Table of Contents
Rev. 10/8/2021
P-HOP, MANUAL
Table of Contents
Copyright 2021 Vestil Manufacturing Corp. Page 10 of 12
4.)
Release/Latch mechanisms – test the chute release mechanism (“lock release, lever assembly”). The
torsion spring should cause the lever assembly to automatically recoil and firmly latch the chute to the
frame.
5.)
Safety chain – check the chain for damaged links (broken, cracked, elongated).
(B)
Inspect the following components at least once per month. Replace any component that is
excessively worn or no longer operates normally:
1.)
Pivot points – look for excessive wear, warping, or other damage to the release lever pin, pin brackets,
axles pins, and axle receivers. Listen for unusual noises and watch for irregular movement. Remove dirt
and debris from areas that could affect the hopper’s dumping motion.
2.)
Fasteners (bolts, nuts, axle 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, and hardware. Confirm that the brake functions properly.
4.)
Release mechanism – verify that the mechanisms function properly: 1) torsion spring firmly latches the
lock release lever assembly (“lever assembly”) to the chute; 2) the latch lock bracket should seat on
the latch bar unless manually disengaged (see
on p. 8); 3) lever assembly pivots smoothly
and securely engages the latch bar.
5.)
Chute – examine the chute. The structure should be rigid and square without corroded holes or
severely rusted areas.
6.)
Supporting frame – examine the frame. It should be rigid and square, welds should be intact, and fork
pockets should be square and sound.
7.)
Labels – all labels must be applied to the hopper in the locations shown in the
p. 11.
Maintenance:
Implement a maintenance program to ensure that the product functions properly.
Step 1: Tag the hopper, “Out of Service.”
Step 2: Remove dirt and debris from all surfaces.
Step 3: Conduct the scheduled inspection. If deformity, corrosion, rusting, or excessive wear of the frame or
chute is discovered, remove it from service.
Step 4: Perform all 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. Adjustments are simple corrections that restore the hopper to normal operating
condition, such as tightening loose fasteners, or removing dirt or other debris from the surface. Repairs
involve removing worn parts and installing new/replacement parts.
A “modification” is a change that alters the hopper from normal operating condition, such as bending
the frame or removing a part or several parts. NEVER modify the hopper. Modifications automatically void
the
(p. 12) and might make the hopper unsafe to use.
Step 5: Make a dated record of any repairs, adjustments, and/or replacements.
