{"id":2212,"date":"2026-06-23T08:58:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T08:58:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hydrauliccylindersprice.com\/?post_type=product&p=2212"},"modified":"2026-06-25T07:39:50","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T07:39:50","slug":"forklift-distance-adjustment-hydraulic-cylinder-fork-positioner-cylinder","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/hydrauliccylindersprice.com\/sv\/product\/forklift-distance-adjustment-hydraulic-cylinder-fork-positioner-cylinder\/","title":{"rendered":"Forklift Distance Adjustment Hydraulic Cylinder \u2014 Fork Positioner Cylinder"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/p>\n

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Forklift Distance Adjustment Hydraulic Cylinder \u2014 Hydraulic Fork Positioner Control<\/h2>\n
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Every forklift handles pallets of different sizes. A standard Euro pallet is 800 mm wide; an ISO pallet is 1,000 mm; a custom industrial pallet can be 1,200 mm or wider. Without a fork positioner, the operator must manually reposition the forks each time the pallet width changes \u2014 a process that takes 2\u20135 minutes per adjustment, requires the operator to leave the cab, and involves handling heavy steel forks (each weighing 20\u201350 kg) by hand. In a mixed-pallet warehouse processing 200+ loads per shift, manual fork adjustment consumes 30\u201360 minutes of productive time every day.<\/p>\n

The distance adjustment hydraulic cylinder eliminates this entirely. Mounted horizontally across the carriage inside the fork positioner frame, it pushes both forks apart or pulls them together through a synchronised linkage. The operator controls the fork spread from the cab using a hydraulic lever connected to the forklift’s auxiliary hydraulic circuit. Adjustment takes seconds, happens at any fork height, and requires zero physical effort from the operator. Korea Ever-Power supplies 5 cylinder models spanning the full range of forklift hydraulic cylinder<\/a> applications for fork positioner attachments from 1.5 to 5 tonnes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
Bore Range<\/span>\u03a650\u2013\u03a670<\/span><\/div>\n
Stroke Range<\/span>295\u2013855 mm<\/span><\/div>\n
Working Pressure<\/span>15\u201320 MPa<\/span><\/div>\n
Cylinder Action<\/span>Double-Acting<\/span><\/div>\n
5 Models<\/span>
\n7\u201322 kg<\/span>
\nAttachment Cylinder<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

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Complete Specifications \u2014 All 5 Fork Positioner Cylinder Models<\/h2>\n

Five models span a broad range of strokes and pressures, reflecting the diversity of fork positioner designs across the 1.5\u20135 tonne forklift market. Each model is designed for a specific family of fork positioner attachments \u2014 the bore, stroke, and mounting dimensions are not interchangeable between families.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Drawing Number<\/th>\nBore (D)<\/th>\nRod (d)<\/th>\nStroke (S)<\/th>\nInstall Dist (L)<\/th>\nPressure<\/th>\nPorts (M)<\/th>\nWeight<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
3CS17G-30-00T4<\/td>\n\u03a650<\/td>\n\u03a625<\/td>\n295<\/td>\n503<\/td>\n16 MPa<\/td>\n2-M16\u00d71.5<\/td>\n7 kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5CS17-40-00Z<\/td>\n\u03a650<\/td>\n\u03a625<\/td>\n619<\/td>\n889<\/td>\n15 MPa<\/td>\nM14\u00d71.5<\/td>\n13 kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7B3-303000-00TA<\/td>\n\u03a650<\/td>\n\u03a628<\/td>\n750<\/td>\n1040<\/td>\n18 MPa<\/td>\nM14\u00d71.5; M16\u00d71.5<\/td>\n14 kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7B3-304000-00<\/td>\n\u03a670<\/td>\n\u03a630<\/td>\n300<\/td>\n536<\/td>\n18 MPa<\/td>\n2-M14\u00d71.5<\/td>\n13.5 kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8M3-304000A-625<\/td>\n\u03a663<\/td>\n\u03a632<\/td>\n855<\/td>\n1174<\/td>\n20 MPa<\/td>\n2-M16\u00d71.5<\/td>\n22 kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

