The Eichinger Telescopic Self-Levelling Crane Brick Forks (Model 1056.97) are heavy-duty self-balancing crane forks for lifting palletised bricks, blocks and building materials by overhead crane, tower crane or Hiab. Telescopic height adjustment sets the working height from 1,150mm to 1,750mm via a pin system, automatic weight compensation keeps the forks level via a spring-loaded lifting eye, and fork spacing adjusts infinitely from 450mm to 950mm. Rated at 2,000kg SWL with 1,000mm prong length and net hooks fitted as standard; built in Germany by Florian Eichinger GmbH.
Key Features
- Telescopic height adjustment — working height adjustable from 1,150mm to 1,750mm via a pin system, accommodating different pallet and load heights without separate equipment
- Ball-bearing steel roller guides — maintenance-free roller guides in the top section provide smooth and reliable telescopic height adjustment
- Automatic self-balancing — spring-loaded lifting eye keeps the forks level regardless of load weight, from empty to full capacity, with no manual adjustment required
- Infinitely adjustable fork spacing — manually adjustable from 450mm to 950mm to accommodate standard and oversized pallet widths
- Net hooks fitted as standard — purpose-built attachment points for a load safety restraint net, providing secondary containment for loose items during the lift
- 1,000mm prong length — full-material fabricated prongs (40 × 90mm cross section) provide maximum strength and durability for brick and block packs
- German engineered and manufactured — built by Florian Eichinger GmbH under DIN ISO 9001:2015 quality management, independently tested by TÜV Nord
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Value |
| Model |
1056.97 (1056T.9) |
| Safe Working Load (SWL) |
2,000kg |
| Working Height |
1,150–1,750mm (adjustable by pin system) |
| Fork Spacing |
450–950mm (infinitely adjustable) |
| Prong Length |
1,000mm |
| Tine Cross Section |
40 × 90mm |
| Height Adjustment |
Ball-bearing steel roller guides |
| Balancing System |
Automatic self-balancing (spring-loaded lifting eye) |
| Net Hooks |
Fitted as standard |
| Weight |
198kg |
Load capacities are quoted for a distance of 680mm between the cross beam and the centre of gravity of the load. Automatic self-balancing works best from approximately 30% of rated loading capacity. Available with safety chain, safety cage or loading box in standard or custom sizes to order.
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. The crane forks are designed and manufactured to the occupational health and safety standards of the German Berufsgenossenschaften (BG). Manufactured under DIN ISO 9001:2015 quality management and independently tested by TÜV Nord. An EC Declaration of Conformity is supplied with every unit as standard.
More About This Product
The Eichinger Telescopic Self-Levelling Crane Brick Forks (Model 1056.97) are heavy-duty self-balancing crane forks with adjustable working height, designed for lifting and transporting palletised bricks, blocks and other building materials around construction sites by overhead crane, tower crane or Hiab. The telescopic height adjustment allows the working height to be set from 1,150mm to 1,750mm via a pin system, accommodating different pallet and load heights without needing separate equipment. Ball-bearing maintenance-free steel roller guides in the top section ensure smooth and reliable height adjustment. The automatic weight compensation system uses a spring-loaded lifting eye to keep the forks level regardless of load weight. Fork spacing is infinitely adjustable from 450mm to 950mm. Net hooks are fitted as standard. Rated at 2,000kg SWL with 1,000mm prong length. Built in Germany by Florian Eichinger GmbH.
Suitable Applications
The 1056.97 Telescopic Self-Levelling Crane Brick Forks are designed for construction sites where palletised bricks, blocks, slabs and other building materials need to be lifted and transported by overhead crane, tower crane or Hiab. The telescopic height adjustment makes this model particularly suited to sites handling multiple pallet and pack heights, as the working height can be quickly changed via the pin system to accommodate different load configurations. The self-balancing mechanism handles varying load weights throughout the working day without operator intervention. The adjustable fork spacing accommodates both standard and non-standard pallet widths. Also see our standard Crane Brick Forks (Model 1056.9) for applications where a fixed working height is sufficient.
Attachments are chosen by load shape: drums, bulk bags and banded packs each need a different one, and every attachment moves the load centre forward and derates the truck.
