Maintenance section 12 Months Inspection 4. A fork should be load tested before being returned to service on completion of repairs authorized and done in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most manufacturers and standards require the repaired fork to be tested with a load 2.5 times the specified capacity and at the load center marked on the fork arm. With the fork restrained in the same manner as its mounting on the lift truck, apply the test load twice, gradually and without shock. Maintain the test for 30 seconds each time. Check the fork arm before and after the second application of the test load. It shall not show any permanent deformation.
Consult the fork manufacturer for further infor- mation as may be applicable to the specific fork involved. Testing is not required for repairs to the positioning lock or the markings. Forks should be inspected, at a minimum, every 12 months. If the truck is being used in a multi-shift or heavy duty operation, they should be checked every six months. See “Forks” in the “2000 Service Hours or Yearly” in “Maintenance Intervals.” Maintenance and Repair 1. Repair forks only in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Most repairs or modifications should be done only by the original manufacturer of the forks or an expert knowledgeable of the materials, design, welding and heat treatment process. 2. The following repairs or modifications SHOULD NOT be attempted. Flame cutting holes or cutouts in fork blades. Welding on brackets or new mounting hangers. Repairing cracks or other damage by welding. Bending or resetting. 3. The following repairs MAY be performed. Forks may be sanded or lightly ground, to remove rust, corrosion or minor defects from the surfaces. Heel sections may be ground with a carbon stone to remove minor surface cracks or defects.
Polish the inside radius of the heel section to increase the fatigue life of the fork. Always grind or polish in the direction of the blade and shank length. Repair or replace the positioning locks on hook type forks. Repair or replace most fork retention devices used with other fork types. 95