
150 31200243
Maintenance Section
Illustration 307 g01001968
4. Check the difference in the height of the tip of one
fork against the height of the tip of the other fork
when the forks are mounted on the carriage. A
difference in the height of the tip of the fork can
result in uneven support of the load. This could
cause problems when the forks are entering the
pockets of the load.
The maximum recommended difference in the height
of the tip of the forks (F) is 6.5 mm (0.25 inch) for
pallet forks. The maximum recommended difference in
the height of the tip of the forks (F) is 3 mm (0.125 inch)
for fully tapered forks. The maximum allowable
difference in the height of the tips between two or more
forks is 3 percent of the length (L) of the blade.
Replace one or both forks when the difference in the
height of the tip of the fork exceeds the maximum
allowable difference.
Illustration 308 g01001977
5. Check the thickness (J) of the blade and the
thickness (H) of the shank for wear. Pay special
attention to heel (A). Remove the fork from service if
the thickness is reduced to 90 percent or less of the
original thickness.
The length of the fork may also be reduced by wear,
especially on tapered forks. Remove the forks from
service when the length of the blade is no longer
adequate for the intended loads.
Illustration 309 g01001990
6. Check markings (K) for readability. Renew the
markings if the markings are not legible.
Buckets
Mounting Bracket
Inspect the mounting brackets on the bucket and
ensure that the mounting plates are not bent or
otherwise damaged. Inspect the angled plate and
ensure that the plate is not bent or otherwise
damaged. If any wear or damage is suspected,
consult your Caterpillar dealer before you use the
bucket.
Bucket Cutting Edges
Personal injury or death can result from bucket
falling.
Block the bucket before changing bucket cutting
edges.
1. Raise the bucket. Place a block under the bucket.
2. Lower the bucket to the block.
Do not block up the bucket too high. Block up the
bucket so that the bucket is high enough to remove
the cutting edges and the end bits.
3. Remove the bolts. Remove the cutting edge and
the end bits.
4. Clean the contact surfaces.
5. Use the opposite side of the cutting edge, if this
side is not worn.
6. Install a new cutting edge, if both edges are worn.
7. Install the bolts. Tighten the bolts to the specified
torque. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual for
more information.
8. Raise the bucket. Remove the block.
9. Lower the bucket to the ground.
10. After a few hours of operation, check the bolts for
proper torque.