In order to help avoid the need for costly forklift repairs, it is recommended to check the front end of your lift truck regularly as part of your daily and even pre-shift inspection. By catching any problems in advance or as they arise, you can also help prevent damage to any cargo as well. The following covers several of the common guidelines on what specific things to inspect during regular inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
It is vital to regularly inspect the forks because if they are cracked or worn out, they can potentially fail without warning. Any type of fork damage means that your forklift should 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 kind of wear on the forks beyond 10 percent is one more indication that you have to replace the forks.
Mast
Ideally, the mast should tilt forward and back and be able to smoothly move down and up. If you find that the sliding surfaces are binding, you may need to grease the mast strip sliding surfaces as well as their fittings. 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 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 guarantee that the lubricant is worked into the fittings properly.
Tilt Cylinders
Uncontrolled mast movement can be caused by oil leakage; therefore, your inspection should 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 indications of leaks or damage, you may have to replace the whole cylinder assembly, or just the seals.
Chains
Inspect and make sure 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 there is wear beyond 2 percent, replace the chain. Also replace it if the chain seems rusted or kinked. The chain rollers and the sheave bearings must also be inspected for indications of wear.
The mast lift chain would typically wear at the pin-to-link connections. You can experience chain failure if you notice wear. This can end up damaging front end components or even the product. If you require help determining what exactly to inspect on your lift trucks or if you do not have time on hand to carry out frequent fleet inspections, simply contact your local forklift dealer. Their trained service technicians will help your perform planned maintenance or PM checks according to your scheduling and application requirements.