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Maintenance Section
To perform a proper inspection, the forks must be
thoroughly cleaned. It is impossible to inspect the forks
properly if the work tool is dirty.
Inspect the forks before the forks are attached to the
machine.
Perform the yearly inspection for the forks prior to the
start of each contract for all machines that are operating
in a rental fleet.
Inspect the forks for deformation. Check that the
upright of the fork is at 90 degrees to the blade of the
fork. Check the fork for cracks in the metal. Closely
inspect the area around the heel of the fork. This is the
area of the fork that is subject to the greatest stresses.
If a crack is visible, take the fork out of service
immediately until the fork can be thoroughly examined.
Keep a record of each fork in order to establish a routine
of regular inspection. Include the following initial
information in the record:
• Manufacturer of the fork
•Type of fork
• Original size of fork section
• Original length of the fork
Record the date of each inspection and the results of
each inspection. Ensure that the following information is
included:
• Amount of wear on the blade
• Any damage, failure or deformation which might
impair the use of the forks
• Any repairs or maintenance to the forks
An ongoing record of this information will help in
identifying appropriate inspection intervals for each
operation and in identifying and solving problem areas
and in anticipating time for replacement of the forks.
Daily Inspection
1. Visually inspect the forks for cracks. Look
particularly for cracks in the heel of the forks and
for cracks around areas of weld. Look for tips of
forks that are broken or bent. Look for twisted
blades and shanks. Forks which are twisted should
be removed from service. Also, forks which are
cracked should be removed from service.
2. Make sure that the bolt for locking the fork is in
place and that the bolt is working. Lock the forks
in position before you use the forks.
3. Remove all worn forks or damaged forks from
service.
Yearly Inspection
Illustration 305 g01001950
1. Inspect forks carefully for cracks. Pay special
attention to heel (A) and mounting brackets (B).
Look for cracks around all areas of weld. Inspect
the tubes on forks that are mounted on shafts.
Forks with cracks should be removed from service.
Illustration 306 g01001964
2. Check the angle between the upper face of blade
(D) and the front face of shank (E). Remove the
fork from service if angle (C) exceeds 93 degrees.
3. Check the straightness of the upper face of blade
(D) and the front face of shank (E) with a straight
edge.
Remove the fork from service if the deviation from
straightness exceeds 0.5 percent of the length of the
blade. Remove the fork from service if the deviation
from height exceeds 0.5 percent of the height of the
shank.