Tips to Maintaining your Forklift’s Forks

Forks are a key component in the day to day operation of forklifts as they lift and haul loads. They keep looking new even when they have experienced significant damage. Given the amount of stress, shock loadings, and strain they are subjected to, it is advisable to inspect and replace them on time when they are worn out or damaged to avoid damage to the load and forklift as well as injuries or even death. 

Fork replacement golden rule

Forks often do not wear out evenly, which often leads some to make the mistake of only replacing the one that is severely worn out or damaged. It is highly recommended that you replace both forks to make sure you get matching performance. Having two different forks in terms of strength and damage comes with some safely issues. If you are looking to replace your forklift’s forks, you can go for a brand new, used or salvage forklift parts that have been tested and come with some form of warranty. 

Fork inspection tips

Tips

Be on the lookout for a height difference between the forks. Inspect the tips with a calliper, and if the difference exceeds 3% of the length of the blade, the forks have to be repaired or replaced. Tips are located at the ends of the shafts and can be easily damaged when used to push loads onto the hooks. They can also get damaged when operators graze into building structures. Good maintenance of fork tips can increase their life span, bolster safety, and reduce maintenance costs.

Heels

Heels are the metal parts which form part of the supporting body on which the cargo sits during lifting and hauling. They should be inspected for cracks each time before use. During load lifting, the heels suffer fissures as the shaft stretches. This is because being they form right angles outside the shafts, thereby sustaining the load. If there are cracks on the heels, they will widen with every load and increase in size. You must constantly check the width of the heels as they come in contact with the floor, wearing them down. The rate of wear depends on the type of surface on which the forklift operates. The depth of the heel can be measured using fork calliper. 

Hooks

Secure fastening of the hooks to the shaft is important to avoid breaking of either hook when lifting cargo. Make sure forklift operators know the importance of doing this every day before they begin work. A forklift’s tires and prong chains should also be checked daily.

Talk to Absolute Lift Parts 

Absolute Lift Parts offers the best deals on used forklift parts, and salvage forklift parts and other OEM forklift parts at competitive prices. All salvage forklift parts are tested and repaired to make sure that they still have some life in them and give you value for your money. Get in touch with us for the best salvage forklift parts at 877-475-5438. You can also mail to sales@absoluteliftparts.com to get answers to all your questions on available forklift parts in Atlanta and the limited warranty available on salvage forklift parts.