In our continued effort to save landfill space, we recycle about every scrap peice of metal we can find. In 2019 we recycled over 1.5 million pounds of metal from our facility in east point. Everytime we get a forklift in to our shop we remove all the salable parts from the unit and recycle the rest. We try to find every way we can to save landfill space.
Good forklift maintenance entails servicing your trucks whenever service is due and replacing or repairing damaged, worn, non-functional parts. Discussions around the subject often emphasize the need to buy OEM forklift parts all the time. However very little or nothing is ever said about one of the most important and potentially dangerous forklift parts of them all – the forks. Perhaps the obvious giveaway that illustrates the significance of forks is that forklifts are named after them. They do the actual lifting and hauling of heavy loads.
Why checking forks is important
Apart from the fact that they are often ignored, forks also keep their secrets close to the chest. Damaged forks will still look new on the outside even though they may be hiding alarming levels of damage. If damage to the forks goes undetected for long, the results can be catastrophic as they can suddenly give in while hauling heavy loads.
How forks get damaged
Apart from the wear and tear that occurs during normal use, forks can also be damaged beyond safety in any one of the following ways:
• Collision with walls or building columns
• During repair, by applying excessive heat
• By being used as a battering ram
• Picking off-balance loads
• Picking and hauling above capacity loads
• Being dragged across the ground
• Any modifications such as drilling holes, welding, or bending
• Adding DIY attachments
• Handling loads too far out
The Way Forward
Accidents associated with damaged forks often take operators and technicians by surprise as it is easy to believe in their indestructibility. Even your morning visual inspection won’t detect signs of damage in the forks. One simple tool that you can employ to periodically check the level of wear is a wear caliper. You can also get them checked using more advanced techniques when you take your equipment for forklift service. When looking for forklift parts for sale in Atlanta, make sure to deal with an authorized dealer. Authorized dealers like Absolute Lift Parts subject parts like forks to standard safety tests, which are backed by a warranty.
We can help
Absolute Lift Parts is your one-stop shop for OEM used forklift parts. We carry parts of reputable brands such as Toyota forklift, Caterpillar forklift, Nissan forklift, and Hyster forklift to name a few. We offer used oem forklift parts, and salvage forklift parts for sale to suit your requirement and budget. Call us today to hear how we can help with your OEM forklift parts requirement. Just dial 877-475-5438 or mail to sales@absoluteliftparts.com.
One topic that can never be overemphasized when it comes to forklift usage is that of safety. Implementing safety training programs and standards goes a long way to reduce incidents of accidents around forklifts. Accidents may result in financial losses, court action, a bad reputation, injuries, and even death. When you get a forklift for sale or rent, the law requires that you make sure it is safe to operate and fit for the purpose for which it is intended. Here is a look at some of the safety Tips that you can implement in your warehouse and at job sites.
Operational checks
The first safety aspect that every forklift operator must know is performing operational checks. These include:
- Steering
- Hydraulic controls
- Seat
- Ignition and electrical systems
- Foot and parking brakes
- Safety belt
- Warning lights
- Horn and reversing alarm
Visual checks
Forklift operators must also know how to perform visual checks every day before beginning work. Visual checks cover the following aspects:
- Energy source
- Lift chains
- Forks
- Mast
- Carriage platform
- Hydraulics
- Protection frame
- Overhead guard
- Operator’s compartment
- Tires
- Wheels
- Identification/Rating plate
- Windscreen
- Lights and Mirrors
- Fire extinguisher
- Access
- General condition
Working Environment
Apart from assessing the condition of the forklift before going to work, it is also important to familiarize with the work environment. Some of the checks that a forklift operator needs to do include:
- Making sure that the forklift is suited for the type of environment
- Checking for signs of oil leaks
- Check for obstacles in the working area or overhead
Observe the law
Forklift are considered to be a place of work. This means that the employer must make sure that it is kept in a condition that does not compromise the health and safety of employees. This also entails easy access and keeping your forklifts in tip top condition. The law also regards forklift to be equipment, making it imperative for the employer to make sure that employees are familiar with the forklift and also in possession of proper instructions, training on use and safety.
Trust the pros
Whether you are looking for used forklift parts or oem used forklift parts, Absolute Lift Parts gives you parts from trusted brands that is checked and maintained by certified and experienced professionals. We have over 110,000 sq. ft. of indoor used forklift parts in atlanta available for sale. Call us today at 877-475-5438 or mail to sales@absoluteliftparts.com.
