In order to help prevent the requirement for expensive lift truck repairs, it is recommended to check the front end of your forklift frequently as part of your daily and even pre-shift inspection. By catching any problems as they arise or in advance, you can also help prevent damage to any type of loads as well. The following includes some of the general guidelines on what specific things to check during frequent inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
It is vital to regularly inspect the forks because if they are worn out or cracked, they could potentially fail without warning. Any type of fork damage means that your forklift will need to immediately be removed from service until it is safe and repaired 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 sign that you must replace the forks.
Mast
Ideally, the mast must tilt forward and back and be able to smoothly move down and up. If you find that the sliding surfaces are binding, you might 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 completed, tilt it backward and forward and also raise and lower the mast several times in order to guarantee that the lubricant is worked correctly into the fittings.
Tilt Cylinders
Your daily inspection needs to include the checking for oil leaks and damage because an uncontrolled mast movement can be a result of oil leakage. Whether the leaks are located inside of the cylinder or are external, the end result may be loss of fluid and cylinder drift. If there are any indications of leaks or damage, you may need to replace just the seals or the entire cylinder assembly.
Chains
Inspect and make sure that the mast chains are not stretching beyond their acceptable limits. Also be certain to inspect the chains for signs of wear or damage using a chain wear gauge. If there is wear beyond 2 percent, replace the chain. Also replace it if the chain seems kinked or rusted. Both the chain rollers and the sheave bearings also have to be inspected for signs of wear.
The mast lift chain would usually wear at the pin-to-link connections. You can experience chain failure if you discover wear. This can end up damaging front end parts or even the product. If you need help determining what precisely to inspect on your lift trucks or if you do not have time on hand to perform frequent fleet inspections, just call your local forklift dealer. Their skilled service technicians would help your perform PM or planned maintenance checks according to your application needs and scheduling.