How to choose crane forks: capacity and balancing type

You need crane forks to move pallets and palletised materials with the site crane: the choice depends on the capacity, the type of load and how you want to balance it. For ordinary pallets a fork with adjustable balancing is fine, for pipes and long loads a multiple fork, and for changing the distance between the tines a telescopic fork. The capacity in the collection ranges from 600 kg to over 9,000 kg: always choose it above the heaviest load you expect.

The types

• Pallet crane forks: two tines that slide under the pallet. These are simple models, such as the pallet fork with load securing chain PGH Probst.
• Self-levelling articulated fork: the tines adjust themselves, with automatic balancing. For example the crane fork with automatic spring balancing Officine Polieri.
• Telescopic fork: the distance between the tines is adjustable, with manual balancing like the telescopic fork Officine Polieri. It is useful if your loads have different widths.
• Multiple forks and multi-fork positioner: for pipes and long loads, such as the multiple forks MFD Probst and the multi-fork positioner MFD.
• Butti forks: models such as the Special fork and the Grucar fork, in the Italia and Universal lines.
• Accessories: extensions, adjustable forklift mast extensions, fork pockets and load protection nets.

How to choose by job

Before choosing, write down three figures: the weight of the heaviest load, its dimensions (pallet width or pipe length) and the hook capacity of your crane. With these three numbers the choice narrows down to a few models.

The features to look at

• Capacity: the values in the collection range from 600 and 800 kg to 1,150, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500 kg, up to 4,750 kg and 6,500-9,500 kg for the largest versions. Always choose a capacity above the actual weight of the load, with a little margin.
• Own weight (tare): from a few tens of kg to over a thousand. Tare and load add together: the crane has to lift both.
• Tine dimensions and length: they must go all the way under the pallet or load, otherwise the weight bears only on the tip.
• Balancing: automatic spring, self-levelling articulated or manual. Automatic is more convenient if you change loads often; manual costs less but needs more attention.
• Safety features: closing chain with chain collector or load safety chain, so the load is not lost in transport.

Common mistakes

• Choosing the capacity for the average load: what counts is the maximum load, plus the fork's own weight.
• Not inserting the tines all the way: the load risks tipping over.
• Not doing a test lift: before lifting fully, raise the load a few centimetres and check the balance.
• Transporting the load unsecured: if it can fall, you need a net, cage or chain.
• Standing under a suspended load: never do it, not even for a moment.

Frequently asked questions

What capacity should a crane fork have?

Greater than the maximum weight you have to lift, adding the load and, for the crane, also the fork's own weight. If in doubt, choose the model with the higher capacity.

Automatic or manual balancing: which is better?

Automatic balancing adjusts the attitude by itself with different loads. Manual is fine if the loads are always similar and you want a simpler attachment.

Does a crane fork replace the forklift?

No, it is for lifting from above with the crane. To move loads on the ground you need dedicated vehicles.

How much can I really lift with my crane?

Less than the hook capacity: you must subtract the weight of the fork from the crane's rating. A 150 kg fork on a 1,000 kg hook leaves no more than 850 kg for the load.

How do you secure the load?

With the safety chain or a protective net. If the material is loose or may slip, always secure it.

You will find all the models in the crane pallet forks collection: to find out which fork your crane needs or for a quote, write to the AMES technicians.