Your forklift’s forks bear the brunt of your loading and unloading operations. Wear and tear, or damage to either component can create a dangerous situation for your employees and anyone working around your fleet. And a 10% wear on your forks can reduce your safe lifting capacity by 20%, making your 5,000lb. forklift, a 4,000lb. forklift.

Inspecting your forklift forks regularly is essential for safety and efficiency. Here’s a step-by-step guide to inspecting your forks properly:

1. Visual Inspection

• Check for Cracks & Damage – Look closely for cracks, bends, or other signs of damage. Pay special attention to welds and stress points.
• Inspect for Bending or Warping – Lay a straight edge along the fork blade to check for any bending. Even slight bends can reduce lifting capacity.
• Look for Wear on the Heel – The fork heel (where the blade meets the shank) is a high-stress area. If it’s worn down by 10% or more, replace the fork.
• Check for Surface Damage – Rust, deep scratches, and chipped paint could indicate hidden damage or weak spots.

2. Measure Fork Thickness

• Use calipers to measure the thickness of the fork heel.
• Compare it to the original thickness. If it has worn down by 10% or more, replace the fork (this reduces load capacity by about 20%).

3. Check Fork Hooks & Mounting Points

• Ensure the hooks are not cracked or excessively worn.
• Verify that the locking pins are functional and secure.
• Make sure the forks are properly mounted and not loose.

4. Confirm Even Fork Height

• Set the forks on a level surface and check if the tips are even.
• A difference of more than 3% of fork length means one fork is more worn than the other and should be replaced.

5. Inspect Load Markings

• Make sure the load capacity markings on the forks are visible and legible.
• If they are missing or unreadable, you may need to replace the forks or have them re-marked.

6. Test Fork Operation

• Engage and disengage the forks to ensure smooth movement.
• Look for signs of unusual resistance, sticking, or instability.

7. Follow OSHA or Manufacturer Guidelines
OSHA and forklift manufacturers typically recommend daily pre-shift inspections and full inspections at least once per year (or more in high-use environments).

Learn more about the types and classes of forkls available for your forklift. If any defects or wear exceed safety limits, replace the forks immediately rather than attempting repairs. Forklifts depend on strong, reliable forks to operate safely. Contact us at 804-233-0051 and we will help you select the proper forks for your forklift and operational requirements.