In order to help avoid the requirement for expensive lift truck repairs, it is suggested to check the front end of your forklift frequently as part of your daily and even pre-shift examination. By catching any problems as they occur or in advance, you can also help avoid damage to any cargo as well. The following covers some of the general guidelines on what specific things to check during frequent inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
It is essential to regularly check the forks because if they are cracked or worn out, they can potentially fail without warning. Any type of fork damage means that your lift truck would need to immediately be removed from service until it is safe and fixed once more. Visually inspect your forks for any noticeable signs 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 sign that you should replace the forks.
Mast
The mast should 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 located on every 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 completed, tilt it backward and forward and also lower and raise the mast several times in order to ensure that the lubricant is worked into the fittings properly.
Tilt Cylinders
Your daily check needs 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 external or are located inside of the cylinder, the end result may be loss of fluid and cylinder drift. If there are any signs of damage or leaks, you might have to replace just the seals or the entire cylinder assembly.
Chains
The mast chains need to be inspected to see if they are being stretched beyond their acceptable limits. What's more, check the chain wear guage or check the chains for indications of damage. If there is wear beyond 2 percent, replace the chain. Also replace it if the chain appears kinked or rusted. The sheave bearings and the chain rollers also need to be inspected for signs of wear.
Typically, mast lift chains wear at the pin-to-link connections. If you notice wear, you could experience chain failure. This could end up damaging the product or front end components. If you do not have time on hand to carry out regular fleet inspections or if you require help determining what exactly to inspect on your lift trucks, simply contact your local forklift dealer. Their skilled service technicians will help your perform PM or planned maintenance checks according to your application needs and scheduling.