In order to help prevent the requirement for expensive forklift repairs, it is recommended to check the front end of your forklift frequently as part of your daily and even pre-shift examination. By catching any problems in advance or as they happen, you could also help avoid damage to any cargo as well. The following covers some of the general guidelines on what specific things to check during frequent inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
It is important to regularly inspect the forks because if they are cracked or worn out, they could probably fail without warning. Any type of fork damage means that your forklift would need to immediately be removed from service until it is repaired and safe once more. Visually inspect your forks for any visible indications of wear or damage. If the cracks run deeper than on the surface, replace them. Any kind of wear on the forks beyond 10 percent is one more indication that you should replace the forks.
Mast
Ideally, the mast should tilt back and forward and be able to smoothly move up and down. If you find that the sliding surfaces are binding, you might have to lubricate the mast strip sliding surfaces as well as their fittings. On the inner mast there is a fitting situated on each side. The lift bracket side rollers are a different lubrication point and there is also one on each side roller. When the lubricating has been done, tilt it backward and forward and also lower and raise the mast a few times in order to make certain that the lubricant is worked properly into the fittings.
Tilt Cylinders
Uncontrolled mast movement can be a result of oil leakage; therefore, your inspection should involve inspecting for damage and for oil leaks. Whether the leaks are situated inside of the cylinder or are external, the end result may be cylinder drift and loss of fluid. If there are any signs of damage or leaks, you may need to replace the entire cylinder assembly, or just the seals.
Chains
Check and make certain that the mast chains are not stretching beyond their acceptable limits. Also be certain to check the chains for signs of damage or wear utilizing a chain wear gauge. If wear is present beyond 2 percent, replace the chain. Also replace it if the chain appears kinked or rusted. The chain rollers and the sheave bearings must also be inspected for signs of wear.
The mast lift chain would normally wear at the pin-to-link connections. You could experience chain failure if you notice wear. This can end up damaging front end components or even the product. If you require help determining what precisely to check on your lift trucks or if you do not have time on hand to perform regular fleet inspections, just contact your local lift truck dealer. Their skilled service technicians would help your perform PM or planned maintenance inspections according to your scheduling and application needs.