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Tag: forklift safety

Protecting Your Investment: Proper Storage and Handling of Spare Forklift Forks

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In this article, you’ll learn:

  • Why the proper storage of your fork arms and fork arm attachments is crucial to maintaining their quality and functionality
  • Best practices for storing your fork arms and fork arm attachments when they’re not in use.
  • How to safely handle and transport your fork arms and fork arm attachments.

Keeping spare forklift fork arms and fork arm attachments on the worksite is essential to ensuring your warehouse, construction site, or packaging facility stays flexible. With spare parts on hand, operators and technicians can make quick swaps for specialized attachments or take immediate action by replacing damaged sets, preventing costly downtime. However, because they often spend more time idle than in use, the handling and storage of these spare parts and attachments are frequently overlooked.

This oversight can become costly. After all, improper storage and handling can lead to dings, corrosion, premature wear and wear, and compromised structural integrity. A weakened fork is a major safety risk, as well as a liability. At ICHINEN USA, we take the safety of our customers and their worksites very seriously. That’s why we created this guide. It will outline the steps your team can take to secure, store, and handle spark fork arms and fork arm attachments to ensure compliance, operator safety, and maximum service life.

Why Proper Storage is Critical

Fork arms, like ICHINEN USA’s Standard and Premium forks, are engineered to sustain immense, dynamic forces. How you maintain them when they’re no longer attached to the truck directly impacts their service life and their safety rating. 

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Every fork has a specific load rating determined by several factors: material, design, and dimensions. Any damage, be it a deep gouge, a small nick or a slight bend, compromises that original manufacturer rating. Federal regulations, set forth by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), mandate that damaged forks must be immediately taken out of service for repair or replacement.  Beyond structural damage, leaving loose forks unsecured in a walking path for example, is a serious tripping hazard that creates unnecessary liability. A dedicated storage system is the first step towards safer operation.

Preventing Wear and Tear

Fork arms may be expensive to replace, but corrosion and environmental exposure can drastically shorten their lifespan. Exposure to moisture, chemicals, or extreme shifts in temperature can accelerate corrosion, weakening the metal and hiding microscopic cracks. Another common, but incorrect practice, is to store the forks with their tips resting on the ground – this causes abrasion and creates unnecessary stress points at the tips and heels. Proper storage prevents these environmental and contact-related stresses.

Financial Protection

Ultimately, the goal of properly storing your fork arms and fork arm attachments is to protect your financial investment. Extending the lifespan of a set of high-quality forks, especially heavy-duty or specialized attachments, maximizes the return on your investment and can help reduce unpredictable replacement costs.

Fork Arm Storage Best Practices

Following these storage best practices should help ensure the longevity of your spare fork arms and fork arm attachments. 

  1. Designated and Secured Location. Spare forks should never be left unsecured in high-traffic areas, through-ways, or against walls where they can slide or fall. Establish a clearly marked, restricted access storage area – a dedicated “fork bay.” This area should be located away from vehicle, product, and foot traffic to prevent accidents. 
  2. Proper Racking. Fork arms should, ideally, be stored vertically in racks. These racks are designed to separate each arm, cradle the heel, and keep the weight balanced, eliminating the risk of your forks leaning, sliding, or getting damaged by coming into contact with one another.
  3. Rust and Environmental Control. Whenever possible, store fork arms indoors in a dry, covered, and temperature-stable environment. Before placing your forks into long-term storage, follow these steps:
    – Clean off debris, dirt, and chemical residue.
    – Apply a light coat of protective oil or corrosion inhibitor to all friction points, the shank, and any unpainted surfaces, especially where the fork locks into the carriage.
    – Ensure the floor of the storage bay is clean and dry to prevent moisture from wicking up into the metal.

Safe Handling and Transportation

When fork arms are moved between the truck and the storage rack is when damage is most likely to occur. Taking some extra precautions while transporting your fork arms can help prevent unnecessary damage. With this in mind, always remember the following when transporting or moving your fork arms or attachments:

  • Never Drag or Drop your fork arms. A common mistake is dragging a heavy fork across the floor to move it a short distance. Dragging causes abrasion to the bottom surface, which can create stress risers – tiny points of weakness where cracks are most likely to originate under load. Likewise, dropping or allowing forks to swing uncontrollably during installation or removal creates impact points that can cause immediate microfractures. Always move forks intentionally and smoothly.
  • Forklift Assisted Transport. Fork arms are extremely heavy and awkward. A worker should never attempt to manually carry a full-sized fork arm. This creates a severe ergonomic and crushing risk. When moving spare fork arms, always use another forklift or dedicated transport cart designed for heavy components. The moving forklift should lift the spare arm, keep it low to the ground, and fully tilted back to secure it during transit.

