Roura Material Handling engineers reliable and durable self-dumping hoppers and rotator boxes for use with rotating forklifts. Our rotator boxes are designed for low maintenance but still require periodic care, including inspections, part replacements, cleaning, lubrication, and more, to ensure safe operation and long-term performance.
When you purchase a rotator box from Roura, you’ll receive detailed operator, safety, and maintenance instructions. Generally, we recommend:
Daily Inspections
Perform safety assessments before each shift to avoid on-site injuries. Before using the equipment, check for:
- New rust development
- Cracks or broken welds
- Fork tip alignment and general fork condition
- Missing or damaged bolts
- Any damage or wear to components, including retaining rails and chains
- Ensure labels are still readable
Once in use, perform a functional test (with no load) by performing a full-arc rotation to identify potential decreases in rotation speed or unusual noises, such as grinding, clicking, or knocking.
Replace Worn Components
Over time, certain components may need to be replaced, including:
- Drain plugs
- Casters (if ordered with the rotator box)
Never attempt to dump a rotator box with worn or damaged components, as it could result in accidental dumping. You can purchase replacement spares for your rotator box through Roura; third-party mounting hardware isn’t compatible.
Unjamming
Jamming can occur when material builds up in the fork pockets. Long or oversized scrap or wet materials may also cause more frequent jamming. When jams happen, never reach into or climb into the elevated box, or try to shake the load free with the mast. Bring the box back down to the ground, shut off your forklift, and clear the jam that way.
Cleaning
If buildup occurs inside your rotator box, future cycles won’t empty cleanly and could cause contamination issues, depending on the materials you’re handling. Safely remove any lodged or built-up debris within the rotator box and use soap and water for stains and sticker materials.
No Modifications
We do not recommend hiring a third party to modify your rotator box or installing any modified accessories yourself. If process needs change, Roura Material Handling can offer retrofits as needed, whether that’s adding a lid or liner or changing the color of the rotator box. Never weld on brackets, hooks, extensions, or attachment points, cut openings or access doors, add side extensions, drill holes, remove the latch, or re-mark the labeled capacity.
Lubrication
Your rotator attachment will require more lubrication than the container itself. Keep an eye out for wheel bearings (if applicable) and caster swivels (if applicable) and ensure they’re lightly lubricated and don’t show signs of corrosion.
Keep Safety Places Legible
The most critical part of using rotator boxes for material handling is never overloading, and one way to prevent that is to keep the load capacity plate legible. Clean off any stains that limit readability, and never remove the sign. Roura rotator boxes also feature safety labels that should always stay on, especially when newer operators are handling the equipment.
Get Additional Support From Roura Material Handling
Roura Material Handling is committed to helping our customers improve and maintain material handling efficiency and safety. All rotator boxes are highly customizable and engineered to your application specifications, and we provide ongoing support and training documents.
Visit our website for more safety, operational, and maintenance resources, or contact us today to speak with a Roura representative.