Fixed VS Floating Forks on Excavator Pallet Forks
Excavator Pallet Forks are rapidly growing in popularity as people want to get the most out of one machine. Instead of just being used for digging, excavators are also being used for sorting materials, pouring concrete and even taking over the job of a telehandler or forklift by lifting pallets or stillages. If you've been considering a set of Pallet Forks then you've probably heard of the terms 'Fixed Forks' and 'Floating Forks'. These refer to the type of forks that the Pallet Fork Attachments come with - both have different features and benefits. Continue reading to find out which is best suited to you...
What are Fixed Forks on a Pallet Fork Attachment?
Fixed Forks are forks that are attached to the carriage in two places - at the top and bottom of the fork. Although they are fixed in two positions, you are still able to slide the forks side-to-side along the frame.
When the frame is tilted downward, the forks will remain in place - this is a good option if you want forks that don't move freely. So, as you tilt the pallet forks forwards, the forks will follow the same angle. For some operators, this can be seen as more difficult to navigate under loads as the forks can drive straight into the ground underneath.
What are Floating Forks on a Pallet Fork Attachment?
Floating Forks are forks that are attached to the carriage at one point. They are fixed to the top of the frame via a bar, which allows them to rotate on an axle.
Floating forks have the ability to move freely around this bar which means when you tilt the attachment forward, the forks will rotate round the bar - always remaining level with the ground. This is extremely helpful when carrying containers of material that you want to avoid spilling. They are said to be much easier to manoeuvre under pallets or stillages of material as the forks use gravity to guide them under so you have more scope for picking up the load at an awkward angle as the floating forks can move to compensate.
Should I use Fixed or Floating Forks?
Overall, the choice of Fixed or Floating Forks is up to operators discretion. It is said that Floating Forks are easier to use but this is something you would have to try out for yourself as every operator works differently. It will also depend on your preference of manufacturer - if you have a preferred supplier then the forks may vary which could influence the end result of who you select.
Here at Rhinox, our Pallet Forks Attachments are manufactured with Floating Forks to make the manoeuvring under loads easier, which in turn helps speed up your projects. Our Pallet Forks also come with a couple of preferred features, like the in-built stand to stop them rocking back when set down, making them easier to reattach; the centre brace that supports the bar that the Floating Forks are attached to and a pin storage rack on the back of the frame to store any unused pins as the Rhinox Pallet Forks are multi pin pick up so come with multiple pin set ups.
Learn more about Rhinox Pallet Forks.
There are 5 Common Questions that we get asked about Pallet Forks, including 'What are Fixed and Floating Forks?'To find out the answers to the other 4 questions, watch this video: |
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