Protecting Your Employees

Forklift Repairs: What You Need To Know

Forklifts are workhorses in a number of industries. They are durable, sturdy, and very well built. However, like most machinery, forklifts can suffer problems and break down. As a forklift owner, it is important to know what issues to look for, how to troubleshoot them, how to repair them, and when to seek professional help. Keep reading to learn three common forklift repair issues.

Mast Issues

The mast is the forklift frame that helps in controlling the machine's tilting, lowering, and lifting. The forks and carriage attach to the mast. There is a hydraulic piston located in the middle of the past, and this piston powers the carriage. The masts use the hydraulic power from this piston to lift loads.

Since forklifts generally lift loads in several stages, multiple things can go wrong. Some of the most common issues that you may experience include not lifting fast enough, not lifting properly, not lowering properly, or jerky movements while lowering or lifting.

When you are experiencing these problems, you need to begin troubleshooting. Begin by checking the hydraulic fluid to ensure it is not low. Next, check the forklift chains to determine if any areas have been damaged and need to be replaced. Over time, some of the sections may become rusted, stretched, twisted, bent, cracked, or misaligned.

Steering Issues

It is not easy to steer a piece of machinery like a forklift, especially if you are in a tight space. Steering issues can result in accidents that injury individuals. The problem with forklift steering issues is that they are hard to notice early on. One of the earliest warning signs of a steering problem is strange noises when you are turning the wheel, particularly when the forklift has a load on it. This may be indicative of rust within the steering mechanism.

Some other reasons you are having steering issues could be due to the hydraulics' worn-out gears, loose or worn out pressure valves, low steering fluid levels, or misaligned tires. In the event that the steering fluid is low, you will want to add more. You will want to change the fluid if it is thicker than it should be.

Starting Issues

Starting problems with your forklift can result in a number of issues, so you will want to get these problems fixed as quickly as possible. Troubleshooting starting issues can be relatively easy. With an electric forklift, start by checking the charging level of the battery. Consider the last time the battery was charged and if it was done properly. Test auxiliary functions to determine if they are working, and if not, the battery may need a full recharge.

With an internal combustion forklift, you will need to determine if there is old fuel in the tank because this may result in the machine not starting easily. You also should check for fuel leaks and oil levels. Then you can check the battery, coolant levels, and corrosion in the radiator. Overheating may cause starting issues, whereas radiator corrosion will generally require replacement.

If you are unable to detect the issue with your forklift on your own, reach out to a forklift repair service near you for assistance, like RDS Equipment, Inc.