Page 1 of 1
Forklift fork repair
Posted: Wed Jun 05, 2013 4:00 pm
by nickn372
I was wondering what the correct method would be to fix a forklift fork that broke in half. I know they are made to flex a little bit but how do you weld them up and get it to keep its ability to tolerate some flex. Pre-heat, post-heat, 7018, 6010, throw it away and get a new one....?
Re: Forklift fork repair
Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 5:04 pm
by Oddjob83
the post may be old, but i think its still valid. when working at a grocery warehouse, our fork lift broke and we had a mobile welder come and fix it, so i know its possible. but i was stupid and young and didn't care at the time. but now we have an electric hydrolic lift and one of the forks is bent from lifting an over large electric motor i think this would be a very common repair job surely some one can give some incite?
Re: Forklift fork repair
Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 5:51 pm
by GWD
This issue came up over on WeldingWeb. The universal response was to scrap the bent/broken ones and buy a new one (or two).
My experience is that I bent both tips about 6" from the end in an accident with a very large stump. The tips were heated and straightened. Next use they bent back almost exactly like they had in the first place - 6" from the end with very little stress on them. I ended up getting a new pair.
Re: Forklift fork repair
Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 6:47 pm
by Oddjob83
Damn, mine is bent right at the 90. Well I know what to tell people now so I don't waste my time.
Re: Forklift fork repair
Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 7:05 pm
by Otto Nobedder
If OSHA has any influence on your job or your forklift in particular, yes, replace them.
It's an OSHA no-no to even blow holes in the ends, as so many of us do to tie a shackle to or drop a bull-pin in.
Steve S
Re: Forklift fork repair
Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 7:57 pm
by rake
Yep, when I was at the shipyard any damaged forks were sent back to the manufacturer.
It's all about responsibility and liability.
Re: Forklift fork repair
Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2013 8:00 am
by rake
Jemina_09 wrote:Once this happened to my
second hand forklifts, one was damaged in half and other was badly dented. I just called up a remote welder and get the problem solved. This is absolutely possible.
I think you are missing the point. Is it possible to weld them? Sure.
Can you heat treat, test and certify them? I highly doubt it.
Will your liability insurance save you from losing you ass is those forks were involved in a serious accident?
Not a chance in hell.