In order to help prevent the requirement for expensive lift truck repairs, it is recommended to inspect the front end of your lift truck frequently as part of your daily and even pre-shift inspection. By catching any problems ahead of time or as they happen, you can also help prevent damage to any loads as well. The following covers some of the general guidelines on what particular stuff to inspect during regular inspections of your material handling fleet.
Forks
Frequently checking the forks is vital because if these are cracked or worn out, they may fail without warning. Any type of fork damage means that your forklift should instantly be removed from service until it is fixed and safe once again. Visually inspect your forks for any noticeable indications of wear or damage. If the cracks run deeper than on the surface, replace them. Any type of wear on the forks beyond 10 percent is another indication that you should replace the forks.
Mast
The mast should ideally tilt forward and backward while being able to move down and up. You may have to grease the mast strip sliding surfaces and fittings if you find that the sliding surfaces are binding. On the inner mast there is a fitting located on every side. The lift bracket side rollers are a different lubrication point and there is also one on every side roller. When the lubricating has been completed, tilt it forward and backward and also lower and raise the mast a few times in order to make sure that the lubricant is worked correctly into the fittings.
Tilt Cylinders
Uncontrolled mast movement could be caused by oil leakage; therefore, your inspection should involve inspecting for damage and for oil leaks. Whether the leaks are located inside of the cylinder or are external, the end result may be cylinder drift and loss of fluid. If there are any signs of leaks or damage, you may have to replace just the seals or the entire cylinder assembly.
Chains
The mast chains need to be checked to see if they are being stretched beyond their acceptable limits. Additionally, inspect the chain wear guage or check the chains for signs of damage. If wear is present beyond 2 percent, replace the chain. Also replace it if the chain appears rusted or kinked. The chain rollers and the sheave bearings must also be checked for signs of wear.
Normally, mast lift chains wear at the pin-to-link connections. If you notice wear, you could experience chain failure. This can end up damaging the product or front end components. If you require help determining what exactly to inspect on your lift trucks or if you do not have time on hand to perform frequent fleet inspections, just contact your local lift truck dealer. Their skilled service technicians will help your perform PM or planned maintenance inspections according to your application needs and scheduling.