Fork hooks are specialised forklift attachments, designed to improve the versatility of a forklift unit by extending the applicable usage scenarios, turning a forklift into a highly effective, mobile lifting device.

As the name suggests, a forklift fork hook is quite simply a hook that often sits under the tine (fork) of a forklift, with some designs utilising both fork tines in a bridge configuration with the hook hanging beneath, resembling a simplistic crane of sorts.

Due to the ability to rapidly deploy a forklift hook attachment, combined with the mobility of the forklift truck itself, fork hooks can help to drastically improve the effectiveness of a material handling or manufacturing operation, giving users the mobile lifting power where and when they need it.

When to use fork hooks

While there is a notion held amongst some manufacturing circles that “all you need is a forklift”, that is only half of the story – the real answer is that it depends on what you are trying to move, where you are operating, and the scenario specifics therein.

Forklift hook attachments certainly do help to encourage the forklift legend, however, as they greatly increase the versatility and applicability of the humble forklift truck, ensuring that there is sufficient lifting capability at hand, when it is needed.

From bags of materials, to beams held in a sling, to drum lifters and more, a fork-mounted hook gives operators the ability to hoist the load from the above, rather than simply lifting from the underside of the load. One example use case scenario of when this is critical is a situation where the fork tines cannot comfortably fit under the load in question.

Fork hooks are commonly seen in a wide range of industrial applications, and throughout material handling operations worldwide.

Stratalign forklift fork hooks

As New Zealand’s forklift attachment experts, we supply a range of quality fork hooks to help turn forklifts into multi-purpose lifting machines. We’ve used our extensive industry knowledge to handpick reputable brands that we know are reliable and safe, ensuring our customers get the right lifting solution product.

Our durable heavy duty forklift fork hooks are manufactured to be robust lifting devices, designed to help you move with confidence. All fork hooks we supply are easily secured by thumb screws with dedicated safety latches, and are available in safe working load capacities of 1,000kg to 2,500kg single fork configurations, and 1,000kg to 5,000kg dual fork units.

A safety note on operating a forklift with a fork hook attachment installed

In light of the changes to weight distribution after adding a fork hook attachment, it is advisable to drive and turn slower than normal.

Let us do the heavy lifting for you

Fork hooks can play an important role in many material handling operations; but, as with all heavy machinery, care must be taken to ensure that the appropriate technical limitations of the forklift and hook attachment are respected and its use is as intended.

Our knowledgeable team of problem solvers can help you to choose the appropriate fork hook attachment, improving the versatility and effectiveness of your material handling operation by ensuring you have the “right tool for the job”.

Let us do the heavy lifting for you. Contact us today for an obligation-free consultation and quote.