Fork tines
Also called: forks, tines, fork blades
Definition
Fork tines are the two steel arms on a forklift or pallet jack that slide into a pallet's openings to lift it. Their width, thickness, length and spacing set the minimum size of the pallet's openings and affect its dynamic load rating.
The tine is where the pallet meets the truck. Pallet openings and entry height are sized to clear tines with room for driver error.
Typical dimensions
| Dimension | Typical values |
|---|---|
| Width | About 4 in (100 mm) on common trucks; wider on heavy trucks |
| Length | 42 in and 48 in (1067 and 1219 mm) are common; many other lengths exist |
| Spacing | Adjustable on most forklifts; fixed on pallet jacks |
These are common values, not a standard. PDS uses a default tine width of 4 in and a tine length of 42 in (metric defaults 100 mm and 1070 mm), and lets the designer edit width, spacing and length.
Why it matters for pallet design
- Opening size: tine thickness plus clearance sets the minimum entry height.
- Spacing: where the tines sit under the pallet decides which stringers or blocks carry the load in the dynamic load condition. Lifting a stringer pallet from the side with no stringer between the tines is a different analysis from lifting it from the end.
- Length: tines shorter than the pallet leave the far end cantilevered.
- Impact: tine tips hit lead boards and blocks. That drives durability.
On a spec sheet or RFQ
If your equipment is unusual (very wide tines, long tines, fixed spacing), give the tine width, thickness, length and spacing.
Common confusions
Tine length is not the same as the truck's load center. Capacity is rated at the load center, not at the tine tip.
Related
- GlossaryWhat is a forklift?A forklift is a powered industrial truck that lifts, carries and stacks loads on two steel fork tines inserted into a pallet's openings. Its rated capacity applies at a stated load center, commonly 24 in (610 mm) in the US and 500 mm in Europe.
- GlossaryFork entry (pallet)Fork entry is the set of sides from which forklift tines or pallet-jack forks can enter a pallet. Pallets are classed as 2-way, partial 4-way or full 4-way entry.
- GlossaryEntry height (pallet)Entry height is the clear vertical height of a pallet's fork opening, from the floor or bottom deck to the underside of the top deck. On a 2-way stringer pallet it equals the stringer height, typically 3-1/2 in (89 mm).
- GlossaryDynamic loadDynamic load is the weight a pallet can safely carry while it is being moved, supported on forklift tines, a pallet jack or a conveyor. It sits between the static rating and the racking rating.
- GlossaryOpening (pallet fork opening)An opening is the clear space between the decks and between stringers or blocks that fork tines or pallet-jack forks enter. It is described by its width and its height.
More in Handling and storage
- GlossaryAutomated storageAutomated storage, often called AS/RS (automated storage and retrieval system), stores and retrieves pallets with stacker cranes, shuttles and conveyors instead of forklift drivers. It needs pallets with tight dimensional tolerances, low deflection (often 0.5 in, 13 mm, or less) and sound bottom decks.
- GlossaryBlock stackingBlock stacking is storing unit loads directly on top of one another on the warehouse floor, in rows and columns, with no racking. The bottom pallet and the packaging carry the whole stack, so static load and box compression strength limit the height.
- GlossaryConveyorA pallet conveyor moves loaded pallets on driven rollers or chains instead of a forklift. The pallet's bottom deck is the running surface, so the orientation of bottom boards, flatness, deflection and condition decide whether it runs reliably.
- GlossaryDrive-in rackA drive-in rack is high-density racking where the forklift drives into a lane and places pallets many deep on continuous rails along each side. The pallet is supported only along two edges, so its capacity across the unsupported direction governs.
- GlossaryEdge protectorAn edge protector, or corner board, is an L-shaped strip of laminated paperboard, plastic or other material placed on the vertical or top edges of a unit load. It spreads strapping and stretch wrap pressure, protects case corners, and can add vertical stacking strength.
- GlossaryPallet dispenserA pallet dispenser is a machine that holds a stack of empty pallets and releases them one at a time, usually onto a conveyor feeding a palletizer. It needs pallets with consistent dimensions, flat decks and sound bottom boards.
Last reviewed 2026-09-24. 261 words.