How to use

Important

How to use the Professional Fork Wear Gauge. All fork inspections must follow the requirements of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations LOLER) 1998; the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998; BITA Guidance Notes GN62(rev 2) and GN28(rev 5); FLTA Technical Bulletin TB12 and ISO 5057:1993.

Over time and use, fork heels can wear leading to a significant reduction in capacity and potential fork failure. When a fork has reached its 10% wear limit it must be removed from service immediately.

If the fork is worn close to 10% wear, the competent person shall make a decision on timescales for replacement based on truck usage, working conditions and any other site critical factors.

Only to be used by a competent person with the appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience.

STEP 1 – CHECK GAUGE FOR WEAR OR DAMAGE

Step-1-how-to-fork-wear-gauge

Ensure the gauge is undamaged, the scales are clearly visible and the slide moves freely. Check the teeth are not worn or damaged as this may not give accurate measurements.

STEP 2- CLOSE GAUGE TO VERIFY CALIBRATION

Fork wear gauge checking forklift fork wear

Check that the gauge is calibrated correctly. Once the slide is closed squarely in line with the base, use the calibration bar to ensure the gauge is within tolerance and not in the red + or – zones as this may give an incorrect reading.

STEP 3 – MEASURE THE FORK SIZE

Step 3 forklift gauge how to use

Verify the fork diameter by closing the front teeth squarely on the shank (clean away debris if required) Once closed, the corresponding scale at the base of the gauge will identify the fork diameter (35mm, 40mm, 45mm and 50mm)

STEP 4 – MEASURE THE FORK HEELS FOR WEAR

Step 4 fork wear gauge how to use

STEP 5 – READ OFF PERCENTAGE

Step 5 forke wear gauge reading off percentage

Using the appropriate scale window, measure and mark the largest amount of wear shown in percentage increments (0-10%).

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Measure each side of both fork arm blades, take multiple readings along the fork between 40mm and 100mm from the fork shank. Do not force the gauge closed as this may cause the teeth to flex and give inaccurate readings. Some forks are manufactured with a thickened heel. A comparison between the fork shank and blade heel dimension should still be made.

Using the appropriate scale window, measure and mark the largest amount of wear shown in percentage increments
(0-10%).

If any measurement taken exceeds the wear limit of 10%
(or the manufacturers recommended limit) then the fork arm should be removed from service and scrapped. Some forks can be manufactured with a thickened heel – in this case, the comparison between the fork shank and blade heel dimension should still be made.

CARE
Keep this instrument free of oil, dirt and grease. Wipe it after use and store it in the case provided. Do not expose this gauge to high temperatures where it may warp and lose accuracy.