Forklift Forks Repair

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A local Pool Business wants to know if I can weld/repair a tab on the bottom of a Fork for a forklift they have. Its the bottom retainer that holds the fork against the lift. Any recommendations on procedure? This isn't my machine so I would like to get it right the first time. I'll try to attach a photo???
Reply:I'd check the wear on the blades first to see if they are still in the serviceable window prior to the repair.  They could be thin as paper.Everlast PowerPro 256, Everlast W300 Cooler, Everlast Cart 250Millermatic 211, Spoolgun 100, Miller HD CartJackson W60 Truesight Digital Auto Darkening, Victor 315 Torch sitting on a Harper 830-86 cart
Reply:I remember reading about welding and or repair of forklift forks. I think many European countries and Canada restrict it big time. Not sure about the US. All sorts of safety concerns and annual inspections. I know you said its only the tab...but the heat could alter something in my opinion. Then again...I only stayed at a Holiday Inn last night...so I am by far no expert.
Reply:I don't remember how long ago the issue came up previously, but the general consensus was replace rather than a risky repair.Since it is for a customer, check price on a new set and compare to your hourly rate + supplies.Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:I think it was in the late 1980s when OSHA put their foot down. No repairs, or modification to the forks what so ever! First thing we use to do is burn a hole in the tip of the forks, so a shackle could go in it. All those forks went to the scrap yard, had to buy new ones.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI think it was in the late 1980s when OSHA put their foot down. No repairs, or modification to the forks what so ever! First thing we use to do is burn a hole in the tip of the forks, so a shackle could go in it. All those forks went to the scrap yard, had to buy new ones.
Reply:The last fork I repaired was in the mid 1980s. The fork went on a 966 CAT loader. The fork broke right at the heel. About 8-inches wide, and 4-inches thick. Dealing with T-1, you need to brush up on preheat, inter pass temps, and post weld cool down. 110-18 pretty much runs like 7018, so no problem there.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:.. gotta be approved by the manufacturer. 1910.178(a)(4)Modifications and additions which affect capacity and safe operation shall not be performed by the customer or user without manufacturers prior written approval. Capacity, operation, and maintenance instruction plates, tags, or decals shall be changed accordingly.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Fork lift regulations piled  high and with pretty good reasons.I wonder why this sort of repair is needed in the first place. I don't see why a competent welder could not mig it up other than the fact that people tear up forklifts and some bozo could point the finger at you. I can't see the profit being worth it here.
Reply:I went over and looked at it tonight, I suggested making the carriage clamp but with a little more width and clamping it on. As most of you state that it should not be welded. I explained the whole T-1 steel isn't the same as regular steel. He said that is fine as he will only lose and inch or so of width for the clamping plate.So that is the direction its going!I'll make a new part but clamp it on the fork.BTW, this is a really old and small 2000lb CLARK where the carriage clamp isn't on the bottom like conventional forklifts carriages, instead it is halfway up. Kind of an old school, not easy to replace designed fork.
Reply:Welding on the fork, burning a hole in the fork tip for a shackle means they are scrap here in Ontario and must be replaced before use."The reason we are here is that we are not all there"SA 200Idealarc TM 300 300MM 200MM 25130a SpoolgunPrecision Tig 375Invertec V350 ProSC-32 CS 12 Wire FeederOxweld/Purox O/AArcAirHypertherm Powermax 85LN25
Reply:I was given a set of class 3 forks and one fork was missing the heel clip just like yours. The local Cat dealer got me a replacement clip. I asked for a welding procedure and they said there wasn't one. The shop guy said he welds them on with 7018. Just don't get it crazy hot. 5 years later and just fine. I also have holes in the tips of all my forks. Tell me how a hole 2" from the tip will hurt anything. Why would they offer the part for sale if it wasn't ment to be replaced. I say show me on paper where it's illegal to make this repair. A fork that is broken in two is a whole different story. Scrap that fork. Dan D.Manipulator Of Metal
Reply:Originally Posted by DanD78I was given a set of class 3 forks and one fork was missing the heel clip just like yours. The local Cat dealer got me a replacement clip. I asked for a welding procedure and they said there wasn't one. The shop guy said he welds them on with 7018. Just don't get it crazy hot. 5 years later and just fine. I also have holes in the tips of all my forks. Tell me how a hole 2" from the tip will hurt anything. Why would they offer the part for sale if it wasn't ment to be replaced. I say show me on paper where it's illegal to make this repair. A fork that is broken in two is a whole different story. Scrap that fork. Dan D.
Reply:I fixed one once with some preheat and E11018 and it was on the top where all the load is not the bottom.  It can be done but that was before I owned a business and all the insurance/ liability that goes with it.  Not worth the risk for me.  And how do you break the bottom tab off?  They must have dropped the forks on something???
