What rules apply to fork extensions?
There are two types of fork extensions; open and closed. In general, closed fork extensions are of a stronger construction and are often made for higher load weights than an open fork extension.
Common to both types of fork extensions is that they are designed according to the ISO 13284 standard.
The center of gravity should be on the existing fork of the truck. The preface to ISO 13284 states that an extension fork is a good economical solution for handling longer goods. It is also stated that closed extensions are preferable to the open solution. The best and preferred solution is to use longer standard forks on the truck.
The standard states that open fork extensions (without bottom) should not be used when handling loads on the fork tips. When buying new fork extensions, make sure that they have the marking that shows that the fork meets the requirements of the current standard. The dimensions of the fork extensions and the manufacturer's code must also be available.
Load capacity
A fork extension does not normally have the same load capacity as the forks supplied with the truck. Unlike existing forks on a truck, there is no requirement for fork extensions to be checked on annual inspections.
But we recommend that fork extensions should be included in the daily inspection of the truck and damaged extensions must be replaced.
Standard forks on trucks must be checked by carrying out regular fork tests.
Fork inspection
Check:
- forks for cracks
- angels
- straightness
- height difference
- locking
- wear of blade
- wear of shaft
- wear of heel
Maximum length of fork extensions
To be able to mount fork extensions on the existing forks, these must be at least 750 mm long.
The fork extension must be supported by the fork over a minimum of 60% of its total length
This means that the center of gravity will always be on the underlying (existing forks) if the extensions are correctly adapted to the load to be handled.
If you are handling loads outside the underlying fork, closed fork extensions must be used. One must also verify that the forks can handle the load to be handled. This is done on request and should be entered on the capacity plate on the truck.