The global forklift market reached a value of $50 billion in 2020.
Forklift trucks are used in a range of industries for the storage and transportation of goods. Like all heavy machinery, they degrade with time and use. Standard wear and tear will cause parts to fail, but with forklift servicing, you can often avoid major problems.
For a rundown of three common forklift problems that regular servicing can prevent, keep reading.
1. Control Issues
There’s a range of things that can affect the controls of a forklift. If there isn’t enough steering fluid transmission, the steering may become unresponsive.
The same thing can happen if the gears are worn out. You may be able to top up the fluid as and when it’s needed, but replacing worn gears will need a professional technician.
It’s also not uncommon to experience problems with the mast not moving up or down properly. This can be from a problem in the hydraulic system such as a leaking cylinder. It might also happen as a result of damage to the oil seals or filter.
To maintain workplace safety, machinery like forklifts must always be controlled properly. Having your forklift regularly serviced will ensure any issues like this are picked up before they become serious problems.
2. Engine Overheating
This can become quite common when an issue occurs with the radiator. Dirt and debris can build up in the radiator, causing a blockage. If you inspect the ports, you may be able to see this.
Cleaning these is a standard part of forklift care and should remedy the problem. If it keeps happening once the ports are cleaned, then it’s likely due to corrosion inside the radiator. This will make it harder for coolant or water to circulate, which leads to overheating.
Regular overheating will reduce equipment lifespan, so you want to have this taken care of quickly. By regularly servicing your forklift, you can keep all components in better condition for longer, resulting in lower depreciation.
The thermostat should open when it detects the triggering temperature, allowing coolant into the engine. You want to make sure this is functioning correctly too, as it could also cause overheating issues if it’s faulty.
3. Starting Issues
There are a couple of things that could prevent a forklift from starting properly. One cause is a fuel problem, and you may need to refuel or have the carburetor changed.
Alternatively, it could be an electrical issue if it’s an electric forklift. This type won’t have a carburetor, so it will probably be a problem with the battery.
Check that it’s properly connected, and inspect the terminals and casing for corrosion. The electrolyte level could be low, so it might need a refill. When servicing an electric forklift, if a battery operates at less than 80% in a battery function test, you should replace it.
If the above solutions don’t work, you’ll need to get a professional to take a look and determine the issue.
Professional Forklift Servicing
Preventive maintenance is the best way to keep your forklift in good working order. Regular forklift servicing will ensure all parts are in good condition and detect any issues before they turn into major problems.
At Superior Industrial Products, we offer professional servicing and can provide replacement parts when they’re needed. To find out more about our services, click here to contact us today.