Rev. 5/3/2018
CRF, MANUAL
Copyright 2018 Vestil Manufacturing Corp.
Page 6 of 8
Using the carpet ram:
Step 1: Insert the forks of your lift truck into the fork pockets of the
frame. Drive forward until the end of the frame contacts the
heels of the forks.
Step 2: To prevent the ram from sliding on the forks, attach the
safety chain to the carriage of your lift truck
without slack
.
Step 3: Insert the pole into a roll of carpet. Drive forward until the end
of the roll contacts the receiver.
Step 4: Raise the forks only as high as necessary to lift the roll of
carpet off of the ground and to avoid contact with objects
during transport. DO NOT leave a raised roll unattended.
Always unload the carpet ram before leaving the forklift.
Inspections:
Written records — before using the ram for the first time, make a written record of its appearance. Describe the
condition of the frame, pole, clamping bolts, safety chain, and snap hook. Take photographs of each item and add
them to the record. Take photographs of all labels applied to the ram. Describe where each label is located. This
record establishes normal condition. When conducting the following inspections, compare your observations to the
record to determine if a component is in normal condition. Do not use the carpet ram unless every component is in
normal condition. Cosmetic changes, like damaged paint/powder coat do not constitute changes from normal
condition. However, touchup paint should be applied to all affected areas as soon as damage occurs.
Before each use
— perform the following inspections.
1. Check the surface of the pole for dirt or other matter.
2. Confirm integrity of hardware and fasteners, including but not limited to bolts, nuts, pins, snap hook, quick
link.
3. Normal operability of manually operated mechanisms (by hand or foot).
4. Abnormal, unstable or noisy movement during use.
5. Examine pole and pole clamp for looseness or excessive wear, damage, or indications of metal fatigue.
6. Inspect the fork tubes for damage such as severe wear, thinned walls, significant corrosion, and warps.
7. Confirm that the safety chain is in satisfactory condition. Look for broken, elongated, and twisted links.
8. Check all labels (see “Labeling diagram” on p. 7). Replace labels that are damaged or not easily readable.
9. Examine the whole structure for rusting/metal erosion. Remove rust/corrosion with a steel bristle brush or
steel wool. Clean the area and apply touchup paint.
Annual evaluation — At least once per year, authorized inspection personnel should use the carpet pole to list a
full capacity load. Afterwards, conduct a Frequent Inspection to confirm that the product is in normal condition.
Maintenance:
End-users should implement a maintenance program to ensure that the product functions properly and is
adequately maintained. The OSHA “General Industry” standard for “Powered industrial trucks” (
29 CFR 1910.178
)
provides recommended maintenance procedures. The following steps should be utilized in conjunction with those
procedures. ONLY trained, authorized personnel or contractors should perform inspection, maintenance, or repair
work.
NOTE:
The end-user is responsible for selecting and training employees to work on the carpet ram. “Work
on” means use, inspect, and maintain the product.
Step 1: Tag the ram, “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. Permanently remove it from service.
Step 4: Perform all necessary adjustments, replacements and/or repairs but DO NOT modify the ram.
NOTE:
The reader should understand the significant difference between necessary adjustments and
repairs, and modifications. An “adjustment” is a simple correction that restores the device to normal
condition, such as tightening loose fasteners, or removing dirt or other debris from the surface. “Repair”
refers to removing worn parts and installing replacement parts. A “modification” is a change that alters the
carpet pole from normal condition, like bending the structural members or removing a part or several parts.
NEVER modify the device without first obtaining express, written approval from Vestil. Modifications
automatically void the limited warranty (see p. 8) and might make the device unsafe to use.
Step 5: Make a dated record of any repairs, adjustments and/or replacements.
Receiver/pole clamp
Attach safety chain
to forklift carriage
without slack
