Revaro Forklifts are manufactured to the highest international quality standards. Our forklifts offer:
- Powerful engine
- Low center of gravity, small turning radius, more stable and reliable
- Comfortable seat for long-time operation
- Safe overhead guard
- Rear light for working in the dark
- Dual air filter
- Streamline balance weight
- Side shifter standard
- Optional mast: 2-stage 3.3m/3.5m/4mmast; 3-stage4.5m/5m/5.5m/6m/7.3mmast.
How to Inspect Forklift Forks and When to Replace Them
The metal fork attachments used on forklifts may seem indestructible, but eventually they wear out, just like any other machine component. Failure to carry out frequent fork inspections can result in a snapped fork, or a dropped load, which is not only expensive, but also dangerous, It is also important that operators never carry a load that exceeds the fork’s specific load capacity. The weight capacity of every fork attachment is indicated on the side of the fork shank/face – operators must be made aware of this.
Read more below to learn more about how to inspect forklift forks, which measuring tools you should be using and how to accurately use them.
Fork checks
- Fork Thickness – Forks are constantly subjected to abrasion which can lead to reduced thickness of the fork blades. If the blades are not at the desired thickness, the fork attachment’s lifting capacity can be compromised.
- Check blade and shank / face angle – If the shank / face and blade/heel angle exceed 93 degrees outwards and 87 degrees inwards, the fork must be replaced. Do not bend forks back into place or weld them back in place.
- Inspect forks for surface cracks – Check the entire surface of each fork for cracks. The heel area and hook on welds are the most likely place for cracks to develop.
- Ensure straightness of blade and shank / face – If the shank / face or the blade is bent, the fork can no longer be used.
- Check fork tip – The fork tip thickness should be inspected. If fork tip is worn out and too thin, the fork must be replaced or re-machined. To re-machine a fork, the front tip is cut off in order to gain thickness. The tips should also be checked for bends. Should the fork toe have a bend, the fork should be replaced. *To prevent friction on the fork tips, make sure to lift the fork attachment when forklift is in use / driving around on site.
- Check fork heel – The fork heel is usually one of the first components of the fork that wears out. Make sure that fork heel is the same thickness as the rest of the fork blade.
- Check weight capacity of fork attachment – This is extremely important as you don’t want to exceed your fork’s load capacity as forks can potentially snap and cause damage to goods. Weight capacity is indicated on the side of the fork shank / face.
- Check latches that attach fork to carriage – Each fork has a fork latch, with a fork pin. The pins ensure that the fork is secured safely on the carriage. This prevents the fork from moving around while driving the machine. The fork latches are the only components that are welded onto the fork.
- Use the correct tools to measure thickness – The metal on a fork can become worn down and reduce in thickness as time goes by. This can lead to forks that are no longer able to handle their original load capacity. Just 10% wear reduces load capacity by 20%, at which point the forks must be replaced. You can measure your fork’s thickness by using a set of tools. Read more below.
Tools required for measurements
In order to measure certain aspects of your fork and ensure that your fork adheres to certain standards, you will be required to use the correct tools in order to do so. There are 3 tools that you can use, namely;
- Measuring card, which can be provided by Criterion Equipment, and is used to measure the thickness of the fork’s heel and shank / face.
- Fork Caliper
- Vernier Caliper
