It is suggested to often check the front end of your lift truck as part of your daily or pre-shift inspection, in order to help prevent costly lift truck repairs. By catching any problems in advance or as they occur, you can also help avoid damage to any type of cargo as well. The following includes some of the common guidelines on what specific things to check during regular inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
It is essential to frequently 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 will have to immediately be removed from service until it is repaired and safe once again. Visually check your forks for any noticeable signs of wear or damage. If the cracks run deeper than on the surface, replace them. Any wear on the forks beyond 10 percent is another indication that you need 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 another lubrication point and there is also one on every side roller. When the lubricating has been done, tilt it backward and forward and also raise and lower the mast a few times in order to guarantee that the lubricant is worked into the fittings properly.
Tilt Cylinders
Uncontrolled mast movement could be a result of oil leakage; hence, 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 loss of fluid and cylinder drift. If there are any signs of leaks or damage, you may have 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 wear is present beyond 2 percent, replace the chain. Also replace it if the chain looks kinked or rusted. Both the sheave bearings and the chain rollers also have to be inspected for indications of wear.
The mast lift chain would normally wear at the pin-to-link connections. You could experience chain failure if you discover wear. This can 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, simply call your local forklift dealer. Their skilled service technicians will help your perform PM or planned maintenance checks based on your application requirements and scheduling.