Forklift facts: signs your forklift needs a service

Forklifts have long been one of the most important pieces of moving equipment in a warehousing environment. This is because no other moving equipment provides the agility, dexterity and versatility as the humble forklift, and for this, they are ubiquitous in Australia’s – and the world’s – warehousing operations.

However, these important vehicles are like every other vehicle in the sense that they require occasional service to ensure they are running at full capacity.

Regardless of whether you are looking for a high-grade new fork lift for sale or inquiring about your current model, here are a few signs your vehicle needs a service:

It has leaking fluid

This machinery contains numerous fluids and oils including brake fluid and hydraulic oil utilised to keep components running at optimal capacity and lubricating systems. When conducting regular inspections, one of the main things is to see if there are any fluid leaks, the likes of which require immediate service.

The gears may grind together if oil completely leaks out of the hydraulic systems. Furthermore, if oil leaks out of the engine it may seize the engine and make your rig undrivable.

The battery is running out quickly

As with a car, if you notice your forklift battery is running out far quicker than normal, then there is a good chance that your battery requires immediate service.

After all, it’s one of the most frustrating warehousing things when a model’s battery keeps dying too quickly all the time, not to mention how bad it is for running efficient operations.

If you notice your rig’s battery running out far quicker than usual – take it to be serviced – it’s better in the long run.

The model has damaged mast chains

Corrosion, kinking and rust are all telltale signs that a system’s mast chains need maintain or immediate replacement or at least repair. If you don’t replace or repair the mast chain soon, the chain can seize up mid operations and damage the forklift’s internal mechanisms.

The worst thing that can happen is that the damaged lift chains can actually fail during operations. This would immediately drop the load being carried and risk serious injury to the operator and other people in the area.

Your forklift has distorted, warped tynes

The tynes experience the most use of the whole system as they are responsible for lifting and supporting heavy loads throughout operations. Tynes can easily become distorted or warped, which can cause them to become a liability that will eventually put risk to the company’s staff and products.

Tynes must be immediately replaced if an operator or warehouse employee notices any distortion or warping on the tynes.

The mast is stuck

Masts are imperative to the system operations, as it facilitates lifting heavy loads and supports them throughout the operation in order to prevent good damage or falling.

Masts are connected to the hydraulic system, and therefore the mast has to be well oiled so that it can run efficiently throughout the operation. If not, the machinery can jerk throughout the operation, another problem that can risk serious injury to staff as well as damaged goods.

Do not attempt to operate a vehicle with a sticking mast and immediately send it for service/repair.

So, if you notice your model experiencing any of the above problems, ensure you take it to receive immediate servicing. A troubled forklift is bad for business, and staff health and is just a frustrating piece of equipment to deal with – don’t sit on it – get it fixed ASAP.