Vestil FE Series - User Manual

Table of Contents Rev. 9/18/2023 FE MANUAL
Table of Contents Copyright 2023 Vestil Manufacturing Co. Page 1 of 8
FE-Series Fork Extensions
Receiving Instructions
After delivery, remove the packaging from the product. Inspect the product closely to
determine whether it sustained damage during transport. If damage is discovered, record a complete
description of it on the bill of lading. If the product is undamaged, discard the packaging.
NOTE: The end-user is solely responsible for confirming that product design, use, and
maintenance comply with laws, regulations, codes, and mandatory standards applied where the
product is used.
Technical Service & Replacement Parts
For answers to questions not addressed in these instructions and to order replacement parts, labels,
and accessories, call our Technical Service and Parts Department at (260) 665-7586. The department
can also be contacted online at https://www.vestil.com/page-parts-request.php.
Electronic copies of Instruction Manuals
Additional copies of this instruction manual may be downloaded from
https://www.vestil.com/page-manuals.php
Vestil Manufacturing Company
2999 North Wayne Street, P.O. Box 507, Angola, IN 46703
Telephone: (260) 665-7586 -or- Toll Free (800) 348-0868
Fax: (260) 665-1339
Web: www.vestil.com e-mail: info@vestil.com
Table of Contents
Page
Signal Words…………………………………....……………………………………………………………….………
2
Safety Instructions……………….…………………..……………………………...……………….…………………
2
National Standards…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3
Approvals and Markings……………………………………………………………………………………………...
3
Standard Features…………..……………………….……………………………………………………………...…
3
Specifications…………………………………………...………………………………………………………………
4
Installing a Pair of Fork Extensions….……………………………………...……………………..…………………
5
Diagram: Standard Tine Loop………….……………………………….…...………………………………………
5
Diagram: Removable Pin Tine Lock (Upgrade from Standard)……..……………………………...…………
5
Proper Fit…………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………
5
Record of Satisfactory Condition……………………………………………………………………………………
5
Inspections………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………...…
6
Maintenance Log………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6
Labeling Diagram…………………………….…………………………………………………………………………
7
Limited Warranty…………………..…………………………………………………………………………….………
8

Summary

Signal Words

Safety Instructions

National Standards

Approvals and Markings

Standard Features

Specifications

Installing a Pair of Fork Extensions

Standard Welded-Loop Tine Lock

Instructions for attaching fork extensions with a standard welded tine loop.

Removable Pin Tine Lock

Instructions for attaching fork extensions with a removable pin tine lock.

Proper Fit

Record of Satisfactory Condition

Inspections

Maintenance Log

Load Tests

Labeling Diagram

Limited Warranty

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The Vestil FE-Series Fork Extensions are front-end attachments designed to extend the reach of high-lift fork trucks with vertical masts and carriages, primarily for supporting palletized loads or skids. These extensions are not intended for use with rough terrain lift trucks or telehandlers (boom trucks) and should only be operated on concrete or asphalt surfaces.

Function Description:

Fork extensions increase the effective length of a forklift's tines, allowing for the handling of longer or larger loads that would otherwise be unstable or impossible to lift with standard forks. They are designed to slide over existing forklift tines and be secured in place, either with a standard welded tine loop or a removable pin tine lock (available as an upgrade). The extensions do not increase the load center of the existing fork truck but allow for the safe handling of loads with a longer load center, provided the combined capacity does not exceed the forklift's rated capacity.

Important Technical Specifications:

The manual provides an exemplar specifications document for model FE-4-108-P, which can be generalized to other FE-series models. Key specifications include:

