Forklift tynes might seem like a small part of the machine, but they carry enormous responsibility. Whether lifting pallets, loading trucks, or stacking warehouse inventory, the right tynes keep your operations safe, steady, and compliant.
This guide breaks down what forklift tynes are, how to choose the correct type, and the maintenance practices that extend their lifespan.
What Are Forklift Tynes?
Tynes (often called forks) are the long steel arms at the front of your forklift that slide beneath a load. Each tyne includes a shank (the vertical section that attaches to the carriage), a blade (the horizontal lifting surface), and a heel where the two sections meet. The tip of the blade is tapered for easier entry under pallets or crates.
Different forklifts use different mounting systems, such as hook-type, pin-type, or shaft-mounted tynes. Understanding the type fitted to your forklift makes replacement and inspection far easier.
How to Read Tyne Dimensions and Ratings
Every forklift tyne has key specifications that determine how much weight it can handle and what it’s suited for:
- Length – usually measured from the shank to the tip of the blade.
- Width and thickness – determine load distribution and strength.
- Capacity rating – linked to the forklift’s load centre (typically 500 mm).
- Mounting class – identifies compatibility with the carriage (Class 2–5 for most forklifts).
If a tyne is too long or heavy, it can reduce the rated capacity of your forklift. Always confirm that replacement tynes match your model’s plate specifications before fitting.
Types of Forklift Tynes and Common Applications
Forklift tynes come in a range of designs built for specific materials and industries:
- Standard tynes – for everyday pallet handling.
- Tapered or polished tynes – for fragile goods or tight storage.
- Coil tynes – rounded design suited for metal coils or pipes.
- Drum handling tynes – shaped or fitted with attachments to cradle barrels securely.
- Stainless steel tynes – used in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical environments to prevent contamination.
- Telescopic tynes – adjustable length for varying load sizes.
How to Select the Right Forklift Tynes
Choosing the correct forklift tynes is more than a matter of fit. It directly impacts safety, stability, and the long-term condition of your equipment. The right selection starts with a clear understanding of how, where, and what you’re lifting.
1. Understand Your Load Type and Weight Distribution
Every load behaves differently once it’s lifted. Dense materials such as bricks, metal coils, or machinery components put concentrated pressure on the blades, while irregular or uneven loads shift weight during transit.
Reinforced or heavy-duty tynes are designed to withstand this extra force without bending. For lighter or more balanced loads, standard tynes may suffice. Always confirm that your chosen tynes can safely support your maximum intended load at the specified load centre (commonly 500 mm).
2. Match to Your Operating Environment
The environment your forklift operates in affects the durability and material of your tynes.
- Outdoor yards or construction sites require tynes with stronger resistance to rust and wear.
- Cold storage or freezers may demand tynes with coatings that resist condensation and temperature stress.
- Corrosive or chemical environments benefit from stainless steel or treated tynes that prevent deterioration.
Choosing a finish that suits your working conditions helps avoid premature wear and unexpected failures.
3. Confirm Forklift Compatibility
Each forklift model has a rated carriage class and mounting style. This determines what size and style of tyne will fit correctly. Common classes range from Class 2 (up to 2.5 tonnes) to Class 5 (up to 8 tonnes). The mounting system can be:
- Hook type – the most common, allowing easy removal and installation.
- Pin or shaft type – suited to larger capacity forklifts or special attachments.
- Bolt-on type – designed for custom or fixed applications.
Incorrectly matched tynes can slip or overload the carriage, leading to safety hazards and costly damage.
4. Ensure Compliance with Australian Standards
All forklift tynes used in Australia must comply with AS 2359. Forklift Trucks – Safe Operation and Maintenance. This standard outlines the requirements for rated capacities, markings, and inspection intervals.
Look for the manufacturer’s identification, rated capacity, and load centre marking stamped clearly on each tyne. If these are missing or illegible, the tynes should be replaced immediately.
5. Keep Detailed Records
Maintaining a record of each tyne’s length, width, thickness, serial number, and installation date simplifies replacement and compliance audits. This also helps track wear patterns across your fleet, so you can replace pairs proactively instead of reactively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced operators can make costly errors when:
- Using tynes longer than required, reducing visibility and control.
- Mixing tynes of different lengths or thicknesses.
- Dragging tynes across hard surfaces, which wears down the heel.
- Ignoring early signs of wear, such as uneven tips or rust lines.
- Fitting generic tynes not designed for your specific forklift.
Correct usage habits can add years to your tynes’ lifespan and prevent damage to forklifts, pallets, and product stock.
Maintenance and Safety Best Practices
Forklift tynes bear the full weight of daily lifting operations, so small cracks or wear can quickly turn into major safety risks. Incorporating regular inspections into your maintenance routine protects both your operators and your investment.
1. Measure Tyne Thickness and Wear
The most common sign of wear appears at the heel where the blade meets the shank. This area experiences the most stress. Use callipers or a tyne wear gauge to measure thickness. If the blade or heel has worn more than 10 percent from its original dimension, the tyne’s lifting capacity is compromised and both tynes should be replaced together.
2. Check for Bends, Cracks, or Deformation
Visual inspections should be performed at the start of each shift. Look along the blade for any bending or twisting that affects alignment. Cracks often appear along welds or at the heel where metal fatigue occurs first. Any visible distortion is a sign to remove the forklift from service until the tynes are replaced.
3. Inspect Mounting Components
Tynes rely on locking pins, hooks, and carriage bars to stay secure. Loose fittings increase the risk of slipping during operation. Make sure all retaining pins are in place, correctly seated, and free from corrosion. If the mounting points show excessive wear, repair or replace them before returning the forklift to service.
4. Keep Tynes Clean and Lubricated
Dust, pallet debris, and residue can accumulate along the blade or inside the mounting channels. Regular cleaning prevents corrosion and ensures a smooth fit when attaching or removing tynes. A light coating of lubricant on moving parts helps reduce friction and prevents rust, especially in outdoor or humid environments.
5. Operate Within Rated Capacity
Overloading is one of the most common causes of tyne damage. Never exceed the forklift’s rated capacity, and avoid using a single tyne to lift one-sided loads. Uneven weight distribution can twist the blade and reduce structural strength. Train operators to centre loads evenly and lift slowly to prevent unnecessary strain.
6. Schedule Professional Inspections
Even with in-house checks, a certified technician should inspect tynes at regular service intervals. Professional inspections identify issues that operators might overlook, such as micro-cracks or internal metal fatigue. Keeping up with these checks ensures compliance with AS 2359 and protects your warranty coverage.
Operate Your Forklift Safely
Forklift tynes might seem simple, but their condition and suitability affect every lift, every load, and every operator’s safety. Choosing the right type, keeping them maintained, and replacing them before wear becomes a risk are all essential parts of responsible fleet management.
At Freedom Forklifts, we supply, inspect, and service forklift tynes and attachments to suit every industry. Whether you need a new set of forks, specialist attachments, or a full safety check, our team can help you find the best solution for your equipment.
Keep your forklifts performing safely and efficiently. Contact Freedom Forklifts today to book a service or get expert advice on the right attachments for your operation.
