25.1 FOREWORD

Lifting forks are used in conjunction with a crane or other lifting machine to lift palletised loads of the type that are more usually lifted with a forklift truck. They are utilized in scenarios where forklift trucks are impractical, such as uneven terrain or when the required lift height or lateral movement exceeds forklift capabilities. They are sometimes known by the alternative name of either a loading fork or crane fork.

They are available in a range of lifting capacities. Standard models are available up to a capacity of approximately 5 tonnes and bespoke designs can be manufactured to handle virtually any weight of load. Most designs incorporate a method of levelling the load by either manual or automatic adjustment mechanisms or balance weights.