• Overall Length: For the FE-4-108-P, this is 111 5/8 inches.
• Usable Length: For the FE-4-108-P, this is 108 inches.
• Fork Extension Width: For the FE-4-108-P, this is 5 1/8 inches.
• Usable Width: For the FE-4-108-P, this is 4 1/2 inches.
• Overall Width with Retaining Pin: For the FE-4-108-P, this is 9 1/2 inches.
• Fork Clearance: For the FE-4-108-P, this is 2 1/2 inches.
• Material Thickness: For the FE-4-108-P, the fork extension material thickness is 5/16 inches.
• Construction: Solid steel construction with a tough baked-in powder-coated yellow finish.
• Designed to Fit: For the FE-4-108-P, designed to fit 4-inch wide x 2-inch thickness forks.
• Approximate Weight / Lost Load: For the FE-4-108-P, 169.64 lbs. per pair.
• Capacity: 4,000 lbs. per pair, evenly distributed.
• Minimum Effective Thickness: Less than 1 inch.
• Load Center: Fork extensions do not increase the load center of the existing fork truck. Users must never exceed the load center rating per the fork truck manufacturer's guidelines.
• Length Restriction: Fork extensions must not exceed 150% of the original fork length.
• Toe Piece: Made by either welding a casting to the fork channel or beveling the end of the channel.
• Surface Geometries: Available in "R" models (rounded top) and "T" models (triangular top).

Usage Features:

• Installation:
  • Standard Welded-Loop Tine Lock: Raise forks 4-6 inches from the ground. Angle the extension at 45 degrees, guide the tine loop underneath the tapered end of the tine, slide the extension onto the tine until it reaches the heel, then lower the extension so the tine lock is behind the heel.
  • Removable Pin Tine Lock (FE-x-xx-P models): Remove the R-pin and pull out the lock pin. Place the fork extension over the tine/fork. Install the locking behind the heel of the tine, then reinstall the R-pin through the pin brackets and secure it with an R-pin.
• Proper Fit: It is crucial that extensions properly fit the forklift. They must not be more than 150% of the length of the forks. Lateral clearance between the fork and extension should not exceed 12mm to prevent side-to-side movement during use.
• Safety Compliance: Users must obtain the latest ANSI/ITSDF B56.1 standard and ensure compliance. OSHA Rule 1910.178 classifies extensions as front-end attachments, requiring the lift manufacturer's approval for use and updated labels/tags on the forklift.
• Labeling: Each pair of extensions must be labeled as shown in the LABELING DIAGRAM, with labels indicating warnings, installation instructions, and capacity/load center/minimum fork size information. Damaged or unreadable labels must be replaced.

Maintenance Features:

• Record of Satisfactory Condition: Before first use, a written record detailing the condition of each extension (welds, hardware, paint/powder coat, levelness) should be created, including photographs. This record serves as a baseline for future inspections.
• Inspections:
  • Before Each Use: Visually examine for cracks, bends, significant rusting/corrosion, and damaged welds (fusing the tine loop, tine brackets, or toe piece to the channel piece).
  • Monthly Inspection: In addition to the daily check, inspect the fork channel and toe piece (for squareness, rigidity, and absence of significant wear/corrosion), tine loop (for straightness, damage, and weld integrity), tine brackets and lock pin (for solid welds, straightness, and absence of damage/corrosion), and R-pin (for damage/corrosion). All labels must be present and readable.
  • Annual Lift Test: At least once per year, a load test must be performed using 125% of the rated load (capacity) of the lifter. After the load test, a monthly inspection should be conducted.
• Maintenance Log: Implement a program to keep a journal/log of all maintenance performed.
• Repair and Replacement:
  • Only qualified persons should perform inspections and repairs.
  • If an inspection reveals problems, the extension must be restored to satisfactory condition BEFORE being used again.
  • Never make temporary repairs; only use manufacturer-approved replacement parts.
  • If an extension has severe deformities, corrosion, rusting, or excessive wear, it should be permanently tagged out of service and rendered unusable.
  • Touch-up paint should be applied to damaged finishes to prevent rust and maintain metal integrity.
  • Unauthorized modifications are strictly prohibited and will void the limited warranty.
• Limited Warranty: Vestil provides a limited warranty covering defects in material and workmanship for original, dynamic parts (30 days) and wearing parts (30 days) from the shipping date. The warranty requires a proper request including a customer invoice and written request for service. Misuse, negligent assembly/operation/repair, corrosive environments, improper maintenance, shipping damage, collisions, and unauthorized modifications void the warranty.

Vestil FE Series Specifications

General

Brand	Vestil
Model	FE Series
Category	Construction Equipment
Language	English