Physical Characteristics of Shaft Mounted Forks for Telehandlers & Forklifts
- Taper
- This is a user choice option - most forks have a standard taper and tip.
- Eye positions variations
- Most forks are going to have a single bushing that is welded to the fork, which is usually near the top of the fork.
- Some applications will have the bushing or “eye” welded on the back of the fork.
- Fork positioners and other features
- Forklift trucks may have options for fork positioner connection points. For instance:
- Notched or slotted eyes
- Pads or additional clips
- Forklift trucks may have options for fork positioner connection points. For instance:
- User-defined dimensions
- Fork thickness, width and length can be adjusted to meet specific work environment needs, as long as the fork will meet your machine’s capabilities.
- Take note that job requirements are often less than what your machine can actually perform. Best safety practices are to always size your machine to forks that match the capabilities or stated capacity of the machine, rather than expected job criteria.
- Critical fork dimensions and specifications
- Some dimensions are important to the proper fit and function of your machine’s forks.
- Shaft diameter
- Distance from the horizontal center of the bushing to the heel of the fork.
- The set of the eye on the fork. See instructions on the standard fork spec sheet.
- Accessories required for your application must also have accurate dimensions for fork positioner lugs, tabs or other items specific to your machine. See our blogs.
- Some dimensions are important to the proper fit and function of your machine’s forks.
Front
Side
*We have the ability to do custom work
All-Pro Forks stocks a wide range of forks to meet most industry machines and requirements. With basic measurements, our staff can equip your telehandler, wheel loader, backhoe or forklift with the fork that meets your needs.
Shaft Mounted Forks with fork positioners
Getting a set of replacement forks for a forklift with positioners does not have to resemble a trip to your local dentist for a root canal (unless you like that sort of thing)! Most of the specific features that need to be identified are on the back of the fork. In this article, we will discuss the connection points for fork positioners.
1. The block positioner
Block positioners are usually cube-shaped with a pass-through cylindrical hole that will run parallel with the back of the fork and the open ends on the right and left. Some block positioners will have a swivel bearing in the cylinder. This should be noted when filling in the Block Positioner Spec Sheet if you have this style connection point on your forks. See Fig. 1
2. The Y-Lug positioner
Y-Lugs may also be referred to as “C” or “U” lugs because of their shape. These lugs will have the positioner cylinder connect between the two fingers of the lug with a retainer running through the lug and cylinder rod. Use the Y-Lug Spec Sheet if this matches your connection point. It should be noted the secondary hole on this lug may or may not be required for your application. See Fig. 2
3. The tab positioner
Tab positioners are welded to the back of the fork and sits inside a forked cylinder end with a retainer running through the fork and tab. Refer to the Tab Positioner Spec Sheet if this matches your connection.
4. The angled lug positioner
Angled lugs function the same as tab positioners. The only difference is the profile of the lug. Use the Angled Lug Spec Sheet to provide accurate dimensions for this lug.