Inspections & Maintenance - Vestil D Series Instruction Manual

Inspections & Maintenance:
Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary for the hopper to remain in normal condition. After
receiving the unit and before using it for the first time, create a written record that describes the appearance of
each major component, including the main frame, release mechanism, fork pockets, safety chain, pivot points and
pivot point hardware. Mount the hopper of the forks of your forklift and apply the safety chain. Elevate the hopper
and release the chute. Record your observations about how the unit looks and sounds as the chute rotates.
Lower the unit and secure the chute to the frame. Record your observations. This written record establishes
"normal condition". When conducting future inspections compare those observations with the written record to
determine whether a component is in normal condition or requires repair or replacement. If issues are discovered
during an inspection, DO NOT use the hopper or return it to regular service until it is restored to normal operating
condition.
Inspections:
Inspect the following components at least once per month. Replace any component that is significantly worn or no
longer operates normally:
1.) Pivot points: check for excessive wear, warping, or other significant damage to pivot pins, cotter pins, and
pin receivers.
2.) Hopper chute and base frame: examine the structures for damage, deformation, and corroded or
excessively rusted regions. Remove rust with a steel bristle brush and apply touch-up paint to exposed
metal.
3.) Hardware (bolts, nuts, pins, cotter pins, retaining rings): inspect hardware for looseness and severe wear.
Tighten loose connections and replace all damaged hardware.
4.) Casters (if hopper is equipped with caster kit): check for looseness, excessive wear, etc. to the casters,
caster bearings, mounting brackets, and mounting hardware.
5.) Release mechanism: the torsion spring should cause the latch lever to automatically recoil and the lever
should firmly contact the release lock bar. Check the release cable for frayed, thinned, and bird-caged
regions.
6.) Moving parts: listen for unusual noises and watch for irregular movement. Remove dirt and debris from
areas that could affect the hopper's dumping motion.
7.) Safety chain: examine the safety chain, its point of attachment to the base frame, and the quick links for
damage.
8.) Labels: all labels must be firmly affixed in the locations shown in the "Labeling Diagram" on p. 17.
Maintenance:
Implement a maintenance program to ensure that the product functions properly and is adequately maintained.
The following steps should be applied to complement established maintenance programs.
Step 1: Tag the hopper, "Out of Service."
Step 2: Inspect the unit as described above. If deformity, corrosion, rusting, or excessive wear of structural
members is found, DO NOT continue to use the product.
Step 3: Perform all necessary adjustments, replacements, and repairs.
DO NOT modify the hopper in any way without first obtaining written approval from Vestil.
Modifications automatically void the Limited Warranty and might make the hopper unsafe to use. A "modification"
is a change that alters the hopper from original condition, like bending a structural member or removing a
component.
Step 4: Make a dated record of all repairs made to the hopper.
Copyright 2017 Vestil Manufacturing Corp.
Rev. 1/15/2018 D, MANUAL
Page 16 of 18