Have your fork arms been dragged, dropped, or potentially exposed to mechanical damage? Check out our blog about properly inspecting your fork arms for damage. 

Your Partner in Securing your Investment

Properly storing your fork arms is a critical component of risk mitigation, asset protection, and workplace safety. By implementing a dedicated, clean, and secure storage system for your spark forks and attachments, you protect your operators from accidents and prolong the service life of one of your most crucial pieces of equipment.

Your lifting operation relies on quality and durability. When it comes time to replace your fork arms, choosing products built to meet the toughest standards ensures your long-term operational success and at ICHINEN USA, we’re ready to help. Contact us today to discuss your specific application and determine the right fork arms for your needs. Until then, stay safe and continue to protect your investment!

Understanding OSHA Regulations for Forklift Arms and Attachments

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In this article, you’ll learn:

  • The Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s (OSHA) regulations for forklift arms and attachments.
  • Why proper maintenance of forklift arms is necessary to worksite safety.
  • What to look for to determine if your fork arms and attachments are in good working order.
  • What a forklift operator should do in the event their forklift arms need replacement.

These days, there’s hardly a warehouse or construction site in America that is not using forklifts. In fact, no matter your industry, if it’s in logistics of some kind, you can be assured that there will be at least one forklift on site. These versatile machines lift, move, and stack heavy loads with what seems like zero effort. Unfortunately, despite their utility, forklifts are a leading cause of serious workplace injuries. Most of these incidents are caused by user error, but some of them are caused by modifications and attachments.

Attaching arms, clamps and other accessories is a perfectly acceptable modification to make to your forklift. However, they also add new variables. Additional forklift attachments cause change weight distribution, reduce visibility, and change the way the machine is operated. Attachments can turn a safe machine into a dangerous one if not managed correctly. 

At ICHINEN USA, we manufacture the highest quality, 100% heat treated fork arms and fork arm accessories and have been at it for a while. In our recent blogs, we have been focusing on forklift safety because we know what can happen when one of these powerful machines is not utilized properly. That’s why we’re choosing to focus on this topic and in this blog, we aim to provide a straightforward look at the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s (OSHA) recommendations and regulations regarding forklift arms and attachments. That way, you’ll be able to keep your operations compliant and most important, your team safe.

OSHA’s Commitment to Workplace Safety

In our last blog, we broke down how to inspect your fork arms. We discussed a common experience for forklift operators – the OSHA mandated pre-operation inspection. Any certified operator knows that before they operate a forklift for the first time during their shift, they must do a visual inspection of the machine and all of its components to know that it is in functional condition. This inspection came from necessity. With these powerful machines made more accessible, more and more worksite employees were getting injured. Thankfully, we have the Occupational Health and Safety Administration looking out.

OSHA is the federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing standards that ensure safe and healthy working conditions. For powered industrial trucks like forklifts, the regulating document is OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.178. While OSHA covers everything from training an operator to proper regular maintenance, there is a strong emphasis on attachment safety because they fundamentally change how a forklift operates.

Imagine it this way: a forklift is a highly engineered machine with very precise requirements. When you add a heavy attachment, you’re not just adding weight; you’re ‘derating’ the machine. Derating means you have reduced its lifting capacity and shifted its center of gravity. When working with a tool designed specifically for balanced lifting, this seemingly minor change can significantly increase tip-over risk or the chances for dropped loads. Hazards like these can even lead to catastrophic accidents. For OSHA (and for us at ICHINEN USA), compliance with these regulations isn’t just about avoiding a fine – it’s about preventing those injuries and fatalities in the first place. These rules are in place so that every modification is carefully considered and implemented correctly. That way, every person on the worksite is protected.

A Daily Commitment to Inspection and Maintenance

Compliance is not just a one time commitment; it is a continued agreement that starts at the beginning of every shift. Forklift operators are specially trained professionals who are capable of making a big impact on their worksite. While a standard pre-operation forklift inspection should happen any time a forklift is being used for the first time during a shift, the inspection must be tailored to include the specific fork arm attachment. These inspections are a big part of protecting your operation from making common forklift safety violations.

