The right equipment can make all the difference. Knowing when and how to order new forks for a telehandler will keep it running smoothly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of ordering new telehandler forks to ensure you get the perfect fit for your machine.

 When to Replace Telehandler Forks

 Regular inspection of your telehandler forks is essential for maintaining safety and efficiency. Check your forks regularly, looking for signs of diminished effectiveness, including: 

  • Cracks or Chips: Any visible damage can compromise the integrity of the forks.
  • Deterioration of the Heel: Check the fork heel for bends or distortions.  The heel is the strength of the fork, and damage or wear requires replacement.
  • Uneven or Bent Forks: If the forks are not level or show any signs of bending, it’s time for a replacement.
  • Check for Wear: Even as much as 10% wear can reduce the capacity of the forks by 20%, and signals that a replacement is needed.
  • Bigger Forks: A machine typically comes with a standard length fork like the common 48” long set.  To optimize your machine’s efficiency for certain tasks, you may want to upgrade to 72” or 96” long forks.

 When replacing forks, it’s important to replace both forks simultaneously. This ensures they hang evenly and provide balanced load support, which is crucial for safe operation.

Choosing the Right Forks

When selecting forks for your telehandler, consider these key factors:

  • Shaft Diameter: Most common telehandlers use shaft sizes of 2″ to 2.5″. Double-check your existing shaft size for compatibility.
  • Load Capacity: Different forks have varying load capacities. An Arrow representative can help choose forks that can safely handle your machine’s typical lifting capabilities. 
  • Length: Fork length affects handling capabilities. Longer forks can lift larger loads but may require more maneuvering space. 

The Importance of the Eye

The eye on telehandler forks is designed to fit snugly around the shaft bar. To get the right fit, measurements of the inside diameter, outside diameter, and the distance from the center of the eye to the back of the upright shank are needed.  

Replacing Shaft Bars

Shaft bars play a crucial role in the functionality of a telehandler, as they provide the necessary support for the fork carriage. It’s essential to replace steel shaft bars whenever you detect bends, wear, or any signs of damage, as these issues can severely impact the performance and safety of your equipment. Our shaft bars come in diameters ranging from 1.5″ to 4″ and are available with optional welded collars for added stability. Additionally, we offer Stress Proof™ material, designed to withstand heavy-duty applications. Ensuring that your shaft bars are in optimal condition is key to keeping the efficiency and reliability of your telehandler operations. Ask your Arrow rep which shaft bar you need for your machine.

Ordering Made Easy 

Ordering the right parts can be overwhelming with the variety of makes and models in the telehandler market. That’s why Arrow has standardized part numbers to match the most common sizes for various telehandler brands. We stock popular sizes, so you can find what you need without delay.

 If you’re unsure about the specific part number for your forks, don’t worry! Our website offers easy-to-use forms that you can fill out.   

When you’re ready to order, include your machine’s make and model when filling out the form or speaking with an Arrow dealer. This information will help the Arrow team find the right part number for your forks, ensuring you get exactly what you need.  

Final Thoughts 

Ordering telehandler forks and shaft bars doesn’t have to be complicated. By knowing your shaft diameter, understanding your load requirements, and including your machine’s details, you can ensure that you get the right equipment for your telehandler. 

For more information or to start your order, visit the Arrow Material Handling website or give your Arrow sales rep a call today!