In order to help avoid the requirement for costly lift truck repairs, it is suggested to check the front end of your lift truck frequently as part of your daily and even pre-shift inspection. By catching any problems as they arise or in advance, you can also help prevent damage to any cargo too. The following includes some of the common guidelines on what particular stuff to check during regular 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 kind of fork damage means that your forklift would need to instantly be removed from service until it is fixed and safe 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 wear on the forks beyond 10 percent is one more indication that you have to replace the forks.
Mast
The mast must ideally tilt backward and forward while being able to move down and up. You may 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 each side. The lift bracket side rollers are a different lubrication point and there is also one on every 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 into the fittings correctly.
Tilt Cylinders
Uncontrolled mast movement can be a result of oil leakage; therefore, your inspection must involve checking for oil leaks and for damage. Whether the leaks are external or are situated inside of the cylinder, the end result can be loss of fluid and cylinder drift. If there are any indications of damage or leaks, you might need to replace the whole cylinder assembly, or just the seals.
Chains
The mast chains need to be checked to see if they are being stretched beyond their acceptable limits. Also, 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 seems kinked or rusted. The sheave bearings and the chain rollers also have to be inspected for signs of wear.
Usually, mast lift chains wear at the pin-to-link connections. If you notice 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 regular fleet inspections or if you need help determining what precisely to inspect on your forklifts, just call your local lift truck dealer. Their trained service technicians will help your perform planned maintenance or PM checks according to your scheduling and application requirements.