Fully Tapered & Polished Forklift Forks
Full Taper and Polished forks, also referred to as FTP forks for short, are the preferred fork for lumber, gypsum and other flat sheet handling operations like cardboard or sheet metal.Physical Characteristics of Fully Tapered & Polished Forks
Fully Tapered and Polished Forklift Forks are designed to provide enhanced stability and balance, specifically when lifting heavy loads. The tapering design means that the width of the fork decreases gradually from the top to the bottom. This is going to ensure that the weight of the load is distributed evenly along the length of the fork. As a result, a more stable and secure lifting platform will be provided, which will reduce the risk of damage to the load or the material handling equipment.
These forks are typically made from high-strength steel or other durable materials to withstand heavy loads and harsh working conditions. They may also have a slight chamfer on the top interior and exterior edges to prevent product creasing. Tapered forks are a popular choice for businesses that require a reliable and durable solution for heavy lifting applications. They offer excellent stability, balance, and maneuverability, which makes them a valuable asset for any warehouse or industrial operation.
Taper
- One long taper starts from the bend of the fork to the tip. Most FTP forks are tapered on the bottom side of the blade.
- Custom FTP forks can have the top tapered, or in some cases, have both the top and the bottom tapering to a very fine tip.
- The top interior and exterior edges have a slight chamfer to prevent product creasing.
- The top fork in this image shows an FTP fork. Notice the taper moves from the bend of the fork all the way to the tip. The lower fork in this image shows a standard taper. Notice the taper only affects the first 1/3 of the fork.
Finish
- Most FTP forks will have to top surface of the blade polished, creating a smooth, slick surface. This prevents friction damage on products susceptible to surface marring like drywall sheets.
- FTP forks can also be ordered without the polished surface.
Tips
Tapered forks are a popular choice for businesses that require a reliable and durable solution for heavy lifting applications. The tapering design of the fork allows for even distribution of weight and greater stability, which reduces the risk of damage to the load or the forklift.
- The standard tip is thinner than standard tapered forks, typically about 1/4″.
- Tips can have rounded or squared-off corners.
- Chisel tips, for very tight entry, are available. Chisel tips have the last 3 or 4 inches of the blade ground to a thin tip, typically about 1/8″ thickness. Care should be taken when ordering chisel tips as they can be easily chipped and damaged.
Custom sizes and lengths in FTP forks are available upon request. Give us a call!
Full Taper Stocking Sizes
| Cross Section | Capacity | 42 | 48 | 60 | 72 | Stocking ITA Class |
| 150×4 | 4500 | X | 2A | |||
| 175×4 | 5500 | X | X | x1 | 2A, 3A | |
| 1.50×7 | 7500 | X | 2 | |||
| 2×5 | 9000 | X | 3 | |||
| 1.75×7 | 10000 | X | X | Blanks2 | ||
| 1.50×8 | 10000 | X | x3 | X | Blanks2 | |
| 1.50×10 | 13000 | X | Blanks2 | |||
| 1.75×12 | 20800 | X | Blanks2 |
1Only available in class 2.
2These sizes are available as class 3 or 4 as well as shaft mounted.
3Standard sizes and high back available.