TM 10-3930-671-24 12.1. Counterweight Maintenance Maintenance - General................................................................... F-487 Counterweight Removal ................................................................. F-487 Counterweight Mounting ................................................................ F-488 Counterweight Removal ................................................................. F-489 Counterweight Inspection............................................................... F-492 Counterweight Installation .............................................................. F-493 Maintenance-General The counterweight must be maintained in good condition and  securely  attached  to  the  lift  truck.  Because  of  its heavy weight and bulky mass, the counterweight must be carefully supported and handled. Store at floor level in a stable  position  to  be  sure  it  will  not  fall  or  tip,  causing either damage or injury. Do   not   operate   a   lift   truck   or   handle   loads   with   the counterweight  removed.  Failure  to  follow  this  message can result in severe injury or death. Counterweight Removal Counterweights can be removed by one of two methods: 1) Using a hoist or overhead crane. 2) Using another lift truck as a hoist. All tools and lifting components used in these procedures must  be  in  good  condition,  meet  the  load  requirements, and have OSHA approval labels when required. NOTE Prior     to     performing     this     service     procedure,     it     is recommended that you first: • Park truck on a solid, level surface. • Lower forks or attachment fully down. • Put    all    controls    in    neutral,    apply    the parking brake, and turn key switch OFF. Minimum Tools Required • Wheel blocks •    Eye   bolts   and   lifting   chains,   sling,   or spreader bar •    Torque wrench, 0-1000 lb-ft (0-1356 N-m) capacity •    Overhead   hoist   with   adequate   capacity Attach  lifting  device  to  counterweight  prior  to  removing mounting   bolts.   Do   not   remove   with   blocks   under counterweight  supporting  truck.  Failure  to  follow  these procedures as shown in this manual can result in severe injury or death. NOTE Use lifting hooks with safety latches to prevent hook from slipping from the lifting eye. Refer    to    Section    2.    1,    Service    Specifications,    for information on counterweight weights. Put chocks at the drive wheels, as directed. F-487