Forklift Issues You Can Prevent to Get The Job Done Quickly
A forklift that isn’t working can be frustrating and costly to fix. It can also prevent your driver from getting their job done quickly and safely. Fortunately, there are many common forklift problems that you can avoid. Identifying them can help you get them fixed before they cause even more damage.
The Steering Wheel Is Making Strange Noises
If your forklift makes strange noises when turning the steering wheel, it must be repaired immediately. These can be warning signs of an issue with the steering system, which could lead to accidents or even injury to operators and passengers. Rare as they may be, steering issues frequently go unnoticed until they become too problematic. Before things become worse, there are numerous signs of being on the lookout. A broken power steering pump may cause a whining noise you hear when turning the steering wheel. It aids in turning the wheel in all directions and is a crucial component of the steering mechanism of your forklift. Your business needs to get the correct forklift goods. Everything is affected, including stock management, staff happiness, operating costs, and productivity. Fast moving Clark forklift products are available in a wide range, each designed to complete a specific duty.
The Mast Isn’t Raising or Lowering Correctly
The mast is an essential part of forklifts that controls the lifting, lowering and tilting loads. It’s attached to the forks, which carry loads, and the carriage, powered by a hydraulic piston in the middle of the mast. When a forklift doesn’t lift or lower correctly, transporting goods safely and effectively cannot be easy. As such, it’s essential to solve this problem as soon as possible to avoid damage to the products being transported. If you’re experiencing this issue, there are a few things you can do to help get the problem resolved. The first is to check the fluid levels. If the fluid is low, add more. However, if it’s thick and dense, it may be time to replace it entirely. In addition, you should perform regular inspections for other problems, such as pressure valve issues or worn gears. It will help prevent these common forklift problems in the future.
The Battery Isn’t Working
If you’re experiencing problems with your forklift, the first thing to check is the battery. If it’s dead, that’s probably the cause of your trouble. Batteries need distilled water to function correctly, so adding water at regular intervals (usually every 5-10 recharges) is essential. Overfilling can lead to permanent damage, so only fill the battery up to the desired level. One of the most common mistakes is charging a battery that’s too old or doesn’t have enough charge cycles. Most batteries can be charged 1,500 times, which is a little over four years of use if you set it once daily for 300 days per year. Another mistake that often occurs with forklift batteries is improper connections. It can happen if a cable comes loose during operation or doesn’t get reconnected correctly after a charge. If you notice any issues with these cables, tighten them and try restarting the forklift.
The Engine Is Overheating
If your temperature gauge has started to move toward the red, it’s a sign that your engine is overheating. It is caused by a problem within the cooling system that prevents heat from leaving the engine compartment. The most common causes are a broken radiator fan or a clogged coolant hose. In addition to these, low oil levels can also cause an overheated engine. Regardless, getting your engine fixed before the problem worsens is essential. Overheating can lead to severe damage and expensive repairs if left unchecked.
When your temperature gauge starts to move toward the red, pull over and shut off your engine immediately. Then, let it cool down for at least 30 minutes before touching anything on your vehicle.
