Extend the life of your forks and attachments
The value of forklift fork repairs
Forklifts are an essential piece of equipment in many industries, often used daily for lifting and transporting heavy or awkward loads. But a forklift’s forks can endure significant wear and tear over time, leading to damage that can disrupt the running of a business’s operations. That’s where our forklift fork repairs and refurbishment services come in. Instead of opting for a replacement when your forks become worn or damaged, our repair and refurbishment services offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative.
Today, we’re looking closer at forklift fork repairs and refurbishment, explaining how our build quality contributes to a circular economy, and answering some of the questions you may have.
The importance of building once and building well
At Invicta, we believe in building once and building well – it’s a key part of the Invicta Difference. Our in-house team of designers, welders and technical managers ensure that every product we produce is maintainable and repairable. That means that with regular inspections and maintenance, Invicta attachments can even outlive your forklift trucks.
Investing in high-quality forks not only ensures they perform well, but also contributes to a circular economy. The circular economy encourages us to prioritise sustainability when we use resources. The aim is a constant, circular loop where resources are reused, recycled and repurposed rather than thrown away.
By investing in durable forks and attachments, and opting to repair rather than replace them, businesses can embrace the principles of a circular economy, save on overall costs, and help conserve resources.
Forklift fork repairs: Q&A
If you’re interested in finding out more about forklift fork repairs and refurbishment, we’ve rounded up the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic.
Can forklift forks be repaired?
In many cases, yes, a forklift fork can be repaired. As long as the damage is not too severe and the fork’s structural integrity isn’t compromised, repairs can usually be carried out to restore it to its original state. The most common forklift repairs include:
- Straightening bent or twisted forks to reset them to the original manufacture
- Addressing cracks in the fork furniture welds or fork (where possible)
It’s always best to consult a professional – ideally the manufacturer – to ensure that a product can be repaired without compromising its performance and strength.
How do forklift forks get damaged?
All forklift forks will naturally endure wear and tear over time. While this is normal, improper use can exacerbate wear and tear and cause avoidable damage. Some of the ways forklift forks get damaged are:
- Overloading. Forks are designed to handle maximum weight capacities. Lifting loads that are either too heavy or extended load centres will put unnecessary loading on your forks and lead to bending, cracks or even breakage.
- Impact. Collisions with stationary objections (walls or structural steelwork) and accidental impacts can cause breaks, bends and cracks which can vary depending on the force or direction of impact.
- Misuse. Improper use of forklifts and forks can cause unnecessary wear and damage to the fork; the most common issue is dragging the forks on the floor which causes wear.
How can forklift fork damage be prevented?
Most avoidable forklift damage can be prevented by promoting a safe and responsible culture among your forklift drivers. Up-to-date driver training and regular maintenance and inspections both help minimise fork damage and ensure they stand the test of time. Awareness of things like load capacity, safe operation, and corrosion prevention is a great place to start. Regular Thorough Examinations are also recommended.
When should you stop using forklift forks?
You should immediately stop using your forklift forks at visible signs of damage. This includes any cracks large or small, excessive wear, distortion due to bending or misalignment, and breaks in any welds. Using a damaged forklift fork could lead to accidents and injuries, as well as further, irreparable damage to the equipment. At the first sign of damage, we’d recommend reaching out to a professional for further advice.
Forklift fork repair: how to fix damaged forks
Thanks to our decades of experience, at Invicta, we have the skills and expertise to carry out repairs that range from minor repairs to major rebuilds. No matter the issue, we aim to get your forks suitable for use again as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
We carry out repairs that don’t just fix the problem, they actively extend the life of your forks and attachments. From recladding forks with worn stainless steel to straightening the blades on twisted or bent forks, we offer speedy ways of getting your equipment back into service. And, on the occasions that replacements are needed, we’ll help you get the new attachments you need as quickly as possible, thanks to the extensive range of stock we hold on site.
We hope this taught you more about our forklift fork repairs and refurbishment services. If you have any further questions about repairs, please get in touch today.
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