Maintaining Fork Lift Forks

Under normal operating conditions, forks ought to be inspected everyday and given a thorough inspection once every six months. Operators ought to make visual inspection of forks during the pre-start-up check before starting their work. The inspection will give particular attention to long term distortions and cracks. At 6 months a thorough examination of forks a be carried out. This inspection should be carried out by a trained person, to examine for any cracks, distortion, and excessive wear on the forks. Forks may need inspections more often, depending on the use with the equipment.

The qualified inspector at 6 months will check the fork blades for wear. Forks are constantly subjected to abrasion by cement floors, steel shelving, etc. This abrasion can reduce the thickness of a fork until it can’t pick up loads up to the designed capability. The inspector will have a gauge to check for thickness.

The inspector will also check for distortion. Forks can be bent out of shape. Depending on distortion, some forks can be straightened. Check for cracks in heel and hanger. Cracks might appear on forks where attachments are welded on or in the inside radius of the bend area. Periodic inspection using a magnetic particle or dye penetrate test can detect cracks. Contact your forklift supplier or the producer for extra info.

Do not repair your own forks. No one but the fork producer ought to undertake the repair of forks. Also, do not modify forks without consulting with your forklift service provider. The in-house fix or modification can drastically decrease the strength of the forks.

Replacing Fork Lift Forks

If replacement is required, exchange with good quality forks. When ordering forks, make sure you’re getting high top quality forks which will do your lifting jobs safely. Insist on forged forks or ones with an upset heel. In purchasing new forks use the proper forks. Custom-designed forks are designed to deal with particular materials such as unusual lifting problems, spark-free areas, higher heat furnace areas, and special object lifting. The greatest place for information is the company that services or inspects the forklift or even the original producer.

Don’t Overload Your Forklift Forks

Forks are like forklifts; don’t overload the forks. Operators should be aware of the capacity of the forklift and also the capacity of the forks. Overloading may bend and weaken forks. Do not exceed the recommended load restriction of your lift truck. Every forklift has a maximum load limit. The load restriction is shown on the data plate of the lift truck. This plate ought to also reflect the accessories that are used on the truck. The original chart is based on the standard forks supplied with the forklift. An eight hundred pound clamp attachment will alter the lifting ability of the forklift from regular forks.

Position the load according to the recommended load center on the chart. The load restriction with the lift truck diminishes as the load center is raised. Do not add extra weight to counterbalance with the forklift. If the back tires come off the ground whilst lifting a load, the forklift is too small for that specific load. While moving loads, maintain loads close to the front wheels to keep lift truck stable.

Forks are essential pieces of equipment and should be visually inspected daily. The examination ought to be part of the pre-start-up inspection list; the forks should be thoroughly inspected at least every six months. Dependent on the tasks required, the detailed inspection of the forks may need to be scheduled earlier.