How to Use the Telescopic Crane Brick Forks
- Before use, set the telescopic working height to suit the pallet or load height using the pin system. Ensure the pin is fully engaged and secure.
- Adjust the fork spacing to match the width of the pallet being lifted. Ensure both forks are set to the same position.
- Attach the restraint net to the net hooks and position it ready to wrap around the load.
- Lower the forks onto the pallet, ensuring both prongs are fully inserted under the load.
- Wrap the restraint net tightly around the load and secure it. The net must be pulled tight to be effective.
- Lift the load slowly and allow the self-balancing mechanism to level the forks. Check for stability before proceeding.
- Transport the load to the delivery area, avoiding sudden or jolting movements.
- Lower the load carefully onto a flat, stable surface. Remove the net and withdraw the forks.
Warning:
The 1056.97 should never be used without a load safety restraint net. The net must always be pulled tight around the load. The net is not designed to catch a falling load. Do not use this equipment for dragging loads — it should be used for lifting loads clear of the ground only. Always ensure the telescopic height pin is fully engaged before lifting.
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. The crane forks are manufactured under a DIN ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system and independently tested by TÜV Nord. This product is certified for six months from the date of manufacture, after which it is the customer's responsibility to have the product re-tested by an approved inspection company or inspected by a competent person. 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
- Never exceed the rated Safe Working Load (SWL) of 2,000kg as shown on the type plate.
- Always use a load safety restraint net — do not operate without one.
- The net must be pulled tight around the load to be effective. It is not designed to catch a falling load.
- Always ensure the telescopic height pin is fully engaged and secure before lifting any load.
- Do not use the forks for dragging loads — lift clear of the ground only.
- Always ensure that the forks are set to the correct width for each load lifted.
- Inspect the forks weekly for general condition, paying attention to weld points, telescopic mechanism, roller guides, wear and distortion of thumb screws, damaged components, lock and latches, and pivot points.
- All bolts must be checked for tightness. The pivot bars must be kept clean and greased. The spring should be oiled and never let dry out.
- A risk assessment must be carried out prior to using this equipment.
- 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 telescopic crane brick forks must be inspected weekly for general condition and undergo a thorough examination at least every 6 months by a competent person in accordance with LOLER 1998 (6-month certification cycle applies). All inspections must be documented. Pay particular attention to all weld points, the telescopic pin mechanism, ball-bearing roller guides, self-balancing spring mechanism, lifting eye, thumb screws, fork adjustment mechanism, net hooks and pivot points. Check for wear, distortion, corrosion or deformation. The ball-bearing roller guides are maintenance-free but should be checked for smooth operation. General surface rusting, especially in critical areas, should be treated with proprietary rust inhibitors, primers and paint on a regular basis. If a restraint net is fitted, check it for rips or damage and replace if worn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes the telescopic version different from the standard 1056.9?
The telescopic 1056.97 features an adjustable working height from 1,150mm to 1,750mm via a pin system with ball-bearing steel roller guides. This allows you to accommodate different pallet and load heights without needing separate equipment. The standard 1056.9 has a fixed working height. Both models share the same 2,000kg SWL, 450–950mm adjustable fork spacing, self-balancing mechanism and 1,000mm prong length.
Q: How do I adjust the working height?
The working height is adjusted using a pin system. Remove the locking pin, slide the telescopic section to the required height position, then reinsert the pin through the corresponding hole to lock it in place. The ball-bearing steel roller guides ensure the adjustment is smooth and requires minimal effort. Always check that the pin is fully engaged before lifting.
Q: Do I need a safety net?
Yes, the 1056.97 must always be used with a load safety restraint net. Net hooks are fitted as standard. The net must be pulled tight around the load before lifting. Eichinger supply a suitable CS0003 Safety Restraint Net separately. The net is designed to restrain the load — it is not designed to catch a falling load.
Q: How often do the forks need to be inspected?
The forks should be inspected weekly for general condition and undergo a thorough examination at least every 6 months by a competent person, in accordance with LOLER 1998. This product is certified for six months from the date of manufacture, after which re-testing by an approved inspection company is required. Pay additional attention to the telescopic mechanism and roller guides during inspections.