Reply:Originally Posted by IronPeakWeldsI fixed one once with some preheat and E11018 and it was on the top where all the load is not the bottom.  It can be done but that was before I owned a business and all the insurance/ liability that goes with it.  Not worth the risk for me.  And how do you break the bottom tab off?  They must have dropped the forks on something???
Reply:With these being an early design where the "Heel Clip" is mounted halfway up the fork, there would be a 12 inch length of Torque available to pop it off. Other scenario, is that being as small wheeled as it is, it may have gotten stuck on soft ground and they threw a chain around it to tow it out......
Reply:Bad idea. Run away.Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
Reply:Bad idea, run away?I am so glad you didn't have to build this country.Someone should be able to make the repair. Cost effective or not. We should be able to do a solid repair on something as simply built as a forklift fork.I understand the risk. I also understand that a proper procedure could be performed. Do you reckon homebuilt trailers should be run away from as well?Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:I work for a company that modifies and builds custom 50 ton forklifts (as an example of what they do at an extreme but generally we work with human size machines). I was not around for the last 50 ton'r but hopefully another comes up. Like everything else these days new forklifts seem to have no qaqc. A lot of the times it is abuse in use that is the culprit and I wish I had the images to show here of a brand new truck mast welds snapping off of the tilt mechanism.The no modification is legal stuff and we have no authorization from any maker to do what we do. I observe that they use that as a cover *** loophole but it seems that legally it is a cracked ghord.... Holds no water. A lot of manufacturers try to get people to go away with their claims with the modification clause and in many cases it does work.
Reply:We've turned into a nation full of pansy @$$e$.Those of us who are experienced and know what we are doing aren't allowed to fix anything because some dumbass hurt themselves and a greedy whore with a law degree sued for them.Sent from my SCH-I605 using TapatalkRyanMiller Multimatic 200 tig/spool gun/wireless remoteMillermatic 350P, Bernard/XR Python gunsMiller Dynasty 350, Coolmate 3.5 & wireless remoteCK WF1 TIG wire feederMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeOptrel e684Miller Digital EliteMiller Weld-Mask
Reply:Originally Posted by xryanWe've turned into a nation full of pansy @$$e$.Those of us who are experienced and know what we are doing aren't allowed to fix anything because some dumbass hurt themselves and a greedy whore with a law degree sued for them.
Reply:If it was my Forklift, I would weld it, paint it, never tell! Then when I die and it goes to Auction, its Buyer beware. BUT!In this case, I see it as its not mine, it'll get traded up in a year or two. Someone may come back asking the Pool Company Owner who repaired it. I'm too old to recover losing everything over a Law Suit.So Yes, a OLD WISE Pansy!?!?!?!?
Reply:Originally Posted by drujininIf it was my Forklift, I would weld it, paint it, never tell! Then when I die and it goes to Auction, its Buyer beware. BUT!In this case, I see it as its not mine, it'll get traded up in a year or two. Someone may come back asking the Pool Company Owner who repaired it. I'm too old to recover losing everything over a Law Suit.So Yes, a OLD WISE Pansy!?!?!?!?
Reply:Originally Posted by drujininI'm too old to recover losing everything over a Law Suit. So Yes, a OLD WISE Pansy!?!?!?!?
Reply:All I have to say is I have been in the general area a few times when forks were repaired.Originally Posted by lars66All I have to say is I have been in the general area a few times when forks were repaired.
Reply:Originally Posted by xryanWe've turned into a nation full of pansy @$$e$.Those of us who are experienced and know what we are doing aren't allowed to fix anything because some dumbass hurt themselves and a greedy whore with a law degree sued for them.Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepAll I have to say is that I've heard of fork repairs.I know that  ITA hooks are sold as service parts, however, apparently not EVER intended to be attached to forks.Must be sold strictly for display purposes.
Reply:"Run away" is a Monty python quote from The Holy Grail.Every time I look at a forklift tine, I am amazed that such things exist. Seems like it is not made in a certain way, probably better not to be effed with, especially anywhere near the bend. But what do I know?Now go away, or I shall taunt you a second time!   =:-)Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by DanD78I was given a set of class 3 forks and one fork was missing the heel clip just like yours. The local Cat dealer got me a replacement clip. I asked for a welding procedure and they said there wasn't one. The shop guy said he welds them on with 7018. Just don't get it crazy hot. 5 years later and just fine. I also have holes in the tips of all my forks. Tell me how a hole 2" from the tip will hurt anything. Why would they offer the part for sale if it wasn't ment to be replaced. I say show me on paper where it's illegal to make this repair. A fork that is broken in two is a whole different story. Scrap that fork. Dan D.