In order to help prevent the need for expensive forklift repairs, it is recommended to inspect the front end of your forklift regularly as part of your pre-shift and even daily examination. By catching any problems ahead of time or as they happen, you could also help prevent damage to any cargo too. The following covers several of the general guidelines on what particular stuff to check during regular inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
It is important to frequently check the forks because if they are worn out or cracked, they can probably fail without warning. Any kind of fork damage means that your lift truck will have to instantly be removed from service until it is safe and repaired once again. Visually check your forks for any noticeable signs of damage or wear. If the cracks run deeper than on the surface, replace them. Any wear on the forks beyond 10 percent is another sign that you should replace the forks.
Mast
Ideally, the mast should tilt forward and back and be able to smoothly move up and down. If you find that the sliding surfaces are binding, you may have to grease the mast strip sliding surfaces as well as their fittings. On the inner mast there is a fitting situated on every side. The lift bracket side rollers are a different lubrication point and there is also one on every side roller. When the lubricating has been done, raise and lower the mast and also tilt it forward and backward several times in order to guarantee that the lubricant is worked into the fittings correctly.
Tilt Cylinders
Uncontrolled mast movement could be caused by oil leakage; thus, your inspection must include checking for oil leaks and for damage. Whether the leaks are situated inside of the cylinder or are external, the end result could be loss of fluid and cylinder drift. If there are any indications of damage or leaks, you may need to replace just the seals or the whole cylinder assembly.
Chains
The mast chains need to be checked to see if they are being stretched beyond their acceptable limits. Furthermore, check the chain wear guage or check the chains for signs of damage. If wear is present beyond 2 percent, replace the chain. Also replace it if the chain seems kinked or rusted. The chain rollers and the sheave bearings must also be inspected for indications of wear.
Usually, mast lift chains wear at the pin-to-link connections. If you discover wear, you can experience chain failure. This can end up damaging the product or front end parts. If you need help determining what exactly to inspect on your forklifts or if you do not have time on hand to carry out frequent fleet inspections, just contact your local lift truck dealer. Their skilled service technicians will help your perform planned maintenance or PM checks based on your scheduling and application needs.