Maintenance Section
-121-
Fork Inspection
Establish a daily and 12month inspection routine by
keeping a record for the forks on each lift truck.
Initial information should include the machine serial
number on each the forks are used, the fork
manufacturer, type, original section size, original
length and capacity. Also list any special
characteristics specified in the fork design.
Record the date and results of each inspection,
making sure the following information is included.
• Actual wear conditions, such as percent of
original blade thickness remaining.
• Any damage, failure or deformation which
might impair the use of the truck.
• Note any repairs or maintenance.
An ongoing record of this information will help in
identifying proper inspection intervals for each
operation, in identifying and solving problem areas
and in anticipating time for replacement of the forks.
First Installation
1. Inspect forks to ensure they are the correct size
for the truck on which they will be used. Make
sure they are the correct length and type for the
loads to be handled.
If the forks have been previously used, perform the
“12 Month Inspection”.
If the forks are rusted, see “Maintenance and Repair”.
2. Make sure fork blades are level to each other
within acceptable tolerances. See “Forks, Step
4,” in the “2000 Service Hours or Yearly” in
“Maintenance Intervals”
3. Make sure positioning lock is in place and
working Lock forks in position before using truck.
See “Forks, Step 7”, in the “2000 Service Hours
or Yearly” in “Maintenance Intervals”.
Daily Inspection
1. Visually inspect forks for cracks, especially in the
heel section, around the mounting brackets, and
all weld areas. Inspect for broken or jagged fork
tips, bent or twisted blades and shanks.
2. Make sure positioning lock is in place and
working. Lock the forks in position before using
the truck. See “2000 Service Hours or Yearly” in
“Maintenance Intervals”.
3. Remove all defective forks from service.