Common Forklift Problems to Watch Out For
Posted on: 21 November 2019
When your forklift is the cornerstone of your daily business operations, you won't want to see it fall apart. One way to prevent a complete breakdown is to look out for common problems and address them early. Here are a few to watch out for.
The Mast isn't Lifting
As one of the most important components of your forklift, your mast lifts and lowers heavy items. When it stops rising and lowering as it usually does, it may be due to low hydraulic fluid levels. It's important to use a forklift repair service promptly rather than trying to push through with your work. Hydraulic fluid is protective as well as functional. Because of this, continuing to use your mast when there's a chance your fluid levels are dwindling could cause further mechanical issues.
The Steering Feels Awkward
As a heavy piece of machinery that has the potential to cause damage, your forklift depends on proper steering. If you're familiar with your machine and you feel as though the steering is awkward, listen to your intuition. Awkward steering is often a result of low steering transmission fluid or worn-out gears. You may be able to top up the transmission fluid yourself if it's low. Gear problems require the attention of a professional, though.
It's Refusing to Start
Finding that your forklift is suddenly refusing to start feels frustrating to say the least. Like all other pieces of machinery, forklifts are subject to corrosion and other types of damage. Over time, this can result in the electrical circuits degrading, which may then cause problems with the ignition. In a lot of cases, this is a quick fix. However, it's also worth bearing in mind that you may need a replacement battery.
The Engine is Overheating
An overheating engine is rarely fun to deal with. When this happens, it may be because dirt and debris have gathered in the radiator and caused a blockage. As a result of the blockage, the radiator's ports won't allow water to flow freely. You can try cleaning the radiator ports yourself, but only do so when the engine is cool and if you're confident you know what you're doing. Otherwise, it's better to use a forklift repair service.
By looking out for problems in their earlier stages, you can't prevent costly repairs further down the line. In addition to identifying issues yourself, it's worth using a routine maintenance service, and you should seek out quality forklift repair services when necessary.
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