When To Choose a Custom Shaft Mount Fork
Versatile & Easy To Use
If your business is one that utilizes material handling equipment, you know how important it is to have the right set of forks to maintain safe and reliable operation of your machinery. There are many different types of forks to choose from, but at All Pro Forks, it is our Shaft Mounted Forks (also known as pin-type forks) that are the most popular. And for good reason!
Shaft Mounted Forks easily and securely attach to forklifts, telehandlers, wheel loaders and skid steers to safely lift and move heavy loads. Instead of mounting on flat, notched steel, they are mounted on a shaft that spans along the width of the carriage. Shaft Mounted Forks are versatile and easy to use, making them an important tool in the material handling industry.
Introducing Custom Shaft Mount Forks
In some instances, a Custom Shaft Mount Fork is the way to go. While our standard Shaft Mounted Forks are made for machines that have a standard mount or measurement for the bushing location and clips, many machines that use a shaft-type installation require specific set distance and spacing for that particular make and model. This is where our All Pro Forks Custom Shaft Mount Forks are a great solution.
Proper Fit Ensures Proper Function
When designing and fabricating a Custom Shaft Mount Fork, there are many factors to consider. It is crucial that the fork meets or exceeds the load capacity for the machine it is being designed for. This could mean the fork needs to be wider, thicker or even longer than standard forks.
Another important factor to consider is the precise location where the bushing (also called the eye) is welded onto the fork. Some makes, models and brands require the eye to be located on the back of the fork, some on the top and others somewhere in between, depending on the location of other working parts around the shaft that houses the fork. If the eye is off even ⅛ of an inch, it could rub another part or prohibit the fork from operating correctly, resulting in damage to the equipment and/or injury to the operator.
A Custom Shaft Mount Fork requires extremely precise measurements to ensure all parts work as they are designed to. When measuring, remember that most dimensions have a ± factor so finding your dimension to .001 isn’t necessary. Usually, any dimension ± of ⅛ of an inch (.125 or 3mm) on fork mounting hardware is acceptable. Auxiliary items like lugs or other features may require more precision and having a caliper on hand in these scenarios can be helpful. Check out our blog post on how to ensure accurate measurements here.
Let Our Experts Guide You
If you need a Custom Shaft Mount Fork but aren’t exactly sure about the measuring process, our experienced team is here to help.
How To Order a Custom Shaft Mount Fork
Ordering your Custom Shaft Mount Fork from All-Pro Forks is a simple, convenient process and we are here for you every step along the way. Our goal is always to provide you with the knowledge and expertise you need to make the best decisions about your equipment needs.
We will ask you to fill out a specification sheet that will cover the following key items:
- Taper
- Eye Position
- Fork Positioner Connection Points & Other Features
- Fork Dimensions & Specifications
- Polishing
- Other User Defined Dimensions
Once your spec sheet is completed with signature and date acknowledging measurements are correct, one of our experienced design engineers will use special software to create a blueprint for the fork. Fabrication can take up to three weeks, depending on the project. Once completed, your Custom Shaft Mount Fork will undergo rigorous inspection prior to shipping.
For questions or help with your material handling solutions, trust our expert technicians at All Pro Forks.