Actions That May Cause Inadvertent Dropping Of Pallet Forks Caterpillar

Reference: Operation & Maintenance Manual; SEBU7137; 902 and 906 Compact Wheel Loaders; Operation Section; Palllet Fork Operations.

Problem:

Compact Wheel Loaders (CWL) equipped with pallet forks may uncouple the pallet fork carriage from the quick lock coupler causing the pallet forks to drop to the ground. This may occur if the pallet forks are rotated to a position that causes the carriage and/or forks to come in contact with the bottom of the boom. See Illustrations 1, 2, and 3.

Solution:

Operators should not extend the tilt cylinder to a position that causes the carriage/forks to come in contact with the bottom of the boom. If the operator extends the tilt cylinder bringing the carriage/forks near the bottom of the boom, care should be taken when raising the boom to avoid the carriage/forks coming in contact with the bottom of the boom.

A solution is under development to address this situation. The interference mentioned above will not be experienced through normal use of the pallet forks. See the Operation & Maintenance Manual.

Roading with the pallet forks installed is illegal in many countries, regardless of the orientation of the pallet forks.

Illustration 1.

Pallet Forks Installed. Boom Raised Parallel to the Ground.

Illustration 2.

Tilt Cylinder Extended and Pallet Forks Contacting Boom.

Illustration 3.

Pallet Forks Installed. Boom Raised. Forks Contacting Boom.

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