A Complete Guide to Forklift Repair

A complete guide to complete forklift repair is essential if you own one or operate one. Proper maintenance and inspection are vital for the smooth operation of your machine. Routine checks can detect potential problems before they occur. If you find a problem, take the device out of service until it has been properly repaired. Otherwise, you may risk further damage to the machine. Likewise, to keep your equipment in great condition, perform a routine maintenance inspection.

Checking forklift fluid levels

As a complete guide to forklift repair, it is vital to check the level of all fluids. If the fluid is low or excessive, it can lead to transmission failure. Likewise, you may hear whining noises or smells that indicate an upcoming transmission failure, but you can prevent such problems by checking the levels of your fluids. If you suspect any of these problems, contact a forklift repair professional.

You should also conduct daily forklift inspections to identify potential problems and address them before they turn into a full-scale emergency. You should check the engine oil, brakes, hoses, tires, mast assembly, and hydraulic cylinders. If you see any problems, take it out of service and contact your forklift repair professional. Failure to do so could result in OSHA fines. Before using a forklift, ensure that it is parked safely on level ground and that its forks are lowered and secure. Also, inspect the forklift’s brakes and steering. Make sure the brakes are working properly.

Checking forklift tires

If your company uses forklifts for daily operations, you may need to check the tires regularly. Tires can wear out and deflate due to constant use and the climate of your facility. You may incur unnecessary damages and maintenance costs if you do not have a regular schedule for checking forklift tires. Tires should also be checked for cracking, tearing, chunking, flat spots, and balding.

While forklift tires may seem to be less important than those on personal vehicles, they are essential for the safety of your equipment. Poor tire bond construction can result in uneven tire wear, leading to premature failure of internal working parts. Another major concern is reduced traction in winter weather, mainly when snow accumulates on forklift tires. To improve traction, try to increase the tire surface area.

Checking forklift brakes

One of the essential parts of any forklift is its steering. It should be responsive and easily operated, as poor steering can cause accidents. To test for steering problems, first, perform simple maneuvers with the forklift. Then, if there is a problem with the steering, look for other possible problems, such as low tire pressure, bad wheel alignment, and friction in the gearbox.

In addition to checking the braking system, forklift operators should always use their right foot when operating the brake pedals. Driving “two-footed” or braking too hard will result in partially engaged brakes. Always give your forklift enough time to decelerate before pressing the brake pedal. This prevents larger problems from developing and will save money. A cooling system leak can be easily fixed, but checking the brakes is safer than waiting until the brakes stop working altogether.

Checking forklift batteries

It is crucial to check a forklift’s battery at regular intervals since it is more important than the forklift itself. The battery must be changed regularly, and a proper charger must be used to make sure that the cell’s DOD is always above 20 percent. To extend the battery’s life, it is essential to avoid opportunity charging, which reduces the cell’s capacity.

When checking forklift batteries, be sure to check the positive probe and the negative probe. It is best to avoid overcharging the battery since this can cause sulfur buildup. Also, the vent cap should be closed while charging the battery because if it is open, the acid may leak and present a safety risk to workers. You can also check the voltage of the battery.

Checking forklift hoses

A crucial part of forklift repair is to check the hoses for damage. If they have been damaged or worn, they should be replaced immediately. If you notice a cut on a hose, it indicates that it has come in contact with something. Likewise, if you see leaks around the hose outside, you should replace it as soon as possible.

Regular checks of hydraulic hoses can help detect problems before they cause damage. If the hoses are damaged, you will notice decreased lift performance. Lower hydraulic fluid levels will require more energy to compensate for the lost fluid. This will result in increased fuel costs and possibly a severe accident. Scraped or chunked hoses may lead to serious equipment failure. In addition, faulty hydraulic hoses can cause worker safety issues.