Contact Us 0800 298 8790

The right lift
for your business

Supplying forklifts since 1976

What we do

Since 1976 H&F Trucks have provided local business with high quality materials handling solutions. For nearly four decades we have achieved steady growth year on year, enabling us to provide superior service to our customers from a stable & sustainable business platform.

How to Check If Your Forklift Attachments Need Replacing

Forklifts trucks are very sophisticated material handling appliances, and whether it’s a counter balance forklift, a reach forklift truck, or any other type, they are robust enough to help complete a broad range of tasks.

However, they do have some limitations, which is why there are a wide range of forklift attachments available that can boost their efficiency, and also add to the safety aspects. These forklift attachments can’t last forever though, and knowing how to check if they need replacing is essential…

Forks losing thickness

Much like the tyres on a car, it’s important to regularly check the the thickness of any fork, as this can give you a clear indication whether or not it’s time to replace them. The metal on a fork can wear down over time and eventually forks will no longer be able to handle their original load capacity. If the fork has lost 10% of its original depth then it must be removed and replaced. The thickness of the forks can also effect the performance of attachments, mainly because there will be less surface area to secure them.

Grinding sounds and scrape marks

The mast of the forklift works to raise, lower, and tilt any loads, and it also consists of a range of parts that all require care and maintenance. Unfortunately if one part ends up breaking down, it can mean others will end up being damaged too. One of the most common warning signs of wear is the sound of grinding or visible scrape marks, as this means that metal-on-metal contact is taking place. If either of this signs are observed then it’s time time to either re-adjust or completely replace the parts.

Fractures and cracks

It’s important to always keep on eye out for any fractures, cracks or other subtle signs of damage. The smallest crack in an attachment can lead to bigger problems down the line, and is another indicator that it’s time for a replacement. Any crack can start off small, but before long it can grow into a large fracture, which can not only be a safety risks, it can end up causing potential damage to loads and other equipment because of a failed fork. If any signs of wear and tear are observed in the forks or the hook attachments then these must be replaced as quickly as possible.

If you’re looking to purchase a new Forklift or used forklift, or if there’s something you’re unsure about, please contact us at H&F Lift Trucks today on 0800 298 8790 for more information

What Are The Laws When Using Forklifts On Public Roads?
Things to Consider When Hiring Forklift Operators
The new kid on the block - the GO6 Series
17 - Sep - 2011

The new kid on the block - the GO6 Series

Nissan Forklift Corp. has recently added the GO6 Series to its range of transportation and forklift vehicles, with this model...
How To Select A Forklift Trucks
20 - Jan - 2012

How To Select A Forklift Trucks

There are many aspects to consider before buying a new forklift truck. The first is the capacity: You need to...
Benefits of The Electronic Forklift
20 - Jan - 2012

Benefits of The Electronic Forklift

Forklifts can be powered by fuel or electricity and electrically powered forklifts have certain advantages over others. For example, they...
Testimonials

H&F have supplied us with all our fork lift equipment for in excess of ten years now, and have maintained it in accordance with our stringent operation requirements. During this time they have provided a consistently high level of service (including short term hire when required) whilst never failing to support us in a totally honest and professional manner.

Ashley Basset, Director
R G Bassett & Sons Ltd

H&F Lift Trucks are a pleasure to deal with. All staff, Technicians, Sales and Directors have hands-on experience of all ranges of vehicles they supply. From initial assessments and listening to all users of a potential new vehicle requirement, they keep us informed of all aspects of specification and lead times through to delivery. Their maintenance service is superb – they organise suitable times around our busy working day with our Yard Managers. Any accidental damage or operator error faults are always discussed with me and dealt with fairly – not like some unscrupulous suppliers who seek to profit at every service visit! In a cut-throat market, where we are offered “good deals” a few quid cheaper every day, we are never tempted to stray.

James Hipkins, Managing Director
Emerys

Pym and Wildsmith have been working closely with H&F Fork Trucks for many years. Their service is excellent, ranging from prompt callouts to breakdowns through to the supply of new trucks. We would not hesitate to recommend them.

Ian Pym, Operations Manager
Pym & Wildsmith

We cover a 30 mile radius