In order to help avoid the need for expensive lift truck repairs, it is suggested to check the front end of your forklift regularly as part of your pre-shift and even daily inspection. By catching any problems in advance or as they happen, you could also help avoid damage to any cargo too. The following includes some of the general guidelines on what particular stuff to check during regular inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
It is vital to frequently inspect the forks because if they are worn out or cracked, they can probably fail without warning. Any type of fork damage means that your forklift will have to immediately be removed from service until it is repaired and safe 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 one more indication that you need to replace the forks.
Mast
The mast should ideally tilt backward and forward while being able to move up and down. 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 each side roller. Once the lubricating has been done, lower and raise the mast and also tilt it forward and backward a few times in order to ensure that the lubricant is worked into the fittings correctly.
Tilt Cylinders
Your daily check needs to involve the checking for damage and oil leaks because an uncontrolled mast movement can be caused by oil leakage. Whether the leaks are located inside of the cylinder or are external, the end result can be cylinder drift and loss of fluid. If there are any signs of leaks or damage, you might need to replace the whole cylinder assembly, or just the seals.
Chains
The mast chains need to be inspected to see if they are being stretched beyond their acceptable limits. Also, inspect the chain wear guage or check the chains for signs of damage. If there is wear beyond 2 percent, replace the chain. Also replace it if the chain looks rusted or kinked. Both the chain rollers and the sheave bearings should also be inspected for indications of wear.
The mast lift chain will typically wear at the pin-to-link connections. You can experience chain failure if you notice wear. This can end up damaging the product or front end parts. If you need help determining what precisely 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 PM or planned maintenance inspections based on your application requirements and scheduling.