Vestil FE - Manual (Page 2)

10/05 99-126-125
V ESTIL M FG . C O ./T&S E QPT . C O . 2 of 5
R OUTINE M AINTENANCE & S AFETY C HECKS – ALL FE MODELS
(A) Before each use:
1.) Check for damage to the fork extension and its locking mechanism.
2.) Verify that the fork extension locking mechanism has properly engaged.
(B) Inspect monthly for:
1.) Damage, bending, or fatigue. Check especially for bending of the part of the lock that secures the fork
extension behind the heel of a fork truck’s forks.
2.) Readability of the safety labels.
O PERATION I NSTRUCTIONS – ALL FE MODELS
o
Ensure that all employees involved in the operation of fork extensions understand and follow these instructions!
The standard model FE fork extension is intended to be used with 2” thick fork truck forks, and the fork extension
model used must match the fork truck’s fork width. It is intended to be used to provide additional support for fork
truck loads whose length are up to 150% of the fork truck’s fork length. Per ASME B56.1-2000, Safety Standard for Low
Lift and High Lift Trucks, Part II, Paragraph 5.4.3: “... Fork length should be at least two-thirds of load length.”
Note: The rated center of gravity of the fork truck’s forks does not change with the use of fork extensions.
OSHA 29CFR, Chapter XVII, Part 1910.178 (a)(4) states, “Modifications and additions which affect capacity and safe
operation (of a fork truck) shall not be performed by the customer or user without manufacturer’s prior written
approval. Capacity, operation, and maintenance instruction plates, tags, or decals shall be changed accordingly. And
1910.178 (a)(5) states that “If (a fork) truck is equipped with front-end attachments other than factory installed
attachments, the user shall request that the truck be marked to identify the attachments and show the approximate
weight of the truck and attachment combination at maximum elevation with load laterally centered.”
Installation:
♦ FE-x-xx: With the fork truck’s forks about 1” off the floor, lift the nose end of the fork
extension up at approximately a 45° angle. Place the opposite end of the fork extension
onto the tip of the fork, with the locking loop under the fork. Slide the fork extension
onto the fork until it reaches the heel of the fork and lower the extension onto the fork.
♦ FE-x-xx-P: Remove the lock pin and place the fork extension over the fork truck’s
fork so it is all the way back against the fork’s heel. Reinstall the locking pin
behind the fork truck’s heel.
♦ FE-x-xx-AL: Align the fork truck’s forks with the open end of the fork extensions. With
the forks level or slightly tilted forward, drive the fork truck forward until the fork
extensions reach the heel of the forks.
Raise the forks approximately three feet and pull the fork extensions outward to verify
that the locks are properly engaged.
• Note: To remove the auto-lock fork extensions from beneath a load, the extensions
must not be in contact with the ground. For pallets or skids, lower the forks until
the pallet or skid just rests on the ground. Tilt the forks slightly forward, then
lower them another ½” to ¾”. Back out slowly.
Caution: Never use a fork extension if it appears to be damaged or bent.
Loading:
o
Any load lifted using fork extensions must be fully supported by the extension.
Caution: Do not exceed the fork truck’s load rating at its listed center of gravity.
Caution: Do not attempt to lift a load using only the end of the fork extension. Permanent damage to the fork
extension, damage to property, or injury to personnel could result.
Caution: Always carefully watch the load on the fork extensions when a load is elevated.
Ensure that all safety and warning labels stay in place and are legible. Refer to the labels page in this manual.