In order to help avoid the requirement for costly lift truck repairs, it is recommended 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 occur or ahead of time, you can also help prevent damage to any type of cargo as well. The following includes some of the general guidelines on what particular stuff to inspect during frequent inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
Regularly inspecting the forks is vital because if these are cracked or worn out, they may fail without warning. Any kind of fork damage means that your lift truck should instantly be removed from service until it is safe and fixed once more. Visually inspect your forks for any noticeable signs of damage or wear. If the cracks run deeper than on the surface, replace them. Any kind of wear on the forks beyond 10 percent is another indication that you must replace the forks.
Mast
The mast must ideally tilt backward and forward while being able to move up and down. 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 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 forward and backward a few times in order to guarantee that the lubricant is worked into the fittings properly.
Tilt Cylinders
Your daily check needs to include the checking for oil leaks and damage since an uncontrolled mast movement could be caused by oil leakage. Whether the leaks are situated inside of the cylinder or are external, the end result may be cylinder drift and loss of fluid. If there are any signs of damage or leaks, you may need to replace the entire cylinder assembly, or just the seals.
Chains
Inspect and make sure that the mast chains are not stretching beyond their acceptable limits. Also be sure to check the chains for signs of damage or wear using a chain wear gauge. If there is wear beyond 2 percent, replace the chain. Also replace it if the chain appears rusted or kinked. The chain rollers and the sheave bearings should also be inspected for indications 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 the product or front end parts. If you require help determining what exactly to check on your lift trucks or if you do not have time on hand to perform frequent fleet inspections, simply call your local lift truck dealer. Their trained service technicians will help your perform planned maintenance or PM checks based on your scheduling and application requirements.