In order to help prevent the need for expensive lift truck repairs, it is recommended to inspect the front end of your forklift frequently as part of your daily and even pre-shift examination. By catching any problems ahead of time or as they arise, you could also help prevent damage to any type of cargo as well. The following covers several of the general guidelines on what particular stuff to inspect during frequent inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
It is important to regularly check the forks because if they are cracked or worn out, they can probably fail without warning. Any type of fork damage means that your forklift must immediately be removed from service until it is safe and fixed once more. Visually check your forks for any noticeable indications of wear or damage. If the cracks run deeper than on the surface, replace them. Any wear on the forks beyond 10 percent is another indication that you should replace the forks.
Mast
The mast should ideally tilt forward and backward while being able to move up and down. 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 situated on each side. The lift bracket side rollers are another lubrication point and there is also one on each side roller. Once the lubricating has been completed, raise and lower the mast and also tilt it backward and forward several times in order to guarantee that the lubricant is worked correctly into the fittings.
Tilt Cylinders
Uncontrolled mast movement could be caused by oil leakage; therefore, your inspection must include checking for oil leaks and for damage. Whether the leaks are external or are situated inside of the cylinder, the end result may 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 inspect the chains for indications of wear or damage utilizing a chain wear gauge. If there is wear beyond 2 percent, replace the chain. Also replace it if the chain looks 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 front end components or even the product. If you require 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 forklift dealer. Their skilled service technicians will help your perform planned maintenance or PM checks according to your scheduling and application needs.