BAFFLE 2496862 - Caterpillar

Forks
Forks can wear out. The cumulative effects of age, abrasion, corrosion, overloading, and misuse can severely weaken forks.More frequent inspections will be required of older work tools and work tools that are used in particularly severe operating conditions or in a rental fleet.To perform a proper inspection, the forks must be thoroughly cleaned. It is impossible to inspect the forks properly if the work tool is dirty.Inspect the forks before the forks are attached to the machine.Perform the yearly inspection for the forks prior to the start of each contract for all machines that are operating in a rental fleet.Inspect the forks for deformation. Check that the upright of the fork is at 90 degrees to the blade of the fork. Check the fork for cracks in the metal. Closely inspect the area around the heel of the fork. This is the area of the fork that is subject to the greatest stresses. If a crack is visible, take the fork out of service immediately until the fork can be thoroughly examined.Keep a record of each fork in order to establish a routine of regular inspection. Include the following initial information in the record:
Manufacturer of the fork
Type of fork
Original size of fork section
Original length of the forkRecord the date of each inspection and the results of each inspection. Ensure that the following information is included:
Amount of wear on the blade
Any damage, failure, or deformation which might impair the use of the forks
Any repairs or maintenance to the forksAn ongoing record of this information will help in identifying appropriate inspection intervals for each operation and in identifying and solving problem areas and in anticipating time for replacement of the forks.Daily Inspection
Visually inspect the forks for cracks. Look particularly for cracks in the heel of the forks and for cracks around areas of weld. Look for tips of forks that are broken or bent. Look for twisted blades and shanks. Forks which are twisted should be removed from service. Also, forks which are cracked should be removed from service.
Make sure that the bolt for locking the fork is in place and that the bolt is working. Lock the forks in position before you use the forks.
Remove all worn forks or damaged forks from service. Yearly Inspection
Illustration 1 g01001950
Inspect forks carefully for cracks. Pay special attention to heel (A) and mounting brackets (B). Look for cracks around all areas of weld. Inspect the tubes on forks that are mounted on shafts. Forks with cracks should be removed from service.
Illustration 2 g01001964
Check the angle between the upper face of blade (D) and the front face of shank (E). Remove the fork from service if angle (C) exceeds 93 degrees.
Check the straightness of the upper face of blade (D) and the front face of shank (E) with a straight edge. Remove the fork from service if the deviation from straightness exceeds 0.5 percent of the length of the blade. Remove the fork from service if the deviation from height exceeds 0.5 percent of the height