In order to help avoid the need for expensive lift truck repairs, it is suggested to inspect the front end of your lift truck regularly as part of your pre-shift and even daily examination. By catching any problems ahead of time or as they occur, you can also help avoid damage to any loads as well. The following covers some of the common guidelines on what particular stuff to inspect during frequent inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
Regularly inspecting the forks is important because if these are cracked or worn out, they might 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 fixed once again. Visually inspect your forks for any noticeable indications of damage or wear. If the cracks run deeper than on the surface, replace them. Any kind of wear on the forks beyond 10 percent is another indication that you have to replace the forks.
Mast
Ideally, the mast should tilt back and forward 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 located 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 forward and backward and also lower and raise the mast several times in order to ensure that the lubricant is worked properly into the fittings.
Tilt Cylinders
Your daily inspection has to include the checking for oil leaks and damage because an uncontrolled mast movement can be caused by oil leakage. Whether the leaks are located inside of the cylinder or are external, the end result can be cylinder drift and loss of fluid. If there are any signs of damage or leaks, you might have to replace the whole 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 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 rusted or kinked. The sheave bearings and the chain rollers also need to be inspected for signs of wear.
The mast lift chain will usually wear at the pin-to-link connections. You can experience chain failure if you notice wear. This could end up damaging the product or front end parts. If you do not have time on hand to carry out frequent fleet inspections or if you need help determining what exactly to inspect on your lift trucks, just call your local forklift dealer. Their skilled service technicians would help your perform planned maintenance or PM inspections based on your application needs and scheduling.