All dimensions in mm. Installation distance (L) measured pin centre to pin centre at full retraction. Model 7B3-303000-00TA uses different port thread sizes on each end (M14\u00d71.5 and M16\u00d71.5) \u2014 verify port assignment during installation. Models sorted by bore size, then by stroke. All models double-acting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How the Fork Positioner Mechanism Converts Cylinder Motion into Fork Spread<\/h2>\n

The distance adjustment cylinder does not push the forks directly. It drives a linkage system inside the fork positioner frame that converts the cylinder’s linear extension into symmetrical outward (or inward) movement of both forks simultaneously. The most common linkage arrangement uses a rack-and-pinion mechanism or a scissor-link system that ensures both forks move equal distances from the carriage centre line \u2014 maintaining symmetric load positioning even when the cylinder extends unevenly due to friction differences between the two fork slides.<\/p>\n

\"Forklift<\/p>\n

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Rack-and-Pinion Type<\/h3>\n

The cylinder extends a rack gear that meshes with a central pinion. The pinion simultaneously drives two opposing rack segments \u2014 one connected to each fork \u2014 producing equal and opposite fork movement. This design guarantees mechanical synchronisation: it is physically impossible for one fork to move without the other. Used on most fork positioners below 3.5 tonnes where the lower forces permit the use of rack-gear tooth profiles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Scissor-Link Type<\/h3>\n

The cylinder pushes a central pivot point on a pair of crossed links (like a scissor jack). As the pivot moves forward, the link ends push the fork mounting brackets apart. This design handles higher loads than rack-and-pinion because the link geometry provides a mechanical advantage that amplifies the cylinder force. Used on fork positioners for 3.5\u20135+ tonne forklifts where the heavier forks generate higher sliding friction forces on the carriage rails.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Cylinder stroke \u2260 fork spread: <\/strong>
\nBecause the linkage provides mechanical multiplication, the total fork spread change is typically 1.5\u00d7 to 2.5\u00d7 the cylinder stroke. A cylinder with a 295 mm stroke can produce 440\u2013740 mm of fork spread adjustment. The exact multiplication ratio depends on the positioner’s linkage geometry, not the cylinder itself. When selecting a replacement cylinder, match the stroke to the positioner model \u2014 do not calculate backward from the desired fork spread range.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

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Matching Stroke Length to Your Fork Positioner \u2014 Selection Guide<\/h2>\n

The wide stroke range across these five models (295 mm to 855 mm) exists because fork positioners vary enormously in their design and the fork spread range they serve. A 295 mm stroke cylinder on a compact positioner may provide the same total fork spread range as an 855 mm stroke cylinder on a wide-carriage positioner \u2014 the difference is in the linkage multiplication ratio, not in the cylinder’s inherent capability.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Stroke Class<\/th>\nModels<\/th>\nTypical Positioner Type<\/th>\nTypical Fork Spread Range<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Short (295\u2013300 mm)<\/td>\n3CS17G, 7B3-304000<\/td>\nCompact rack-and-pinion<\/td>\n200\u2013700 mm (narrow-pallet)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Medium (619\u2013750 mm)<\/td>\n5CS17, 7B3-303000<\/td>\nStandard scissor-link<\/td>\n300\u20131,200 mm (multi-pallet)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Long (855 mm)<\/td>\n8M3-304000A<\/td>\nWide-carriage direct-drive<\/td>\n400\u20131,500 mm (industrial-pallet)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
Do not select by desired fork spread alone. <\/strong>
\nThe correct replacement cylinder is determined by the fork positioner model, not by the fork spread range you want. Two positioners may achieve identical fork spread ranges using cylinders with entirely different strokes. Always identify the positioner manufacturer and model number first, then cross-reference to the correct cylinder drawing number.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

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The Productivity Case \u2014 What Hydraulic Fork Adjustment Saves<\/h2>\n