Once the attachment has been properly secured and before the operator turns the forklift key, a pre-operation inspection of that attachment is required. 

The visual inspection should include:

Attachment Integrity: Check for any signs of cracks, bends, or other damage to the attachment itself. Do not forget to inspect the underside, where the attachment can drag when used close to the ground.

Hoses and Connections: Inspect the hydraulic hoses for any leaks, frayed spots, or cuts. Ensure all pills and locking mechanisms that are used to secure the attachment to the forklift are properly seated and secure.

Smooth Operation: Once the engine is on, test the attachment. It should move without any hesitation or jerky motions. And, there should be no unusual noises.

In the event that an operator discovers an issue with their forklift or fork arm attachments, they should immediately stop using the machine, and follow proper procedures to lock-out-tag-out the forklift until a more thorough inspection can be done to determine what further action should be taken. Never operate a forklift that does not pass OSHA’s Pre-Operation inspection checklist.

Empowering You to Move Forward

At ICHINEN USA, we’re grateful to be a part of ensuring forklift safety is front and center for our customers across all industries. From agriculture to entertainment, forklifts ensure that our economy keeps flowing. That’s why we’re committed to getting the highest quality fork arms and forklift accessories to those who need them. Take a moment to determine if your forklift arms are in need of replacement, and then check out our inventory of 100% heat treated fork accessories to see which one is right for you.

And, if you need some help determining the right fit, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Forklift Arm Inspections: What You Need to Check Before Operation

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Every properly trained forklift operator knows that they must do a pre-operation safety inspection of their forklift and its components before operating a machine for the first time that shift. This inspection, a requirement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ensures that before an operator puts the forklift into use, they’ve verified that all of the required components are in place, and correctly maintained. By doing these regular checks, operators can help prevent accidents, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure the forklift is operating at its most efficient. These inspections are holistic, and involve the entire truck, from top to bottom, from the steering wheel to the forklift arms.

But, how exactly do you determine if a forklift fork arm passes inspection? At ICHINEN USA, we manufacture 100% heat-treated fork arms and fork arm accessories developed with quality and safety in mind. We understand how crucial to safety and efficiency fork arms are – a fork arm that needs replacing can put your lifting operations at risk. So, we decided to break down exactly what operators need to look for when inspecting their fork lift’s fork arms during their pre-operation inspection. First, let’s take a look at the components of a fork arm.

The Anatomy of a Fork Arm

Before diving into the inspection process, it’s crucial to understand the parts of a fork arm and how they work together to ensure safe and efficient lifting. In general fork arms have the following components:

  • Heel: The heel is the bend where the vertical and horizontal parts meet. This is a high-stress area.
  • Blade/Tine: The long, flat part that slides under the load.
  • Shank: The vertical part that connects to the forklift carriage.
  • Locking Pin/Clip: The mechanism that secures the fork to the forklift carriage.

When all of these pieces are properly maintained and in good condition, fork arms provide optimal lifting and ensure safe maneuverability around the worksite.

Step-by-Step Pre-Operation Checklist

While OSHA’s pre-operation checklist involves the entire forklift, use this checklist to determine the condition of your forklift’s fork arms. It is not intended to replace OSHA’s required pre-operation inspection. All operators should reference this checklist as an enhancement to their regular forklift pre-operation checklist.

  • Step 1: Check for cracks and bends.  Even small cracks can lead to catastrophic failure. Look for any cracks, especially at the heel. Inspect the blade and look for signs of bending or twisting. 
  • Step 2: Perform a fork wear thickness test.  Over time, the bottom of the fork wears down from dragging and scraping. Using a fork caliper or ruler, measure the thickness of the blade near the heel. Compare this to the original thickness (should be stamped on the fork). If the thickness has been reduced by 10%, the industry standard is to replace it..
  • Step 3: Check the angle and straightness. A drooping or misaligned fork can cause the load to slip or become unstable. Visually inspect the fork arm from the side to ensure the blade is parallel to the ground when the carriage is level. Use a straight edge.
  • Step 4: Inspect the pins and clips. If a locking mechanism fails, a fork can slide off, leading toa dropped load and serious safety hazards. Ensure all locking pins are present, fully engaged, and not broken or loose.
  • Step 5: The carriage and mounting inspection. The carriage is the direct link between the hydraulic lift and the forks. An issue here will affect the entire lifting system. Inspect where the forks attach to the carriage. Ensure there is no wear in the mounting brackets.

