Lifting pallets with a crane is quicker than unloading by hand, and the safest way to do it is with pallet crane forks, which carry the pallet on forks the way a forklift would. This guide covers choosing the forks, setting up the lift and the checks LOLER asks for.
Why Use Crane Forks Instead of Slings?
Slings passed under or through a pallet can crush the goods on top, slip as the load shifts, or put strain on pallet boards that were never made for it. Crane forks support the pallet from underneath across its depth, just like a forklift, so the load stays level and the pallet carries the weight the way it was designed to.
Choose the Right Crane Forks
Capacity
Crane forks come in 2000kg and 3000kg models. Your crane lifts the forks too, and they weigh 150kg to 230kg, so add that to your heaviest pallet when you check the crane's capacity at the working radius.
Manual or self levelling
Bow and eye pallet crane forks have notched lifting positions on the bow. You pick the position that balances the pallet before the lift, which works well when your pallets are a similar size and weight. Self levelling pallet crane forks balance themselves with springs, so the forks stay level whether the pallet is heavy or light. They need a minimum load to level properly: 200kg on the 2000kg models and 600kg on the 3000kg model.
Fork length, centres and free height
Check the pallet against the fork length (970mm or 1170mm) and the fork centres, and check your tallest load fits in the free height between the forks and the top of the frame.
Plan the Lift
LOLER requires every lifting operation to be planned by a competent person, properly supervised and carried out safely. For a routine pallet lift, the plan should cover:
- the weight of the pallet plus the forks, checked against the crane's rating at the working radius
- where the load will land, and whether the ground or floor can take it
- who controls the area under the load, and how people are kept out
- how the load is restrained if anything on it could fall
Load the Forks Properly
- Set the fork centres to suit the pallet so it sits evenly on both forks
- Slide the forks fully in so the pallet sits back against the frame
- Lift the load just clear and check the forks are level. On bow and eye forks, lower it and change the lifting position if they're not
- Use a safety net or other restraint where loose items could fall. The self levelling range includes a 2000kg model with a built-in safety net frame
- Lift slowly at first and stop if the load moves
Never Lift Over People
A pallet on crane forks is open at the sides and front, so anything that slips can fall. Keep people out of the area under the load at all times, and land the pallet before anyone approaches it.
LOLER Checks
Crane forks are lifting accessories, so they need a thorough examination by a competent person at least every six months, unless an examination scheme sets a different interval. Before each use, check the forks for cracks, bends and wear, make sure the bow or lifting eye isn't damaged, and check any adjustment pins are in place.
Need Crane Forks?
Compare both types in our pallet crane forks range, or request a quote with your crane and pallet details. Lifting bricks, blocks or kerbs without pallets? Read how to choose a scissor grab. Unloading with a forklift instead? Read how to unload a container or lorry with a forklift. Browse everything on our forklift attachments page.