The economic justification for a fork positioner (and therefore for the distance adjustment cylinder that powers it) is straightforward: time saved per adjustment \u00d7 number of adjustments per shift \u00d7 labour cost per minute.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Parameter<\/th>\nManual Fork Adjustment<\/th>\nHydraulic Positioner<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Time per adjustment<\/td>\n2\u20135 minutes<\/td>\n3\u20135 seconds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Operator leaves cab<\/td>\nYes (every time)<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Physical effort<\/td>\nHigh (lifting 20\u201350 kg forks)<\/td>\nNone (lever pull)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adjustable at height<\/td>\nNo (forks must be on ground)<\/td>\nYes (any fork height)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ergonomic injury risk<\/td>\nModerate to high<\/td>\nNegligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adjustment precision<\/td>\n\u00b125 mm (lock pin spacing)<\/td>\nInfinite (stepless)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

For a warehouse processing 15 pallet-width changes per 8-hour shift, at 3 minutes per manual adjustment, the fork positioner saves 45 minutes per shift. At two shifts per day and a loaded labour cost of $35\/hour, that is $26,250 per year in recovered productive time \u2014 from a single hydraulic cylinder that typically costs a fraction of that amount to replace when it reaches the end of its service life.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

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Fork Positioner vs Side Shifter \u2014 Different Attachments, Different Cylinders<\/h2>\n

Buyers sometimes confuse fork positioner cylinders with side shifter cylinders because both are attachment cylinders mounted on the forklift carriage. However, they perform entirely different functions and are not interchangeable.<\/p>\n

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Fork Positioner Cylinder (This Product)<\/h3>\n

Adjusts the lateral distance between<\/em> the two forks. Both forks move outward or inward symmetrically relative to the carriage centre. The load stays centred on the carriage. Used to accommodate different pallet widths. Requires the auxiliary hydraulic circuit (3rd or 4th valve section). The cylinder mounts horizontally across the carriage face inside the positioner frame.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Side Shifter Cylinder<\/h3>\n

Shifts the entire carriage and both forks laterally left or right together<\/em> \u2014 without moving the forklift itself. The fork spacing does not change; the whole fork assembly moves sideways. Used to precisely position the forks over an off-centre load or to align forks with a racking slot without repositioning the entire forklift. Different mounting, different stroke, different cylinder specification entirely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

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Where Fork Positioner Cylinders Deliver the Greatest Value<\/h2>\n

\"Hydraulic<\/p>\n

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Mixed-Pallet Distribution Centres<\/h3>\n

Facilities that handle Euro pallets (800\u00d71,200 mm), ISO pallets (1,000\u00d71,200 mm), and custom sizes on the same shift. Each pallet width change requires a fork spread adjustment. Without a fork positioner, mixed-pallet operations are the most time-intensive manual adjustment scenario \u2014 and the environment where the hydraulic distance adjustment cylinder pays for itself fastest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Beverage and FMCG Warehousing<\/h3>\n

Beverage pallets, retail display pallets, and FMCG case pallets come in widths from 600 mm to 1,200 mm \u2014 sometimes within the same truckload. Operators switching between these sizes every few minutes need the fork positioner to maintain throughput. The 8M3 model with its 855 mm stroke and 20 MPa rating handles the widest spread adjustment range and the heaviest loaded-pallet friction forces in this application class.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Steel, Lumber, and Long-Load Handling<\/h3>\n

Forklifts handling steel sheet bundles, lumber packages, and other wide or irregularly-shaped loads must position the forks at the load’s support points to prevent overhang tipping. The ability to adjust fork spacing hydraulically \u2014 and to do it at any fork height \u2014 means the operator can position forks precisely under the load’s centre of gravity without lowering the load to the ground, repositioning, and relisting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

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Distance Adjustment Cylinder \u2014 Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
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My forklift does not have an auxiliary hydraulic valve \u2014 can I still install a fork positioner?<\/h3>\n

Yes, but you will need to add an auxiliary valve section to the forklift’s hydraulic control stack. Most forklift manufacturers offer an auxiliary valve kit as a factory or dealer-installed option. The auxiliary valve provides the directional control and flow regulation for the fork positioner cylinder. Without it, the cylinder has no control path \u2014 there is no way to route hydraulic oil to extend or retract the distance adjustment cylinder. Contact your forklift dealer to verify auxiliary valve availability for your specific model.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Model 7B3-303000-00TA has two different port sizes \u2014 which port is pressure and which is return?<\/h3>\n

