In order to help prevent the requirement for costly forklift repairs, it is suggested to check the front end of your lift truck regularly as part of your pre-shift and even daily examination. By catching any problems as they arise or in advance, you can also help avoid damage to any kind of cargo as well. The following includes some of the common guidelines on what specific stuff to check during regular inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
It is vital to frequently inspect the forks because if they are cracked or worn out, they can potentially fail without warning. Any kind of fork damage means that your forklift will need to immediately be removed from service until it is fixed and safe once again. Visually inspect your forks for any noticeable signs of damage or wear. If the cracks run deeper than on the surface, replace them. Any type of wear on the forks beyond 10 percent is another indication that you need to replace the forks.
Mast
The mast must ideally tilt backward and forward while being able to move down and up. You may need to lubricate the mast strip sliding surfaces and fittings if you find that the sliding surfaces are binding. On the inner mast there is a fitting located on each side. The lift bracket side rollers are another lubrication point and there is also one on each side roller. When the lubricating has been completed, raise and lower the mast and also tilt it forward and backward a few times in order to make certain that the lubricant is worked into the fittings properly.
Tilt Cylinders
Uncontrolled mast movement could be caused by 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 leaks or damage, you might have 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 indications of wear or damage using a chain wear gauge. If wear is present beyond 2 percent, replace the chain. Also replace it if the chain seems rusted or kinked. Both the sheave bearings and the chain rollers also have to be checked for indications of wear.
Typically, mast lift chains wear at the pin-to-link connections. If you discover wear, you can experience chain failure. This could end up damaging the product or front end parts. If you do not have time on hand to perform frequent fleet inspections or if you require help determining what precisely to check on your lift trucks, simply call your local lift truck dealer. Their skilled service technicians will help your perform PM or planned maintenance checks based on your application needs and scheduling.