Forklifts are a critical piece of equipment in the industrial world. But who really stops and thinks a whole lot about forklift forks? The forks are just as important to the overall operation of the forklift as the rest of the rig. Those who operate forklifts for a living are well aware of this. They are well aware that they’ve got to pay attention to the weight you put on forklift forks. Failure to follow manufacturer guidelines will either end up with bent forks or will put you into a very embarrassing position with the rear wheels off the ground and everyone getting a good laugh at your expense. While this can be funny to look at, overloading a forklift could actually end up causing a host of mechanical issues – especially if done over a long period of time.

Daily Forklift Forks Inspection

When using a forklift on a daily basis, it should be inspected every day and should be put through a full inspection at least twice year. Visually inspecting the forks before starting to use the forklift every day is important. It’s through these daily inspections that any issues such as permanent distortions as well as any cracks will be found. Of course, a more thorough inspection of the forks will take place at the semi annual inspection, but catching a crack during a daily inspection could very well save someones life just as easily. If you’ve got forklift forks that are showing signs of excessive wear, distortion or cracks that are continue to expand, you may need to undertake more thorough inspections on a more frequent basis. Replacing forks that have significant issues may be your best bet if your forklift is in use throughout the day.

Semi Annual Forklift Forks Inspection

Generally, you’ll have a rep from the forklift dealer come out to perform the 6 month servicing of your forklift forks. Forks that are used on a daily basis can get banged up pretty well. Abrasions from constant contact with concrete floors, steel shelving and other hard surfaces can reduce the thickness of the forks to the point where they won’t be able to lift weights up to the manufacturers capacity limits. As part of the semi annual inspection, a gauge will be used to measure the forklift forks.

Another area that will be inspected is distortion. With all the hard use that forklifts deal with on a daily basis, it’s easy for the forks to actually be bent out of their specified shape. Some can be straightened, while others will have to be replaced. The inspection will also look for cracks in the heel and hanger areas – places you may not see the cracks in your daily inspection. The most common place for cracks on forks is at the point where attachments are welded to them. Another common place is at another weak spot – in the bend radius. Your inspector will likely have a magnetic particle to test for cracks the human eye may not be able to see, or he may choose to use a dye penetrate test instead. Either way, once the semi annual inspection is complete, you’ll know exactly what, if anything, needs to be done to ensure that your forklift forks are operating in a safe manner.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to repair or modify your forks on your own. Any repairs should be undertaken by either the forks manufacturer or their authorized service technician. Any type of in house repair or modification could cause safety issues because they will likely significantly reduce the forks overall strength.

Forklift Forks Replacement

If you get to the point where you will need to replace your forks, be sure to only use a manufacture approved set. If you try to cut corners, you will generally end up sorry in the end. Inferior quality forks will cost less up front, of course, but that likely won’t be the case over the long haul. Be sure the forks you purchase or forged, or a type with an upset heel. Forks that can handle specific materials or in non traditional areas such as high heat or spark free areas can be made for you. In non traditional customer situations, you’ll want to check with your service rep or your forklift manufacturer.

Use Common Sense – Extend The Life Of Your Forks

Forklift forks are an integral part of your forklift. As such, anyone operating your forklift should be well aware of capacity limits of both the machine overall as well as the forks. Overload them, and you’ll end up with bent forks at the least, major repairs needed for your forklift, or even injuries or death. Every forklift is different, so don’t assume you know what the limits are. Every forklift has a data plate that contains a maximum load limit. The plate will also show a chart of the attachments that can be used on it. Obviously, if you have an 800 pound clamp attachment installed, it’s going to change the ability of your forklift over standard forks.

Another consideration for operators of your forklift is load positioning. The data card will also show you the recommended load positioning. Of course your forklifts load limit will decrease as the load center is raised. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to add weight to counterbalance your forklift. This will only damage the unit and help to bend the forks. When you run into a situation where the back wheels are coming off the ground, your particular forklift is not big enough to handle the load. Break it down and try again. While moving heavier loads, always keep them as close to the front wheels as possible to help ensure the forklift’s stability.

Remember – forklifts are an integral part of your business and as such, they must be well maintained and operated in a proper fashion to ensure your employees safety and the longevity of the equipment. Keep up with the daily inspections and be sure to schedule those semi annual inspections every year and more often if necessary.