Tips On Changing Forks On Your Forklift Truck

Although you can always take your forklift to a qualified and experienced mechanic for maintenance and repairs, it pays to know how to do some of the work in house. You can find excellent forklift used oem parts at authorized dealers or vendors that provide forklift salvage parts. In this blog, we look at how you can change the forks on your forklift. A damaged fork can be the cause for disaster or fatal accidents in the workplace.

Know your forklift

The first thing you need to do is go through the forklift’s manual as forklift come in different configurations. How you replace the forks is different for sit-down pallet movers, narrow merchandise movers, and large boat movers. Make sure you are using the forklift’s oem parts, and you can check its load capacity rating as listed on the forklift. The load capacity should match with the replacement part.

Find Ample Space

To safely replace the fork, you need ample space. Find an open area that has generous space and lower the fork until it is resting on the floor or at its lowest height. Place something underneath if it does not rest on the floor.

Switch Forklift Off

Some forklift must be on when you change the forks. If your forklift does not require this, it is advisable to switch it off. Check the mounting mechanism to know how to proceed. 

Check Forklift and Mount

You need to inspect all the aspects of the fork and its mounting. Look at the pins, screws, and welds to establish if they are in an excellent condition. If you notice any damage to the fork, chances are the mount is damaged as well and needs replacement. 

Study The Fork Mounting

It is important to know how your forklift is mounted. You can make a drawing or take a picture to create a reference for when installing the replacement fork. The mounting will be any of the 3 types – standard hook, non-standard hook, and pin.

Release the Forks

Standard hook forklifts feature a top and bottom locking mechanism while contemporary models have quick-change forks. For older models, first release the top mechanism and then release the bottom as the forks begin to come to a rest on the floor. A pin lock mechanism may feature a pin, shaft, or rod which locks into the fork’s ‘eye’. The fork is released when you unlock the mount and slide out the pin. Remove the forks and mark them ‘damaged’.

Put the replacement fork in position in front of the forklift. Reverse your action and if you are unsure, refer to your reference. Test the new forks out on small pallets before moving to big ones. Your dealer, whether for new or salvage forklift parts can help you find the right forks for your truck. Make sure salvage forklift parts are tested for any damage before you buy. A simple online search will show you many providers of CAT used forklift parts and other popular brands such as Toyota used forklift parts.

5 Tips to Operating a Forklift Safely

Safety is paramount when operating forklifts. Safety is maintained through the adoption of a proper service regime, use of forklift oem parts, operator training, and fostering the best safety practices in the workplace and at job sites. You must also make sure that you buy a forklift that meets your requirements whether you are shopping at showrooms or sites that provide salvage forklifts in Atlanta. To help you in your quest for workplace safety, we share a few tips for safe forklift operation.

Only qualified and licensed people must operate forklifts

Safety and the law dictates that only qualified and licensed people must operate forklifts or be employed as forklift operators. Over 85 fatalities occur every year from forklift accidents, making it important to make sure that you have eliminated or minimized chances of accidents by having qualified and licensed operators. 

Operators must wear appropriate clothing

It is important that operators wear the necessary safety clothing such as a hard hat, high visibility jackets, and safety shoes. The clothes must fit snugly to avoid any loose parts that may get caught in moving machine parts. 

Always maintain a safe speed

It is easy to get excited or caught up in the moment when operating a forklift. You must never go past the speed limit. Negotiate corners and all turns slowly to avoid tipping and also maintain full awareness of your surroundings. Any changes in direction stops should be done gradually.

Make sure loads are secure and stable

Inspect your loads every time for stability and damage before hauling them. Make sure the forks are sitting low and the load is tilted back to enhance truck stability during transporting. If the load is not safe or stable, do not move it. The loads should be stacked and positioned correctly across the forks and you must eliminate the presence of any overhead objects when lifting and stacking.

Keep the mast clear

Forklifts are only meant for carrying loads. You must never allow people to walk under or stand on forklift trucks or the load. It is also important to keep away your hands away from the mast’s cross members as you can be seriously injured in the vent of the mast getting lowered.

Go for forklift oem parts

The quality and health of the forklift truck also has a bearing on its safe operation. That is why it is important to always go for forklift oem parts whether you buying them brand new or hunting at providers of salvage forklifts in Atlanta. Salvage forklift parts should only be bought from dealers that test them and even provide some form of warranty. You can get great deals on Hyster used forklift parts or even CAT used forklift parts when you go for used parts for your lifts.