MEP-803A Forklift Points

[zapp]

Hi - I looked in the Ops manual and saw the sling lifting points and the fork points under the front of the generator, but nothing from the side with forks. Can the generator also be forked from the sides? I couldn't tell if the belly was soft underneath and only should be done from the bottom rails marked?

Thanks!

 

[Jeepadict]

As an appetizer before the experts show up: I'm sure if your forks were long enough to carry under the full length of the belly, I can't see why not...now with that said, I'm sure a case or 7 may have been wrinkled by a few junior enlisted folks over the years by doing it this way. I personally would vote for using the pockets in the skids if at all possible.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

 

[Guyfang]

Of course it can be done from the sides. I would not try from the rear or front, as you would need very long forks to keep it from tipping, as Jeepadict mentioned.

 

[2Pbfeet]

Hi - I looked in the Ops manual and saw the sling lifting points and the fork points under the front of the generator, but nothing from the side with forks. Can the generator also be forked from the sides? I couldn't tell if the belly was soft underneath and only should be done from the bottom rails marked?

Thanks!

There are openings in the rails for forklift use on the sides, and I have used forks to lift them lengthwise as well, but I would not recommend it as a general practice as there is no "floor" under the forks, making a tip over a damaging possibility, as others have mentioned. I needed to unload it from a truck that had no side access. Level ground and care would be necessary in my opinion. For routine movement, overhead lift with bars, or side forklift would be my choice.

All the best,

2Pbfeet

 

[Light in the Dark]

As other have said, yes no issue cross loading, as they have reinforced fork pockets from the factory for that very thing. The same reinforced pockets that are built into the skid crossways, are also able to be lifted against for lengthwise loading. I have 48" forks on my Kubota, and being that the weight is biased towards the operater cube (ableit only by a few inches) its more than sufficient to make the load stable. Now the concern 2PB calls out is valid, that without the closed bottom to wrap around your forks with this lifting method, its inherently more dangerous than cross lifting... but the machine will take it structurally no issue.

 

[Toolslinger]

Given a choice, if you gotta move it the long way, put a pallet under it. It gives you a little more margin for error without spearing the machine, and you're less restricted to keeping the forks right under the skids.
I keep my 802a on a skid whenever I need to work on it as I can then move it with a pallet jack.

 

[zapp]

Thanks for all the info! I'll probably try the pallet option to be safe and then some wheels / dolly longer term. Want to store inside my pole barn and roll out when I need. I could leave outside, however, I back up to a corn field and the mice have devastated wiring on parked trailers in the past.

 

[Toolslinger]

Many folks, myself included, use 1/4" hardware cloth over the various opening. (big one on the bottom, 2 under the batteries, side, and top. The power outlet hole would be a challenge if left as is, but if you install a dedicated outlet, that's sealed up. I've had more than enough rodent damage to veihicles, equipment, and everything else to not bother with repellants. They're not going to get through 1/4" steel mesh.

 

[zapp]

Thanks! I will take a look at the hardware cloth. I bought some Honda OEM rat tape they use on vehicles which slowed them down a little but they still ate it up. Best thing is keeping them out so they don't have the opportunity.

 

[Toolslinger]

The bottom you have to screw on, The batteries I just put in there, and dropped the trays on top. The top and sides I simply wired in place with light copper wire so it wouldn't rust off. It doesn't have to be a work of art. I did fold the edges over to make it a little more rigid, and less likely to cut me when I get too close. If you're taking panels off, you can also put the mesh inside the sheet metal to keep it cleaner.
Good luck! That Honda tape seems to just be an appitizer for the nibbling nightmares.