It is recommended to regularly check the front end of your lift truck as part of your daily or pre-shift inspection, in order to help avoid costly forklift repairs. By catching any problems ahead of time or as they arise, you can also help prevent damage to any cargo too. The following includes 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 could probably fail without warning. Any type of fork damage means that your lift truck should instantly be removed from service until it is fixed and safe once again. Visually inspect your forks for any visible 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 sign that you must replace the forks.
Mast
The mast must ideally tilt backward and forward while being able to move down and up. You may need 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 situated on every side. The lift bracket side rollers are another lubrication point and there is also one on each side roller. Once the lubricating has been completed, lower and raise the mast and also tilt it backward and forward several times in order to make certain that the lubricant is worked into the fittings properly.
Tilt Cylinders
Uncontrolled mast movement can be caused by oil leakage; thus, your inspection should involve checking for oil leaks and for damage. 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 indications of leaks or damage, you may have to replace just the seals or the entire cylinder assembly.
Chains
Check and make sure that the mast chains are not stretching beyond their acceptable limits. Also be certain to inspect the chains for signs of damage or wear utilizing a chain wear gauge. If wear is present beyond 2 percent, replace the chain. Also replace it if the chain appears rusted or kinked. The sheave bearings and the chain rollers should also be checked for indications of wear.
The mast lift chain will usually wear at the pin-to-link connections. You could experience chain failure if you notice wear. This could end up damaging the product or front end components. If you need help determining what exactly to inspect on your forklifts or if you do not have time on hand to carry out frequent fleet inspections, simply contact your local forklift dealer. Their skilled service technicians would help your perform planned maintenance or PM checks based on your scheduling and application needs.