The Eichinger Crane Fork Cage (Model 1058.7) safely transports palletised bricks, blocks and building materials where a standard safety net alone does not provide sufficient protection. It works with self-balancing crane forks from any manufacturer — the forks simply slide through channels in the base — and four internal lifting eyes let it work as a standalone cage with a suitably rated 4-leg chain sling. A strut-assisted drop-down ramp provides easy loading and unloading access.
Key Features
- Universal crane fork compatibility — fits crane forks from any manufacturer, meaning you can buy just the cage and continue using your existing forks
- Four internal lifting eyes — can be used as a standalone lifting cage with a suitably rated 4-leg chain sling when crane forks are not available
- Strut-assisted drop-down ramp — provides easy access for loading and unloading palletised materials, with gas strut assistance for smooth operation
- Major safety improvement — contains palletised loads within a rigid steel mesh cage, offering significantly better protection than safety nets alone
- Heavy-duty mesh construction — rugged steel mesh sides contain loose or partially collapsed loads during lifting, protecting workers below
- German-engineered quality — manufactured by Eichinger Equipment Ltd, producing construction equipment since 1904
Technical Specifications
| Model |
Internal Dimensions (mm) |
Lifting Method |
Ramp |
| 1058.7 |
1,200 x 1,200 x 1,100 |
Crane forks or 4-leg chain sling via internal lifting eyes |
Strut-assisted drop-down |
Contact WOLFF Onsite for full dimensional and weight specifications.
CE Marked, UKCA Compliant & BG Safety Approved
This product carries CE marking in accordance with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, and a UKCA certificate is also provided where required for the UK market. Manufactured under DIN ISO 9001:2015 quality management. An EC Declaration of Conformity is supplied with every unit as standard.
More About This Product
The Eichinger Crane Fork Cage (Model 1058.7) is designed for the safe transportation of palletised bricks, blocks and other building materials where a standard safety net does not provide sufficient protection. The cage can be used with self-balancing crane forks from any manufacturer — simply slide the forks through the fork channels on the base — meaning you can buy just the cage and use your existing forks. The 1058.7 also benefits from four internal lifting eyes, allowing it to be used as a standalone lifting cage when combined with a suitably rated 4-leg chain sling, even when crane forks are unavailable. A strut-assisted drop-down ramp provides easy loading and unloading access. Built by Eichinger Equipment Ltd, the 1058.7 offers a major safety improvement over the traditional use of safety nets alone.
Suitable Applications
The 1058.7 Crane Fork Cage is designed for construction sites where palletised bricks, blocks, slabs and other building materials need to be lifted safely to upper floors by crane. It is particularly valuable on sites where health and safety assessments have identified that standard safety nets do not provide adequate containment for the type of load being lifted. The cage is widely used by housebuilders, commercial developers and hire companies supplying crane lifting accessories. The internal lifting eyes also make the cage suitable for general goods lifting applications where crane forks are not required.
Banding secures the pack but is not a lifting point. For loads that must be suspended rather than carried, see jibs and hooks.
How to Use the Crane Fork Cage
- Position the cage on a flat, level surface and lower the drop-down ramp.
- Load the palletised materials into the cage using a forklift, ensuring the load is centred and does not exceed the cage height.
- Close and secure the drop-down ramp.
- For crane fork use, slide the crane fork tines through the base channels of the cage. Ensure the forks are set to the correct width and the cage is securely located.
- For standalone lifting, attach a suitably rated 4-leg chain sling to each of the four internal lifting eyes.
- Raise the cage slowly off the ground and check for stability before proceeding.
- Transport the load to the required location, avoiding sudden or jolting movements.
- Lower the cage carefully onto a flat, stable surface and open the ramp to unload.
Certification and Compliance
This product is CE marked and supplied with a full EC Declaration of Conformity in accordance with the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. A UKCA certificate is also provided where required for the Great Britain market. All lifting equipment used on UK construction sites must comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
Safety Information
- Do not exceed the rated Safe Working Load (SWL) as shown on the type plate.
- Ensure the drop-down ramp is fully closed and secured before lifting.
- Do not place items higher than the cage mesh side panels.
- When using with crane forks, ensure the forks are correctly positioned and the cage is secure before lifting.
- When using as a standalone cage, ensure all four chain sling legs are correctly attached to the internal lifting eyes.
- A risk assessment must be carried out prior to moving or using this equipment.
- Operation only by persons who are familiar with the equipment and have read the operating instructions.
- Required PPE: hard hat, safety boots, gloves, and hi-vis vest.
- The type plate must remain present and legible at all times.
Inspection and Maintenance
The crane fork cage must be inspected before each use and undergo a thorough examination at least every 12 months by a competent person in accordance with LOLER 1998. All inspections must be documented and any defects rectified immediately. Pay particular attention to the mesh panels, internal lifting eyes, drop-down ramp mechanism and strut assists. Check for signs of corrosion, weld cracking or deformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the 1058.7 be used with any brand of crane forks?
Yes, the 1058.7 is designed as a universal cage that fits crane forks from any manufacturer. You can buy the cage separately and use it with your existing crane forks.
Q: Can the cage be lifted without crane forks?
Yes, the 1058.7 has four internal lifting eyes that allow it to be used as a standalone lifting cage when combined with a suitably rated 4-leg chain sling. This provides flexibility when crane forks are unavailable.
Q: Why use a crane fork cage instead of a safety net?
The 1058.7 provides rigid steel mesh containment around the entire load, offering significantly better protection than safety nets. Nets can shift or fail to contain loose items from a partially collapsed pallet, whereas the rigid cage keeps the load fully enclosed during the lift.
Q: How often does the cage need to be inspected?
The cage must be visually inspected before each use and undergo a thorough examination at least every 12 months by a competent person, in accordance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER). All inspection records must be documented and retained.