The M16\u00d71.5 port is the pressure (extend) port and the M14\u00d71.5 port is the return (retract) port on this model. The different sizes prevent accidental cross-connection during installation \u2014 if both ports were identical, swapping the hoses would reverse the fork movement direction (spreading when the operator commands closing, and vice versa). The mixed-size port design is a deliberate installation error-prevention feature.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The forks spread unevenly \u2014 one side moves more than the other. Is the cylinder faulty?<\/h3>\n

Probably not. Uneven fork movement almost always indicates a problem with the positioner linkage \u2014 a worn pivot pin, a bent linkage arm, or excessive friction on one fork slide rail \u2014 rather than a cylinder problem. The cylinder produces equal force on both sides of the piston regardless of external load asymmetry. If the linkage is mechanically free and properly lubricated and the forks still move unevenly, check whether one fork is binding on the carriage rail due to debris buildup, rail damage, or a misaligned fork hook. The cylinder itself should only be suspected if it produces no movement at all or leaks externally.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What is the expected service life of a fork positioner cylinder?<\/h3>\n

The distance adjustment cylinder operates at lower cycle frequency than lift or tilt cylinders \u2014 typically 15\u201350 adjustments per shift versus 100+ lift cycles. At this cycle rate, the cylinder housing and rod are designed for 8\u201312 years of service. The seal kit is the wear item, with a typical replacement interval of 5\u20137 years. The rod surface is the primary wear indicator: if the chrome shows pitting, flaking, or circumferential scoring, schedule a reseal or rod replacement regardless of the time in service.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Can I use this cylinder on a side shifter attachment?<\/h3>\n

No. Side shifter cylinders and fork positioner cylinders have different bore sizes, strokes, mounting geometries, and load ratings. A side shifter cylinder moves the entire carriage laterally and must resist the full load weight during side-shift operations. A fork positioner cylinder only moves the forks along the carriage rail and resists fork sliding friction, not load weight. Using a positioner cylinder on a side shifter creates a safety hazard due to insufficient load rating. Browse the full Korea Ever-Power hydraulic cylinder<\/a> catalogue for side shifter models.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

<\/p>\n

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Other Forklift Hydraulic Cylinders<\/h2>\n
\n
\n

\"Forklift<\/p>\n

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Tilt & Lift Cylinders<\/h3>\n

Core mast cylinders \u2014 tilt (7 models), main lift (5 models), and short lift (5 models) for 1.5\u201310 tonne counterbalance forklifts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Forklift<\/p>\n

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Steering Cylinder<\/h3>\n

Dual-rod power steering cylinder, 3 models. Double-acting for rear-steer axle control on 2\u201310 tonne counterbalance forklifts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\"Aerial<\/p>\n

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Aerial Work Vehicle Cylinders \u2192<\/a><\/h3>\n

Boom, scissor, and platform cylinders for elevated access equipment and telehandlers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The distance adjustment cylinder is the hydraulic muscle behind the fork positioner attachment \u2014 the device that lets the operator adjust the fork spread width from the cab seat without leaving the forklift. On a standard forklift without this cylinder, changing the distance between the two forks requires the operator to stop the machine, dismount, manually release the fork lock pins, slide each fork to the new position, and re-engage the lock pins. On a forklift equipped with this cylinder, the same adjustment takes three seconds with a single lever pull. Korea Ever-Power manufactures 5 models with \u03a650 to \u03a670 bore, strokes from 295 to 855 mm, and working pressures from 15 to 20 MPa \u2014 covering fork positioner attachments on forklifts from 1.5 to 5 tonnes.<\/div>","protected":false},"featured_media":2216,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[850],"product_tag":[],"class_list":["post-2212","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_cat-forklift-hydraulic-cylinders","first","instock","shipping-taxable","product-type-simple"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hydrauliccylindersprice.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/2212","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hydrauliccylindersprice.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hydrauliccylindersprice.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hydrauliccylindersprice.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2212"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hydrauliccylindersprice.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2216"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hydrauliccylindersprice.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2212"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hydrauliccylindersprice.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=2212"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hydrauliccylindersprice.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=2212"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hydrauliccylindersprice.com\/sv\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=2212"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}