It is suggested to often inspect the front end of your lift truck as part of your pre-shift or daily inspection, in order to help prevent expensive forklift repairs. By catching any problems in advance or as they arise, you could also help prevent damage to any cargo too. The following includes a few of the common guidelines on what particular things to inspect during regular inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
Regularly checking the forks is key because if these are worn out or cracked, they may fail without warning. Any type of fork damage means that your lift truck would need to instantly be removed from service until it is safe and fixed once more. Visually inspect your forks for any visible indications 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 another sign that you have to replace the forks.
Mast
Ideally, the mast must tilt back and forward and be able to smoothly move down and up. If you find that the sliding surfaces are binding, you might have 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, lower and raise the mast and also tilt it backward and forward several times in order to make sure that the lubricant is worked correctly into the fittings.
Tilt Cylinders
Your daily inspection has to include the checking for damage and oil leaks because an uncontrolled mast movement could be a result of oil leakage. Whether the leaks are situated inside of the cylinder or are external, the end result can be loss of fluid and cylinder drift. If there are any signs of leaks or damage, you may have to replace just the seals or the whole cylinder assembly.
Chains
The mast chains need to be checked to see if they are being stretched beyond their acceptable limits. Also, inspect 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 looks rusted or kinked. The sheave bearings and the chain rollers must also be inspected 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 need help determining what precisely to inspect on your lift trucks or if you do not have time on hand to perform regular fleet inspections, just contact your local lift truck dealer. Their skilled service technicians would help your perform planned maintenance or PM checks based on your scheduling and application needs.