With forklifts used daily in many warehouses, forklifts can experience normal “wear and tear” that requires troubleshooting and maintenance. This basic knowledge can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure your lift is safe.
For example, if the fuel gauge is low or empty, it could be a simple fix. A faulty radiator can also prevent a forklift from starting.
Battery
A dead battery is one of the most common forklift problems. If a battery is too far gone to recharge with the forklift charger or manually, a professional should be called in. Often, this is due to excessive sulfation or acid leakage.
A faulty forklift battery can cause power components to burn out, leading to more repairs. Proper battery maintenance is essential, including watering (at the correct time) and using a compatible charger.
A forklift battery must also be equalized, or the lead sulfate crystals will harden during the charge cycle and reduce the battery’s lifespan. A capacity test can help determine whether some cells are wrong or the battery is nearing the end of its life and should be replaced.
Hydraulics
If the forklift pump or hydraulic motor generates excessive/abnormal sound, the internal components may be worn out, misaligned, or damaged. Faulty sounds from these systems can also indicate fluid temperature that is too high. If you need Taylor forklift parts, you can purchase them for a quick solution.
Hydraulics allow machines to transfer large amounts of energy using an incompressible fluid with minimal effort. They can also multiply that force. Vehicles use hydraulics to stop with little more than a light touch of the brake pedal.
Airplanes also have hydraulic systems, including in their landing gear and doors, wing retraction, and brakes. If these components are faulty, it can lead to safety issues.
Fuel
Forklifts are vital to the construction industry. They enable contractors to receive large orders and get their materials quickly to the job site.
Forklift drivers must conduct pre-shift inspections and follow proper maintenance protocols to keep their equipment in good condition. These include performing a walk-around and seated inspections before starting the engine.
A faulty fuel pump can cause a forklift not to start or run poorly. Mechanical pumps have fewer moving parts than electronic ones, making them more reliable. However, the forklift operator must check the fuel gauge and electrical circuit to determine whether the pump functions correctly. Often, contamination from fuel or moisture in the tank causes problems. This can wear down the commutator and brushes inside the fuel pump.
Ignition
The ignition, also known as the starter switch, is essential for a vehicle to keep running. When it starts to wear out, it can cut off power to the accessories and ignition system, causing your vehicle to stall while driving.
This crucial electrical facet is located on the steering column and works with the ignition lock cylinder to turn on and start your engine. It has multiple positions that activate different systems as the key is turned. Ignition switches rely on spring-loaded, sliding contacts to transmit adequate amperage to fuse and relay circuits. Over time, these contacts can become oxidized or worn, increasing the amperage load and creating electrical resistance that decreases amperage flow. A faulty ignition switch will give you clear signs of malfunction.
Tires
Like any other machine that operates in a business, forklifts experience normal wear and tear. Practicing regular maintenance and checking for the warning signs of problems can minimize their impact, but some issues that require troubleshooting may still arise occasionally.
For example, a steering problem can be dangerous for operators and those around them, so it should be addressed ASAP. This could be caused by low steering fluid (add some or replace), rusty parts, or misaligned tires.
Another issue is a leaking forklift, which can be hazardous to employees and equipment. Faulty hoses often cause leaks. You can test a hose for leaks by running a cloth over it. If the fabric comes away dirty, there is a leak in the hose.
