5 Common Forklift Problems and How to Solve Them
Whether you’re an experienced forklift operator or just starting out with your training, over the course of its lifetime your forklift truck may gradually start to develop faults which will affect its everyday performance.
To help you spot any potential issues early, we’ve listed some of the most common problems dealt with by our operators, and how you could prevent them from reoccurring:
1. Your Forklift Won’t Start
When a forklift refuses to start this doesn't necessarily mean it has come to the end of its life. It might be something as simple as a flat battery which commonly happens when it is cold and not used regularly, or it may be a lack of fuel. There is also a chance that overheating could be the issue, so do make sure the machine has adequate coolant and antifreeze.
After checking these, if the machine still won't start, contact our Service Department at Welfaux who will find the problem and make sure to service your machine thoroughly to prevent issues in the future.
2. Faulty Steering
Having issues with your steering is incredibly dangerous for forklift drivers and cannot be ignored. Steering issues commonly occur as a result of worn-out or damaged steering axles, worn bushes or bearings and general wearing over time.
However, it can also be affected by a lack of steering fluid in your forklift which can cause excess friction. This can result in heat that wears down parts of the steering mechanism. Don’t worry, this can be easily handled by one of our Serviced Department.
3. Engine Overheating
An engine overheating will cause your forklift to shut down. It is really important that you keep an eye on the coolant system, check for any blockages, take a look at the radiator, and gently clean the machinery when needed. Apart from these, we also recommend contacting our forklift engineers to immediately find the problem and offer a solution.
4. Worn-out Tyres
Lifting heavy loads on a daily basis is bound to have an impact on your forklift’s tyres. Once they begin to wear, you may begin to find various kinds of problems especially when it comes to stability and safety.
Simply inspecting all the tyres before operating the forklift and replacing the tyres when necessary can greatly improve your safety.
5. Mast Problems
Mast problems are very common. To reduce the risks of damaging the goods, it is important to resolve the issue straight away. Faults with the lift mechanism are usually down to not having enough hydraulic fluid, which makes it difficult for the machine to power any fast movements. Check for leaks, top up fluid levels, and replace any faulty or aged parts.
Here at Welfaux, our fully qualified forklift engineers are trained to identify potential risks and/or issues with your equipment. We provide on-site and workshop-based forklift truck service and maintenance. Correctly maintained, your equipment will operate more reliably and prevent unplanned downtime and unnecessary costly repairs.
Get in touch or visit our website to find out more.
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