![]() ![]() As mentioned above I've visited several facilities where there was some very ugly welds on modifications to components of the lift system on fork trucks running around. I don't know whether this requirement is still in the current OSHA standards, it once was as a carryover from the ANSI standard. In the US qualification by any recognized standard, of the welder wasn't the primary emphasis, it was complying with a procedure approved and sanctioned by the manufacturer. One big problem I encountered was since they were welded in the manufacturing process it is OK to make additional welds. I concur with IceStationZebra but would raise the percentage to 99%. RE: Welding of Forklift forks IceStationZebra (Mechanical) 18 Aug 10 22:51 I've never done this, but the company that I do work for heats and straightens bent forks, and have never had a problem. I've replaced the tube type hangers on forks that were 4" thick,used 1/4" diameter E7018 electrodes, and positioning the fork in the flat position, makes for a long day. I don't recommend everyone repair forks, it's not a simple task removing worn hangers,they don't come off easy, you have to be careful not to cut into the fork. Every fork that I have seen has been welded at one time or another, and most of the broken ones are from worn heels or misuse, which is also a common problem. The forks with rings or tubes should be replaced with the same material and size as when they were manufactured. Some forks need blocks welded to them for attaching hydraulic cylinders, or leadscrews for positioners. Some forks require a middle hanger added when used on a rotator. The proper replacement hanger should be used,as well as proper workmanship practices and properly stored or reconditioned electrodes (E7018). ITA (Industrial Truck Association) has 4 classes of fork hangers or clips, class 1 for 13" high carriage, class 11 for 16" ,class 111 for 20" and class 1V fo 25". D1.1 is for structural steel, forks are probably covered under D14.3, D14.4 or D14.6, some type of machinery and equipment. I've welded plenty of forks in the past 30+ years, as an AWS certified to D1.1 all positions, all thickness. I've seen more fork failures from this commonly overlooked problem, than from welded hangers or clips. Forklift mechanics have a gauge to check this wear. Some forks are never checked for heel wear, from the constant dragging on metal loading docks and cement floors. I wanted to add another caution to this discussion. RE: Welding of Forklift forks tygerdawg (Mechanical) 12 Aug 10 11:49 In the USA OSHA frowns on any failure of any lifting device where someone is injured. When we did weld on the attachment points of the forks we required a proof test of the repair. The forks were essentially considered an expendable item. One reason for doing this was the forks were made from different materials, from 4140 on down. We never changed the attachment design as this would require factory approval and testing. When it came to the forks we only allowed welding to attachment points using an approved procedure. We had a fleet of over one hundred forklifts at one time so we were able to be a licensed repair station for the majority brand of forklift. I don't have the current regulations on forklifts but under the older rules one was not allowed to weld on any part of the lifting components unless you were a factory authorized repair depot and you needed to use manufacturer's approved welding procedures. Thanks! RE: Welding of Forklift forks unclesyd (Materials) 12 Aug 10 10:44 This a condensed, generalized weld procedure from many fork manufacturers. ![]() Always match the lesser steel, usually mild steel, and use a low-hy electrode such as 7018 or 71T-1. Anything else causes soft spots and weakens the forks from their load rating.ħ. IE, 2" thick forks can only have a 1" weld on the sides.Ħ. Normally, never weld within half the diameter of the face. NEVER weld on the face, or under any circumstance the INSIDE RADIUS of the HEEL.ĥ. Postheat to 800-850*F with a soft flame.Ĥ. After welding, what should be done to temper the welds?Ī quick search revealed this information:Ģ. What are the ramifications of welding and/or tempering the forks by welding on the top where it mounts to the vertical risers?Ģ. Thus, they want to remove the existing clip type mount and weld tubing to the top to enable mounting on the other lift. My maintenance crew wants to take some forks off of a lift that had an engine blow up and use them on a similar sized capacity forklift. ![]()
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