LINE-FUEL 3579677 - Caterpillar

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BULLETIN MAY 19, 2004
TELEHANDLERS TH83 (3RN4015-UP)
TH340B (SLC1-UP)
TH350B (SLD1-UP)
TH355B (JRK1-UP)
TH360B (SLE1-UP)
TH460B (SLF1-UP)
TH560B (SLG1-UP)
Component Code: 6405SUBJECT: TUBE WELD FAILURES ON TELEHANDLER FORKS
PROBLEM:
On certain Telehandlers, there have been weld failures on the shaft-type fork groups. There have been two types of failures. Cracks have developed at the welds between the tube and the tine. Or, the weld between the tube and the tine has broken. The main cause of the failures is side loading of the forks.
Illustration 1
Refer to illustration (1). Area (1) is the area of weld failures.
Fork failures may cause personal injury or death.
Interim Action Required - Containment:
Used machines, rental machines or customer machines being serviced should be inspected as follows:
Inspection Procedure - Daily for rental machines:
Illustration 2
Visually inspect the forks for cracks. Refer to illustration 2. In particular, look for cracks in heel (3) of the forks, and look for cracks around the areas of welds (2). Look for tips of forks that are broken or bent. Look for twisted blades and shanks.
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.
If you must replace worn or damaged forks prior to July 2004, the parts system should be checked for the availability of parts per the following reference table showing original/new part numbers. If new part number is not available, then the original part number will have to be ordered.
Replacement Forks
Original Part Number New Part Number
145-5346 252-1455
145-5347 252-1460
145-5349 252-1457
215-7963 252-1454
215-7964 252-1456
215-7965 252-1458
226-6703 252-1459
Resolution:
The fork tube design has been changed to improve the welded joint.
A Safety PIP will be issued as soon as the improved forks are available and will require the following action:
Replace all forks within the given serial number range.
Fit a warning decal to the cab. Use 253-3431 Film (Forks) or 253-3432 Film (Forks), depending on market area.
Install an Operation and Maintenance Manual supplement into the cab in the appropriate language (SEBU7983 for English). This supplement outlines the inspection and correct use of forks.
EXTRACT FROM O&MM SUPPLEMENT Media Number: SEBU7983
Correct use of Forks:
Always position the forks into the lifting pockets before you lift a load.
Always position the load over all of the forks so that the weight distribution is even.
Only lift the load if the load is within the loading capacity that is shown on the load chart. The load chart is attached to the dash panel of the machine.
Incorrect use of Forks:
Do not use forks for any of the following:
Push a load or drag a load.
Excavate an object embedded in the ground.
Attach chains or attach slings to the forks.
Lift a load with one fork.
Forks that have been used for any of the above listed applications must be removed from the machine. The forks must then be destroyed.
NOTE. Slings and chains must be used with a lifting hook
Before you use any slings or chains, refer to the manufactures recommended safe usage guide and ensure that they do not exceed the rated capacity or expiration date.
Forks ? Inspect/Replace:
In