Telescopic forks and load-handling devices
The unit that puts pallets and totes into rack positions on cranes and shuttles; single or double deep, supplied separately for new machines and retrofits.
The unit that puts pallets and totes into rack positions on cranes and shuttles; single or double deep, supplied separately for new machines and retrofits.
A telescopic fork sits on the carriage of a stacker crane or shuttle and extends in two or three stages to put a pallet or tote into a rack position and take it out. Pallet forks have two tines and are built single or double deep, driven by rack and pinion or by chain. For totes the load-handling device can be a telescopic fork, clamp, hook or belt, chosen by whether you store totes or cartons and whether they have handles. Forks are supplied on their own for new machines, retrofits and replacement.
Typical uses
- Fitting new stacker cranes and shuttles
- Crane retrofits and replacement; going from single to double deep also needs the rack, carriage moment, derating, stroke and controls checked
- Load handling for tote AS/RS and multi-level shuttles
- Components for integrators building their own machines
How to choose
- Load and pallet or tote size
- Reach: single or double deep
- Cycle time: extension and retraction speed
- Mounting: carriage dimensions and electrical interface
When it is not the right choice
- Many damaged pallets or overhanging loads: add a pallet profile check and bottom-board inspection first, or the fork will jam
- Soft cartons with uneven bottoms: avoid hook-type devices; use a fork or belt that supports the base
Key figures
| Pallet fork load | Typically 1–1.5 t class; manufacturer ranges cover about 0.8–4.5 t, per project |
|---|---|
| Pallet position depth | Single deep about 1,000–1,300 mm; double deep available |
| Pallet fork stroke | Single deep about 1,200–2,200 mm; double deep up to about 2,700 mm |
| Fork speed | About 30 m/min loaded, about 50–60 m/min empty |
| Drive | Rack and pinion or chain; two or three stages |
| Tote handling | Up to about 50 kg per tote, totes about 300×400 to 600×400 mm |
| Tote depth | Single or double deep, 1–2 totes per cycle |
| Tote device types | Telescopic fork, clamp, hook, belt |
Figures are typical configuration ranges; exact specifications are set per project.
Options
- Double-deep forks
- Photo-eyes for pallet presence and overhang
- Width-adjustable tote clamps
- Spare-parts kit and wear parts
Scope of supply
- Machine, drives and control cabinet, assembled and dry-run tested before shipping
- The equipment's own control and fleet software; interfaces to your existing WMS / ERP as the project requires
- Drawings: general arrangement, foundation and anchor plan, electrical schematics
- Conformity documents for the equipment and the whole line, the split of responsibilities and the acceptance criteria are set out in the contract according to the project scope
- Spare-parts list and wear-part recommendation; a first batch can ship with the equipment
- Factory acceptance (FAT): attend in person or follow by live video
- Installation, commissioning and operator training can be included in the offer
What we need for an offer
- Load
- Pallet or tote size
- Rack position depth
- For retrofits: existing machine and mounting dimensions
- Speed requirement