Vestil D series hoppers - Manual (Page 10)

11/4/2013 D & H series hoppers, manual
Copyright 2013 Vestil Manufacturing Corp. Page 10 of 13
Inspections & Maintenance:
Inspection and maintenance personnel should immobilize the boom before either conducting inspections or
performing maintenance. The boom is properly immobilized if it cannot tip over.
If one or more problem is discovered during an inspection, restore the hopper to normal operating condition
BEFORE using it again. DO NOT use a structurally damaged hopper. Structural damage includes, but is not limited to,
cracked welds, warping or deformation of one or both of the fork pockets, chute, pivot points, or frame members.
Inspections:
(A) Before each use inspect the following components:
1.) Release cable – fraying, birdcaging, thinning;
2.) Hopper chute or base frame – damage, deformation, corroded or excessively rusted regions;
3.) Pivot points – unusual noise or binding (when chute rotates), distortion of pivot pin or pivot pin
channels (see Figures 1 and 2 on p. 5 & 6);
4.) Release/Latch mechanisms – torsion spring should cause the chute release lever weldment (item
number 3 on p. 5; item no. 3 on p. 6) to automatically recoil; the release latch should firmly engage
the release lock bar proper function;
5.) Hopper retaining mechanisms – look for evidence of fatigue or damage to the safety chain, the point
of attachment to the base frame, or the quick links.
(B) Inspect the following components at least once per month and replace any component that is excessively worn or
no longer operates normally:
1.) Pivot points – look for excessive wear, warping, or other significant damage to pivot pins, cotter pins
that retain pivot pins in place, or pin channels (see Figures 1 and 2 on p. 5 & 6).
2.) Fasteners (bolts, nuts, pins, cotter pins, retaining rings) – inspect for looseness and wear.
3.) Casters – check for looseness, excessive wear, or damage to the casters, caster bearings, mounting
brackets, or hardware.
4.) Release mechanism – verify that the mechanisms function properly. The torsion spring should cause
the chute release lever weldment (item number 3 on p. 5 & 6) to automatically recoil; the release latch
should firmly engage the release lock bar proper function;
5.) All 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;
6.) Labels – all labels must be firmly affixed in the locations shown in Fig. 3 or 4 on p. 10 or 11.
Maintenance:
The end-user, i.e. operators and employers, should 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.
The end-user is responsible for selecting and training employees to work on the hopper. ONLY
trained, authorized maintenance personnel or contractors should inspect, maintain, or repair the hopper.
Step 1: Tag the hopper, “Out of Service.”
Step 2: Remove any dirt or other matter from all surfaces.
Step 3: Conduct a “Before each use” inspection. If deformity, corrosion, rusting, or excessive wear of structural
members is found, DO NOT use the product.
Step 4: Perform all other necessary adjustments, replacements and/or repairs, but DO NOT modify the hopper.
The reader should understand the significant difference between necessary adjustments and
repairs, and modifications.
An “adjustment” is a simple correction that restores the hopper to normal operating condition, such as
tightening loose fasteners, or removing dirt or other debris from the surface. “Repair” means removing worn parts
and installing new replacement parts.
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DO NOT use the hopper if adjustments and/or repairs are incomplete! Return it to service ONLY after
finishing all necessary repairs and adjustments.
A “modification” is a change that alters the hopper from normal operating condition, like bending the structural
members or removing a part or several parts. NEVER modify the hopper unless you are certain that the hopper
will be safe to use afterwards, or without first obtaining express, written approval from Vestil. Modifications might
make the hopper unsafe to use.
Step 5: Make a dated record of any repairs, adjustments and/or replacements.