In order to help avoid the requirement for costly lift truck repairs, it is recommended to check 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 happen, you could also help avoid damage to any loads as well. The following covers several of the general guidelines on what specific things to inspect during frequent inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
It is important to frequently check the forks because if they are cracked or worn out, they could potentially fail without warning. Any type of fork damage means that your forklift must instantly 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 should replace the forks.
Mast
The mast must ideally tilt backward and forward while being able to move down and up. You might have 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 a different lubrication point and there is also one on each side roller. Once 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
Uncontrolled mast movement could be a result of oil leakage; therefore, your inspection must include checking for oil leaks and for damage. 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 signs of leaks or damage, you might have to replace just the seals or the entire cylinder assembly.
Chains
Inspect and make certain that the mast chains are not stretching beyond their acceptable limits. Also be sure to check the chains for signs 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 seems rusted or kinked. Both the chain rollers and the sheave bearings also have to be checked for indications of wear.
Usually, mast lift chains wear at the pin-to-link connections. If you discover wear, you could experience chain failure. This could end up damaging front end parts or even the product. If you do not have time on hand to carry out frequent fleet inspections or if you require help determining what precisely to inspect on your forklifts, just call 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.