8.1)

The calipers measure the thickness of the fork arm shank (A) then automatically indicate what a 10% wear factor would be whenthe calipers are applied to the blade cross section (B). Note: Wear calipers are not recommended for full taper or lumber forks.

Key Inspection Points

Fork wear calipers can also:

• Check fork heel angle
• Check the ITA hook for defects
• Measure bore on shaft/pin type forks

Make sure to inspect:

• Blade thickness
• Excessive fork angle
• Misaligned tips and hooks
• Permanent distortions
• Positioning lock
• Surface cracks