INSPECTION AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Prior to using the Eagle-Grip model EL4F / EL4FQC or EL4CM, each operator should
perform a brief, routine spot-check of the equipment. This inspection should include the
following checks:
1.) Ensure that the attachment is secured to the lift truck forks with the safety chain and
cam lock clamp engaged to the lift truck carriage. If equipped with Quick-Claw Safety
Restraint System, be sure the cams have rotated after lifting the attachment from the floor.
Carriage mounted attachments should be bolted to the lift truck carriage.
2.) Visually check the framework for any stress cracks. Inspect the top of the
attachment to be sure that all four of the head frame bolts are secure (figure # 3, p/n#
4404) through to the carrier mounting plate.
3.) Inspect the four centering springs (figure # 5, p/n 6401) to ensure they are properly
attached to both the head frame of the attachment and to the underside of the carrier
mounting plate.
4.) Lift the attachment in the air without drums so the clamp housings (figure #7,
Clamp Assembly #8403) are at eye height. When disengaged (no drums), the upper and
lower clamping jaws of each housing (figure # 15 & 17 in Clamp Assembly #8403)
should be retracted inside the jaw housing (figure # 6 in Clamp Assembly #8403). If the
jaws are protruding outside of the housings when the unit is disengaged, a trained
technician should service the attachment immediately. This indicates a potential
problem in the housing orientation, the spider assembly (figure # 13) or potentially in the
indexing cantilever (figure # 2, p/n 2404 in Clamp Assembly # 8403).
5.) Presuming a favorable finding in step #4, put resistance against each of the jaw
housings (figure # 7, p/n 2403 in Clamp Assembly # 8403) at the lower leg of the housing
and push them individually back into the head frame. Housings should move freely in
and out of the head frame, springing back into position (outward) when pressure is
released. If the housings stick or are difficult to move back and forth, the head frame
may be bent, a pin may be bent or an obstruction may be causing a problem. If the
housings are not springing out properly, the attachment should be serviced as soon as
possible and not be used.
6.) All four drum attachment models operate on a ratchet/cam and pawl principle very
similar to a ratchet wrench. Typically, when the attachment fails to engage a drum
properly you may determine a pattern. To test, use the lift truck to lift and lower the
attachment thirteen times on a group of four drums. The ratchet cam star gear (figure #
5, p/n 7404 in Spider Assembly # 8402) has 12 points. By cycling the unit completely
13 times, each point of the ratchet cam will be tested and thus prove whether there may
be a problem somewhere in the ratchet/cam/pawl arrangement. If the attachment
malfunctions on a particular cycle, note the number (say # 6 for sake of argument) and
continue on another 12 times until you’ve reached # 6 again. Note if this malfunction
occurs again at the same contact point on the ratchet star. If it does recur, the ratchet
cam, bushings or cam pin likely is wearing or has failed and should be replaced prior to
the attachment being put into service. Additionally, diagnosis is usually relatively
simple when a malfunction begins to occur. If the attachment is not engaging or not
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