Common Forklift Mechanical Issues to Look Out For

The global market for forklifts is estimated to reach $50.5 billion by 2026. An industrial forklift is a large vehicle to maintain, so it’s essential to be aware of the common forklift mechanical issues. 

Otherwise, you could pay more for forklift repair services when owning a forklift. The cost of mechanical issues doesn’t need to break the bank.

As long as you conduct regular forklift maintenance, you can find any problems and fix them before they worsen. 

Keep reading and take note of these forklift mechanical issues to look out for on your machine. 

Common Forklift Mechanical Issues

Often, forklift mechanical issues arise from overuse and long-term pressure, which means some can be avoided with the correct caring techniques. 

This is particularly true if you have an industrial forklift used daily for moving heavy loads when running your business. The first problem to be aware of is mast complications. 

Mast Issues

The mast is the forklift part that does the bulk of the heavy lifting and loading. You can start noticing problems in this area when the loads lift slowly or lower slowly. 

Masts can also become bent, twisted, cracked, and misaligned over time, so monitoring this part of your forklift during regular maintenance checks is important.

If you’ve already checked the hydraulic acid and ensured enough is there, you can schedule a forklift repair appointment to fix the underlying issue.

Steering Problems

You need to be able to steer a forklift securely when navigating the vehicle, so if the steering wheel starts making strange noises or feels rusty, it’s time to check what’s going on. 

There are several possible causes for steering issues, such as a worn-out steering wheel, insufficient steering fluid, or misaligned tires. But, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, it can be tricky to solve the problem.

That’s why it’s a good idea to get a professional to have a look. If you can’t identify the problem quickly, or it doesn’t get better with extra steering fluid, you’ll most likely need a professional forklift repair. 

Forklift Doesnt Start

The most obvious issue with forklifts is that it doesn’t turn on. And, if your forklift won’t start, you can’t use it, which can be problematic for businesses that rely on these machines to make an income. 

If you have an electric forklift, you can try charging it. Otherwise, if the machine is completely dead and unable to start, you should take it to a professional.

Although, there are some things you can check yourself before taking it to a maintenance appointment. For instance, you should examine if there’s a fuel leak, check oil levels, and double-check the battery is charged. 

When searching for a forklift service company, you should find a team of professionals with extensive knowledge and experience preparing forklifts. 

That’s where we come in! 

Fix Your Forklift With a Professional

Not only do we sell and rent forklifts to customers, but we believe that full service is what our customers deserve. We offer repairs for a variety of forklift mechanical issues. 

You can find more information on our website, where you can contact and read through our testimonials from previous clients. 

Let us know if you need a forklift repair, and we’ll fix it!