Capital Equipment News February 2021

Forklifts used in light applications tend to have longer lifespans and should be purchased, rather than rented.

use of the appropriate measuring tools, it is easy to carry out fork inspections on-site efficiently and accurately.” He says just 10% fork wear can reduce load capacity by 20%, at which point the forks must be replaced. To ensure that every fork adheres to acceptable standards, Criterion Equipment recommends the use of three tools: a measuring card, used to measure the thickness of the fork’s heel and shank/face; a fork calliper to measure the fork thickness, angle of the fork bend and the latch space, as well as a Vernier calliper, which measures the thickness of the fork shank/face. “During inspections,” says Frederick, “it is vital to ensure that the fork’s shank (“face”) and blade (“heel”) angles do not exceed 93° outwards and 87° inwards. If this is the case, or if there is a bend in the fork toe, the fork must be replaced – never bend or weld forks back into place. Check the entire surface of each fork for cracks and also inspect the thickness of the fork tip.” In the case of worn-out fork tips, the fork should be replaced or re-machined. Frederick says the fork heel is one of the first components of the fork to wear out and should therefore be checked thoroughly to make sure it is of the same thickness as the rest of the fork blade. “It is also important to check the latches that attach the fork to the carriage in order to prevent it from moving around while driving the machine. Fork latches are the only components that are welded onto the fork.” b

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