I've moved quite a few lathes with a forklift, and for a PM 90, a nylon sling between the handwheel and headstock on the outboard end, and one between the handwheel and the tailstock casting is the way that would be preferred by me to lift them. This requires two slings of the same length. Spreading the forks wide helps stabilize the lift, and moving the tailstock out so that the slings are lifting straigt up or with a slight pull towards center is best. Keep the banjo near the tailstock end to help spread the weight. Lock both tailstock and banjo down tight. The load placed on the bearings, spindle, and tailstock shaft is not enough to cause any problems. Do not use a single longer sling draped over both forks, as the headstock end will be heavy, and may shift, causing the lathe to drop.
Another way is to drop the slings through the bed, and put pieces of wood in the eye of the sling that will catch on the bottom of the bed or the gussets in the bed when lifting the lathe. The trouble with the second method is that the lathe will be somewhat top heavy and have a tendency to tilt or even fall over. To prevent the tilting, the slings can be crossed around the spindle (if you have a chuck or faceplate) and around the handwheel shaft of the tailstock. Once again, lock the tailstock and banjo down tight. This is the method that I usually use on larger metal working lathes. Keep the spread of the slings out wide, with one lifting point as close to the headstock as possible.
The lathe can be lifted from the bottom of the bed with the tips of the forks, BUT, if it slips at all it will fall, and this method is not recommended. If you do use this method, secure the lathe to the forklift so that it can not slip off the tips of the fork. Placing a piece of wood between the forks and the bottom of the bed is also a good idea for this method. Also, if using this method, keep the forks out wide, with one fork as close to the headstock as possible.
Later,
Dale M
