“Fixed” vs “Floating” Pallet Fork Comparison

“Fixed” Forks

Artillian pallet fork sets use “fixed” fork tines. “Fixed” forks are captured by the carriage in two places, at the top and bottom of the tine. You can still slide the forks side-to-side, in and out from the middle of the frame but when the frame is tilted downward, the forks will remain attached to the frame. “Fixed” fork carriages normally have notches along the upper rail to lock the forks into the desired position.

With this configuration, the forks can become a tool of many uses for a tractor, not just for moving pallets.

With the Artillian fork frame, the fork rails are made of a special very high strength and high wear resistant steel that is matched with the fork tine material to ensure many years of durable trouble free life.

“Floating” Forks

Artillian doesn’t use “floating” forks due to their limited diversity. They are designed for mainly moving pallets quickly and efficiently. The forks are free to swing and remain level with the ground, making it easier to get the fork tines into the pallet openings without having to adjust the tilt angle as much as with fixed forks.

Floating fork tines have a cylindrical sleeve at the top which couples to a round shaft on the fork carriage. This allows the forks to infinitely adjust side to side from the middle of the frame. However, the forks are usually free to slide unrestrained so they migrate when the tractor rolls across bumpy ground.

Also, floating forks have no ability to apply down pressure to the fork tines. Floating forks are generally not considered to be optimum for use on utility tractors.