Safety Note: OSHA requires that all forklifts be inspected at least once daily, before being placed in service. However, operators should perform a pre-operation safety inspection of any forklift they use for the first time, no matter if it’s the beginning, middle, or end of their shift.

What to Do If You Find an Issue

If you determine that your fork arms are in need of replacement or repair, that forklift must immediately be removed from service. Using a lock-out-tag-out system, or something similar, operators should clearly mark the forklift as inoperable and report to their supervisor or management. A forklift that is not ready for service can be a significant risk to your lifting operation’s safety. Take these steps to ensure you properly report maintenance issues during your pre-operation check.

  • Do NOT operate your forklift. Immediately tag out and remove it from service.
  • Report the issues to your supervisor or the maintenance department.
  • Document the issue and the forklift’s serial number in your operation maintenance logs

Make Safety a Habit

Taking just a few moments before operating a forklift for the first time during your shift to conduct a pre-operation inspection can prevent costly damage to machinery and product, and also potentially save lives. Just like putting on your hard hat or other protective gear, make inspecting your forklift’s fork arms daily part of your routine. Building a safe and efficient operation is everyone’s role. Don’t let worn, bent, or cracked fork arms get in the way of your ability to work safely.

If you are in need of replacement fork arms, please take a moment to look at our selection of 100% heat treated standard and premium forks. And, if you’re looking for replacement fork arm attachment accessories, ICHINEN USA is there for you, too! Contact us today to learn more!

Summer Maintenance Tips to Prevent Forklift Arm Damage

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When forklift arm damage occurs, it doesn’t just stop your material handling operations; it impacts productivity, frustrates teams, and can create serious forklift safety hazards. 

Heading into the demanding summer months, businesses need to take a proactive approach through dedicated forklift maintenance. Implementing targeted routines to safeguard these vital components is far better than reacting to problems. 

In this post, we’ll outline actionable summer maintenance tips designed to help you identify potential issues early, protect your forklift arms from damage, and keep your fleet operating efficiently all season long.

Summer Weather Affects Forklift Arm Functionality

While heat can sometimes be helpful, it can damage important parts, such as forklift arms for some large equipment vehicles. Not being able to properly use your equipment’s forklift arms can cause delays to your operation and major headaches that can easily be prevented.

Recently, we discussed how to prepare your forklift arms for any type of seasonal weather. This blog will focus on just the hotter months of the year, starting with understanding what heat can do to your parts.

What potential issues can you run into with heat? Here are a few broken down by type of Forklift.

Internal Combustion (IC) Engine Forklifts

  • Coolant—Summer heat increases engine stress. Ensure the coolant is topped up. Flush and replace old or deteriorated coolant to prevent overheating.    
  • Radiator—Check for damage, leaks, and debris (like leaves) restricting airflow, which can reduce coolant flow. If clogged or damaged, clean, backflush, or replace it.
  • Hoses & Belts—Summer heat can dry and crack these rubber parts. Inspect carefully before each shift and replace them promptly if damage is found.
  • Oil & Air Filters—Hot weather degrades oil faster, and dusty summer conditions clog filters. To protect the engine, change both oil and air filters more frequently during summer.

Electric Forklifts

  • Batteries—High temperatures during the summer can cause forklift batteries to overheat and degrade more quickly. Regularly inspect and replenish battery water levels as needed.
  • Electrical Connections—Rubber electrical insulation deteriorates more rapidly in hot weather. Check all connections and replace wires and cables whose insulation has cracked or deteriorated. 

All Forklifts

  • Hydraulic System—Extreme heat places extra stress on the hydraulic system, potentially speeding up wear on hoses, fittings, and seals. To maintain system integrity, perform regular checks for any heat-related damage or leaks.
  • Mechanical Systems—Summer heat reduces forklift lubricant effectiveness, increasing wear. Inspect and lubricate forks, masts, chains, steering, and wheels regularly, reapplying lubricant when needed.
  • Tires—Heat during the summer quickly degrades forklift tires. Check pneumatic tire pressure frequently to prevent potential overinflation, cracks, or blowouts. Maintain the recommended pressure for safe operation.

