TM 10-3930-671-24 Forks NOTE • If the fork blade at the heel is worn down by  more  than  10%,  the  load  capacity  is reduced and the fork must be replaced. • If  the  fork  blades  are  obviously  bent  or damaged,    have    them    inspected    by    a trained maintenance person. 1.    Inspect    the    load    forks    for    cracks,    breaks, bending,   and   wear.   Move   the   forks   together side-by-side.    The  fork  top  surfaces  should  be level   and   even   with   each   other.   The   height difference between both fork  tops  should  be  no more  than  3%  of  the  fork  length.  Replace  bent forks. 2.    At  each  PM  interval,  an  inspection  of  the  forks must  be  made  to  check  for  wear.  Check  the amount  of  wear  at  the  heel  of  the  fork.  See Table 1 below. 3.    Inspect the forks for twists and bends. To Check - Put a 2' thick metal block, at least 4" wide by 24”  long,  on  the  blade  of  the  fork  with  the  4"  surface against the blade. Put a 24” carpenter square on the top of the  block  and against the shank. Check the fork  20”  above  the  blade  to  be  sure  it  is  not bent more than 1-inch maximum. Table 1. Fork Wear Chart NOTE The % capacity reductions are based upon wear only. Other factors such as cracks, cuts, holes, etc., may further reduce the capacity of the fork Allowable wear of fork thickness at heel of fork: 10% Wear: Forks must be scheduled for replacement. With 10% wear, the forks are adequate  for  only  approximately  80%  of  rated  capacity.  Forks  may  be used only until replacements are available. 20% Wear: Forks are unsafe and must be removed from service immediately. NEW REPLACE SAFETY HAZARD Standard Fork Nominal 10% Wear Nominal 20% Wear Thickness, Inches Thickness, Inches Thickness, Inches 1.25 1.12 1.00 1.50 1.38 1.19 1.75 1.56 1.38 2.00 1.81 1.62 2.25 2.00 1.81 2.50 2.25 2.00 F-43