Avoid Common Forklift Issues with Proper Services and Repair

Forklifts are used extensively in the industrial work environment. Sometimes forklifts are used in 2 shifts daily for 7 days a week. Such extensive use creates a certain degree of wear in the equipment. Fortunately, forklifts are built to endure such heavy use. However, over a while, due to regular use, certain parts show signs of wear and need attention to identify and rectify the impending problem. This responsible approach will help you enjoy the services of the forklift for a longer period.

Repairing a forklift is a common necessity to keep your machine in a good condition. Also, such repairs, when conducted regularly, help you identify the issues in their preliminary stages, which can then be repaired at a lesser cost in comparison to when it escalates into a major problem. Also, leaving the problems unattended until they become major issues will result in:

• Reduced efficiency and productivity at work
• Increased downtime
• Damage and injuries
• Increases expenditure on repairs

Thus, it can render the forklift useless. So, let us discuss the common forklift issues that can be avoided with proper service and forklift repairs in Sydney.

Brake Failure: Brake failure can be a deadly problem in an industrial work environment. And accident caused by brake failure can result in injuries at the workplace to the effect of loss of life and property. Brakes are the most commonly used mechanism in a machine. They help the operator in effectively controlling the movement of the vehicle. In the absence of brakes, the speed of the vehicle cannot be maintained, thus causing accidents. The brake pads get worn out with time due to extensive use. While doing a regular check, it is always precautionary to change the brake pads with a new set of pads for better performance and to avoid any major failure later.

Engine Failure: This is another common problem observed in forklifts. The engine failure problem originates mainly in the radiator. Most of the time, dust and debris clog the radiator blocking its ports and resulting in reduced efficiency. The blockage stops air from entering into the engine chamber to cool it naturally. As a result, the engine gets overheated and starts to show problems or shuts down. If you are not proactive about your forklift maintenance, the possibilities of engine breakdown will increase.

Another common reason for engine failure is the absence of lubricating fluids. The engine has to be replenished with new lubricants periodically or during scheduled servicing. The lubricants keep the engine smooth from within. Lack of lubrication will jam the piston causing major engine failure. By checking the engines, repairing it regularly and monitoring the lubricating level, you can make the forklift run efficiently.

Hose Malfunction: Hoses are used to transmit fluids into the engine and other components. These hoses have to be airtight to work efficiently and leaks result in reducing the efficiency of the hose. For instance, if there is a leak in a hose in the hydraulics section, the forklift will not be able to generate pressure to lift the load, thus, negatively affecting its efficiency.

So, it is important to thoroughly check every hose in the engine and within the allied systems while doing forklift servicing. It is especially important to check the points where hoses are connected to the engines. These joints are susceptible to leaks. Also, check the pipes thoroughly before and after the shift to identify any signs of leakage. It is better to treat these small leaks in the early stages before they transform into a major breakdown, incurring a loss of work and money.

Steering Malfunction: An indoor environment demands extensive use of the steering while operating the forklift. Check the fluid transmission lines to the steering for any leaks or damages. After all, any malfunction in the steering will obstruct you from controlling the vehicle effectively in the indoor environment. This can lead to severe accidents. So, check the steering fluid transmission lines every time at regular intervals. This will help you to avoid accidents related to steering malfunction.

The predominant and common issues mentioned above can be avoided with proper care in repair and maintenance. The forklift is used in an industrial environment extensively and a human is involved in operating the vehicle with or without the load. That’s why it is important to keep the vehicle in good working condition every time.