Train Employees to Detect Potential Issues Early

Regarding the integrity and safety of your forklift arms, the old adage “a stitch in time saves nine” couldn’t be more fitting, especially as the demands of summer operations pick up. Catching potential problems in their earliest stages is the most effective strategy to prevent them from escalating into major, costly repairs, significant operational downtime, or even serious forklift safety incidents. 

What might seem like a minor surface crack, a slight bend, or an unusual noise today could indicate a more significant underlying issue that, if addressed promptly, can save your business considerable expense and ensure your team’s safety.

This proactive approach to early detection relies heavily on consistent vigilance and thorough routine checks. It means empowering your forklift operators to be the first line of defense, conducting diligent pre-shift inspections beyond a glance. 

Training them to meticulously look for any visual signs of wear, stress fractures, or deformation on the forks, welds, and carriage, and listen for any new or unusual sounds during operation – like grinding, creaking, or popping – is paramount. These sensory cues are often the first signals that something requires closer attention before compromising the forklift’s arm integrity.

Efficiency and Functionality is Key to Keeping Your Operation Going

Summer maintenance for forklift arms is essential for maintaining efficiency and functionality, ensuring your operations keep running smoothly for several key reasons:

Preventing Unexpected Downtime 

Summer can be a peak season for many businesses, meaning any unexpected equipment failure, like a damaged forklift arm, leads to immediate and often costly downtime. Regular summer maintenance helps identify and address minor issues (like small cracks, worn components, or lubrication problems) before they escalate into major breakdowns that halt operations. A forklift out of commission means delays in moving goods, missed deadlines, and frustrated staff.

Ensuring Peak Performance Under Stress

Higher ambient summer temperatures can stress all machinery components, including hydraulic systems and lubricants crucial for arm operation. Proper maintenance ensures adequate lubricants and that hydraulic fluids are at the correct levels and not overheating excessively. Components aren’t already weakened, allowing the forklift arms to perform optimally even when the heat is on.

Maintaining Lifting Capacity & Accuracy 

Damage or wear to forklift arms (like bent forks, worn fork heels, or issues with the mast/carriage) can compromise the machine’s rated lifting capacity and the accuracy of load placement. This isn’t just inefficient; it’s dangerous. Summer maintenance checks ensure the arms are structurally sound and aligned, allowing for precise and safe handling, critical for operational speed, and reducing product damage.

Upholding Safety Standards 

Damaged forklift arms are a significant safety hazard. A compromised arm could lead to dropped loads, potentially injuring operators or other personnel and damaging goods or facilities. Summer maintenance, focusing on inspection and repair, is critical to upholding safety protocols, contributing to a smoother, more confident, and, therefore, more efficient workforce.

Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run 

Addressing minor issues found during routine summer maintenance is almost always far cheaper than dealing with a catastrophic failure. Replacing a worn pin or re-lubricating a chain is minor compared to replacing an entire fork assembly or coping with the consequences of an accident. This preventative approach decreases long-term operational costs, contributing to overall business efficiency.

Adapting to Increased Operational Tempo 

For many industries, summer might bring increased demand or specific seasonal projects. Ensuring forklift arms are in prime condition before this ramp-up means the equipment can reliably handle the increased workload without faltering, keeping the entire operational chain moving smoothly.

The Ichinen Guarantee

Forklift maintenance should be a year-round endeavor. This way, when extreme weather hits, you won’t be scrambling to ensure your operations don’t suffer due to equipment failure. 
If you need new forklifts or have questions about which are best suited for your particular operation, contact ICHINEN USA for more information.

5 Signs Your Fork Arms Need Replacement

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Any manufacturing, warehouse, or construction worker understands the importance of maintaining the equipment on their worksite, ensuring safety and productivity. Forklifts and their accessories are no different. It may be common practice to maintain and inspect the forklift itself, but did you know that forklift arms also need to be replaced? Forklifts are arguably the most versatile and necessary pieces of equipment on any worksite, and not only can the metal forks take on damage from day-to-day use, but sometimes accidents happen. Fork arms are the heavy lifters on the forklift, and ensuring they are in top condition will keep you and your industry moving forward.

Fork arms are ICHINEN USA’s specialty. We take great pride in manufacturing top-tier forklift arms and accessories, and in our time working with various industries, we’ve learned quite a bit about the implications of worn fork arms. Damaged or compromised fork arms can cause load instability, accidents, and fork breakage. Additionally, even slightly worn fork arms can reduce lifting capacity, cause difficulty handling loads, and increase the chances of dropped or damaged products.

