Currently, we have a very large selection of forklifts with wide applications on the market. They are used primarily during warehouse work and when transporting larger materials. They differ from each other in terms of functions, drive or steering type. One type of forklift is equipment with extendable forks. What characterizes this type of forklift? When are they useful?

What types of forks do we distinguish in forklifts?

We distinguish six basic types of forks:

  • standard forks, suspended on a carriage,
  • forks with pin-type hook and with sleeve,
  • bolt-on forks,
  • forks for positioners,
  • forks without hooks,
  • extendable forks, also called antistatic.

What are forklifts with extendable forks?

Forks in industrial trucks are the most characteristic element belonging to these vehicles. In most forklift models, they can be used interchangeably with other types of attachments. We can distinguish here extendable forks or fork extensions. The first solution is permanently mounted to forklifts and enables fork control without the need for manual replacement. Extensions, on the other hand, are an accessory that is manually placed on already mounted forks.

Forklifts with extendable forks are nothing more than machines that are equipped with the ability to extend forks. This type of solution can be used in front combustion forklifts, front electric forklifts, electric pallet trucks and in telescopic loaders.

Extendable forks – when to use?

Forklifts with extendable forks are worth purchasing when it is known that extensions will not be sufficient in the company, production hall or warehouse. During one shift, it very often happens that forklift operators must use both longer and shorter fork lengths in one shift. Installing extensions takes a lot of time, so the most economical solution will be to purchase a separate forklift with extendable forks.

This type of forklift will work well wherever there is a need to transport longer goods. They serve to increase the working surface. Importantly, despite their length, they are as durable as their shorter counterparts.

How to select forks for a forklift?

Due to the fact that extendable forks very often constitute additional forklift attachments, it is worth knowing how to select the appropriate accessory. The most important parameters will be:

  • Forklift lifting capacity. The sum of the lifting capacity of two forks should equal the maximum lifting capacity of the forklift.
  • Fork length. Fork length must always be adapted to the type of work performed. We will choose a different length for transporting pallets and another for transporting larger goods. Extendable forks can have up to 3 m reach.
  • Fork carriage class. Extendable forks are suspended on a carriage – the front plate of the forklift. Before deciding to purchase forks, it is worth determining the carriage class. We distinguish five classes here. Classes II and III are most commonly encountered. The first ones are used in forklifts with lifting capacity up to 2.5 tons, the second ones up to 3.5 tons.