Brick Forks and Cage

Eichinger 1056.9 and 1058.7 | 2000kg SWL | Self-Levelling | Restraint Net Included | Strut-Assisted Drop-Down Ramp | Tower Crane and Telehandler | Fully Certified

A complete brick fork and cage package for the safe crane-suspended lifting of palletised bricks, blocks and masonry on construction sites. The package combines the Eichinger 1056.9 self-levelling crane fork with the Eichinger 1058.7 crane fork cage, providing a fully enclosed lifting solution with major safety benefits over the traditional crane fork and safety net method used on its own. The 1056.9 features a spring-loaded lifting eye that automatically compensates for variations in load weight, keeping the forks level throughout the lift. A restraint net is supplied with the 1056.9 and must always be used and pulled tight around the load. The 1058.7 cage encloses the pallet on all sides, retaining any loose or dislodged material during the lift. The cage also features four internal lifting eyes, meaning it can be used as a standalone goods cage with a four-leg chain sling when the forks are not required. Manufactured by Eichinger, a German manufacturer with over 100 years of experience in construction site equipment.

Technical Specifications

The SWL of 2000kg is the maximum net load. The total crane hook load includes the weight of the cage (545kg) and forks (198kg) in addition to the net load. Confirm the crane is rated for the full combined hook load at the working radius before lifting. The load must not protrude above the sides of the cage.

1056.9 Self-Levelling Crane Fork

The 1056.9 is a 2000kg self-levelling crane fork designed for lifting palletised bricks, blocks and masonry by crane. The spring-loaded lifting eye automatically compensates for variations in load weight, keeping the forks level whether loaded or empty. Fork width is adjustable by undoing the eye bolts and sliding the tines in or out to suit the load, then tightening the eye bolts to secure them in position before lifting. Net hooks are fitted as standard. A restraint net is supplied and must always be fitted and pulled tight around the load before any lift is carried out. The net is a restraint only and is not designed to catch a falling load.

1058.7 Crane Fork Cage

The 1058.7 is a crane fork cage specifically designed for the safe transportation of palletised bricks and blocks where the restraint net alone is not sufficient. The cage encloses the pallet on all sides, retaining any loose or dislodged material throughout the lift. A mesh door with a positive locking system allows access for loading. A strut-assisted drop-down ramp at the front of the cage allows pallets to be removed at the destination by pallet truck without the need to reposition the crane forks inside the cage. Four internal lifting eyes allow the 1058.7 to be used as a standalone goods lifting cage with a suitably rated four-leg chain sling when the crane forks are not in use. Compatible with both standard and telescopic crane forks from any manufacturer.

Key Features

• Spring-loaded self-levelling lifting eye on the 1056.9 automatically compensates for load weight variations, keeping the forks level throughout the lift without manual adjustment.
• Restraint net supplied and required. The 1056.9 must never be used without the restraint net fitted and pulled tight around the load. The net is a restraint only and is not designed to catch a falling load.
• Fully enclosed cage system on the 1058.7 retains all loose and dislodged material during the lift, providing a significant safety improvement over relying on a net alone.
• Strut-assisted drop-down ramp on the 1058.7 allows the pallet to be removed at the destination by pallet truck, without needing to reposition the crane forks inside the cage.
• Four internal lifting eyes on the 1058.7 allow the cage to be used as a standalone goods lifting cage with a four-leg chain sling, independent of the crane forks.
• Adjustable fork width on the 1056.9 secured by eye bolts, allowing the tines to be set to the correct spacing for each load before lifting.
• Compatible with any manufacturer's crane forks on the 1058.7, meaning the cage can be used alongside existing site fork equipment.

Suitable Applications

The brick forks and cage package is suited to construction sites where palletised bricks, blocks, concrete products and masonry are being lifted by tower crane, mobile crane or Hiab to elevated working areas. The enclosed cage system is the preferred method where additional load security is required beyond a restraint net alone, including high-rise residential construction, commercial developments and infrastructure projects. The 1058.7 cage can also be used independently for lifting unpalletised loose materials, equipment and site supplies by four-leg chain sling.

How to Use

1. Inspect the crane fork and cage before each use. Check the lifting eye, spring mechanism, tines, eye bolts, net hooks, cage frame, mesh door, locking system, ramp, ramp struts and all lifting points for damage, deformation or wear. Do not use if defects are found.
2. Ensure the load is secured to the pallet before lifting. The pallet and load must be no longer than the tine length of the crane forks.
3. Set the fork width to suit the pallet by undoing the eye bolts, sliding the tines to the correct spacing, and retightening the eye bolts before lifting.
4. Raise the 1056.9 just clear of the ground and slide the forks into the pallet. Raise the load clear of the ground and check it is balanced and central. Open the mesh door of the 1058.7 cage, ensuring it is clear of the loading area.
5. Position the loaded pallet into the cage as close to the mesh door as possible to ensure maximum stability. Remove the crane forks from the pallet, then from the cage fork pockets.
6. Reinsert the crane forks into the cage fork pockets, setting the fork width to suit the cage pockets and ensuring the forks are equally distanced from the centre column. Close and lock the mesh door, ensuring the locking system is fully engaged.
7. Fit the restraint net under the forks and load and secure it tightly to the net hooks, gathering any excess onto the hooks. The net must be tight to the load before the lift proceeds.
8. Confirm the total hook load including the weight of the forks, cage and net load does not exceed the crane rated capacity at the working radius. Lift and transport in a slow and controlled manner, avoiding sudden movements.
9. At the destination, lower the cage fully to ground on firm, level ground. Lower the drop-down ramp and remove the pallet using a pallet truck, or open the mesh door and use the crane forks to remove the pallet if the destination allows this to be carried out safely.

Important: The 1056.9 must never be used without the restraint net fitted and pulled tight around the load. Never exceed the 2000kg SWL. Never drag loads. The load must not protrude above the sides of the cage. Always ensure exclusion zones are in place below and around the load during the lift.

Inspection and Maintenance

Inspect before every use, including checks on the lifting eye, spring mechanism, tines, eye bolts, net hooks and net, cage frame, mesh door and locking system, ramp and ramp struts, and all internal and external lifting points. Thorough examination by a competent person is required at least every 6 months in accordance with LOLER 1998. Records of examination must be retained. Treat surface rusting in critical areas promptly with appropriate inhibitors, primers and paint. Remove from service immediately if any structural member, lifting point or spring mechanism shows signs of damage or failure.

Frequently Asked Questions