Regular inspection and worker training are critical to ensuring your worksite is safe and avoiding common forklift safety violations. However, knowing when to identify that you need to replace your fork arms will protect you, your product, and your enterprise.

We put together this list of 5 signs that your forklift arms may need to be replaced. Let’s take a look.

#1: Visible Wear and Damage

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires all forklift operators to perform a daily pre-operation inspection before using the truck for the day. This inspection is the perfect opportunity for forklift operators to inspect the fork arms themselves for visible wear and damage.

Operators should look for these signs that the fork arms may need to be replaced:

  • Surface cracks or fractures
  • Significant bending or twisting
  • Visible metal fatigue (look for the distinct ‘clamshell’ appearance in the metal)
  • Heel wear (from contact with the ground or other surfaces) that exceed manufacturer specifications

#2: Decreased Load Capacity Performance

Another sign that your forklift arms may need replacing is if you are experiencing decreased load capacity. A forklift with a decreased load capacity may lift a load slowly or unevenly, have difficulty reaching full height, and exhibit a decrease in lifting power, noticeable to operators.

Safety Tip: This may not be noticed until the forklift is in operation, so remember to report any anomalies in performance and discrepancies immediately to the appropriate people within your organization.
Keep an eye out for these indicators that your fork arms may need replacement:

  • Difficulty handling rated loads
  • Uneven lifting
  • Signs of strain under normal operating conditions

#3: Thickness Reduction

As forklifts maneuver about a worksite, lifting or carrying their loads, fork arms drag along the ground, shelves, and the product they lift. This friction slowly wears down the metal, making it thinner and thinner over time. The industry standards for the minimum thickness of fork arms vary, and fork arm thickness is chosen based on the forklift’s load capacity and handling needs. Any fork arm wear over 10% of the total thickness indicates it is time to replace your fork arm.

Knowing how to measure your fork arm’s thickness is necessary to ensure your forklift operates at its peak. Three measurements are essential to record. Using a caliper, capture the following measurements: 

  • Width: Measure the blade from side to side
  • Length: Measure from the shank to the tip
  • Thickness: Measure the blade from the thickest part, bottom to top

#4: Uneven Fork Arms

Fork arms are manufactured close to a 90-degree angle. However, wear-and-tear and minor worksite accidents can sometimes cause fork arms to be bent upwards or downwards, causing the two arms to be uneven. This imbalance can make lifting loads of any size dangerous and cause the forklift to become out of balance enough to tip. Replacing uneven fork arms in pairs is vital, preventing any further misalignment.

Keep an eye (and ear!) out for these clues that your fork arms are uneven:

  • Look for bulges or bents in the shake or blade
  • Check for cracks, especially near the heel
  • Measure the angle and replace fork arms with bends that exceed 93 degrees
  • Listen for strain in the fork stanchions

#5: Age and Usage Hours

Sometimes, the most significant indicator that your fork arms should be replaced is that they have been used for a long time. Every fork arm manufacturer recommends replacement intervals, so checking with your manufacturer for their best practices is key. However, if your enterprise has not replaced its fork arms in some time, consider replacing them as a preventative measure.

Forklift maintenance is a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual commitment. Tracking the use of your forklift and documenting its functionality is necessary to understand the lifespan of your equipment and will help prevent the extended costs of forklift failure. Check your operations records to verify that your machines are being regularly serviced and to ensure there have not recently been any minor accidents that could have damaged your fork arms. 

These less common signs may be an indicator that your regularly maintained forklift arms may need replacing:

  • Damage to the positioning lock
  • Excessive fork hook wear or deformation
  • Fractures or unevenness in arm tips
  • Fork arm documentation is unavailable

Never Settle for Less than Exceptional

Knowing when to replace your forklift fork arms is key to keeping your lifting operations on the move, and preventative replacement can prevent unwanted accidents or downtime.

At ICHINEN USA, we are passionate about providing you with the highest quality, 100% heat-treated standard and premium forks and fork arm accessories. We work hard to help our customers stay safe in their day-to-day operations.

If you’d like to learn more about forklift arms or how we can help you determine the perfect fork arm and fork arm accessories for your lifting needs, contact us today!