TOPIC 3. FORKS

TM 10-3930-644-14&P

TOPIC 3. FORKS

A. DESCRIPTION

Basically, there are two types of lift forks; the shaft style

(Fig 8) which pivots on a horizontal support shaft, and

the more commonly used hook style fork (Fig 9) which

hooks into notches along the top edge of the fork

carriage.

The standard or hook type fork will be

discussed here. Any differences will be noted in shaft

type removal and installation.

The forks should always be adjusted on the carriage to

obtain the optimum balance in proportion to the width of

the anticipated loads.

A fork lock (Fig 10), is installed in the top of each of the

hook type forks to hold it in position in one of the notches

along the top bar of the carriage. To change the fork

location, pull up on the lock and move fork to the left or

right. Allow fork lock to seat in the notch nearest to

Figure 9. Hook Style Fork

location chosen.

3. If fork is defective, then replace with same type

The forks can be easily removed from the carriage by

and capacity rated fork.

releasing the locks and aligning each fork with the wide

removal slot (see Fig 10), at the bottom of the fork

D. INSTALLATION

carriage. (Refer to following REMOVAL procedures for

detailed instructions.)

1. Carefully lift fork up onto upper carriage

mounting slot, then slowly lower until back of

CAUTION

fork rests against carriage face and bottom fork

Naturally, the weight of each fork

hook passes through lower carriage cutout.

depends upon its size. Therefore,

2. Release the fork loc k pin and slide fork left or

exercise caution while fork is being

right until properly positioned for anticipated load

removed from the carriage to avoid

clearance/balance requirements.

injury to personnel and to prevent

damage to the equipment.

B. REMOVAL

1. Lower fork carriage until base of fork just clears

the floor.

2. Release the fork lock pin and slide fork to a

position over the cut-out in the lower carriage

bar. (Fig 10.)

3. Tilt the lower portion of the fork forward and up,

releasing the lower hanger (Fig 9), from the

lower carriage bar.

4. Refer to cautionary note in Paragraph A above,

and lift fork off upper carriage bar.

C. SERVICE

1. Inspect hook fork and locking mechanism for

any evidence of wear or damage.

2. If locking mechanism is worn or damaged,

Figure 10. Fork Adjustment and Removal

remove and replace it as a unit.

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