The (2)64 Dollar Question

[gottcent]

 It seems every time I start a new project I need help from you guys, so here goes again.

I recently picked up a vintage 264 Fork Lift Loader in excellent condition. It operates fine except for one thing: when the lift reaches the lumber pile on the flat car, its jaws are too high to pick up the wood. The jaws either sail along the top of the wood pile and bite nothing but air, or bump into the wood without being low enough to pick it up.

I removed the screws from the lift car itself to see if I could adjust the height or angle of the structure holding the jaws. (That structure leans away from the car somewhat instead of being perpendicular to the ground. I think if it were perpendicular, the device would work fine, but I can't see a way to adjust that angle.)

I've also tried raising the track level next to the platform via some extra rubber ties, but I have to raise the track about 1/2 inch off the ground to make things work. That is difficult to maintain in the tight space in which I would like to place the loader, plus it doesn't seem that it should be necessary.

I use 027 tubular track, but I tried inserting a section of O track next to the loader with no improvement--the jaws are still too high for the wood pile unless I insert extra ties to raise the track (although of course I have to raise it less with the higher track).

As always, any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

                                                               John Gottcent

[initagain]

How have you positioned the lift truck?  If you check the underside of the truck, you will notice that there is a hole AND an indentation about an inch or so in length.  Make sure that the truck is lined up on both the horizontal length AND the vertical part of the drive pin that sticks up through the metal platform.  I hope I have explained this clearly enough.  The only reason I am suggesting this is because you indicate that the lift truck is otherwise too high for the lumber pile.

[gottcent]

 You may be on to something. I'm wondering if the drive pin that sticks up through my metal platform is positioned in reverse. When the truck faces the flatcar, the drive pin sits AWAY from the flatcar, with the horizontal length you speak about between the pin and the tracks. As I look under the truck with your suggestion in mind, I see the inch or so indentation you speak about, but it seems to me for the truck to fit properly, the drive pin should be NEXT TO the flatcar, not away from it. Assuming I'm right, is it an easy task to reverse the pin's direction? It appears to sit loose in the drive channel, moved, I assume, by the vibrator motor. Can I simply remove the platform via its screws and turn that drive pin around, or do I have to fool with the gears?

                                                                                      John

[gottcent]

 I've figured out the problem. The truck was mis-assembled. I took it apart and figured out how it should have gone together and now everything works fine. Thanks for your help.

                                                                          John

[balidas]

any pix?