In order to help avoid the need for costly forklift repairs, it is suggested to check the front end of your lift truck frequently as part of your daily and even pre-shift examination. By catching any problems as they occur or ahead of time, you could also help prevent damage to any type of cargo too. The following covers a few of the common guidelines on what specific stuff to check during regular inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
It is essential to regularly check the forks because if they are worn out or cracked, they could potentially fail without warning. Any kind of fork damage means that your forklift must instantly be removed from service until it is repaired and safe once more. Visually inspect your forks for any visible indications of damage or wear. If the cracks run deeper than on the surface, replace them. Any wear on the forks beyond 10 percent is one more sign that you must replace the forks.
Mast
The mast should 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 every side. The lift bracket side rollers are another lubrication point and there is also one on every side roller. When the lubricating has been completed, tilt it backward and forward and also lower and raise the mast several times in order to ensure that the lubricant is worked correctly into the fittings.
Tilt Cylinders
Your daily check has to involve the checking for damage and oil leaks because an uncontrolled mast movement could be a result of oil leakage. Whether the leaks are located inside of the cylinder or are external, the end result can be loss of fluid and cylinder drift. If there are any indications of leaks or damage, you might need to replace just the seals or the whole cylinder assembly.
Chains
The mast chains need to be inspected to see if they are being stretched beyond their acceptable limits. In addition, inspect the chain wear guage or check the chains for indications of damage. If wear is present beyond 2 percent, replace the chain. Also replace it if the chain seems kinked or rusted. The sheave bearings and the chain rollers must also be checked for signs of wear.
Normally, mast lift chains wear at the pin-to-link connections. If you notice wear, you can experience chain failure. This could end up damaging the product or front end parts. If you need help determining what exactly to check 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 trained service technicians would help your perform planned maintenance or PM checks based on your application needs and scheduling.