Whether you are a forklift owner or you are renting the equipment, it’s essential to stay up-to-date on maintenance so that you can avoid common forklift repair issues. Equipment operating in a high-demand industry, such as construction or warehousing, can experience wear and tear more quickly. A proactive approach with maintenance and repair services can keep your forklifts in the best condition to avoid disruptions in your daily operations.

In fact, proactive maintenance can actually save you money in the long run. Have you considered how much money it is costing you when downtime occurs because the forklift is having problems? If you are ahead of the maintenance schedule, then it greatly reduces the risk of operations coming to a standstill during critical business hours.

Additionally, these forklift maintenance tips are helpful for maximizing the equipment’s lifespan so you can get the best value for your investment. Preventive forklift repairs don’t have to be complicated: simply stay ahead of the recommended maintenance schedule, and the most common issues will be identified and fixed in the earliest stages.

In this article, we are looking at the most common forklift breakdown causes. Understanding these factors can help you avoid more expensive forklift repair problems in the future. If you need help with forklift troubleshooting or repairs, then our team at ACE Equipment is always just a phone call away. We would love to help!

Battery Function and Issues

Forklift battery maintenance is important because the equipment is useless without the power source. Some common issues with batteries include:

• Poor charging practices
• Dead batteries
• Acid leakage

While batteries tend to wear out over time, there are things you can do to protect the battery and extend forklift lifespan. For example, overcharging or undercharging can cause the battery to fail sooner than normal. Additionally, lead-acid batteries must have the proper water levels in order to perform correctly.

Make sure to check the battery water levels regularly. If needed, the batteries can be topped off with distilled water. Additionally, protect your battery by following the manufacturer’s recommendations for charging cycles.

Finally, watch the battery terminals and clean them if you see any corrosion buildup. It can also be helpful to rotate the batteries if you have multiple units.

Tire Damage and Wear

Even if you are careful about protecting your forklift, it’s normal that the tires will need to be replaced occasionally. Over time, the tires will become worn out, have uneven tread wear, or they might start to develop flat spots.

You can protect your tires and prevent unnecessary forklift wear and tear issues by inspecting the tires regularly, operating the forklift on smooth and level surfaces, and never overloading the forklift beyond the recommended capacity.

If there is visible damage to the tires or you can see that the tire tread is worn down, then make sure to replace the tires right away. Prompt attention will help you avoid unnecessary accidents and complications later on.

Lifting Mechanism Failure

If you have forklift hydraulic system problems, then it can impact the overall function of the equipment. If the lifting mechanism is starting to have problems, then you might notice that the mast doesn’t lift smoothly or the machine is starting to jerk while you are using it. Serious lifting mechanism issues will result in complete failure, so you won’t be able to lift anything.

Some of the most common reasons for a lifting mechanism failure include:

• Hydraulic fluid leaks
• Worn chains
• Misaligned forks

A few safety inspection tips to prevent these issues include checking hydraulic fluid levels regularly. Watch for leaks and repair them if you identify any issues. Make sure the chains and mast are always lubricated to minimize friction and wear. Additionally, complete an inspection of the lifting system to see if you can find any cracks or misalignments that need to be fixed.

Brake Issues

Your forklift maintenance schedule should include a regular inspection of the brakes. Pay attention to how the brakes function when the equipment is being used. Common problems might include squealing noises, brake fade, or brakes that are unresponsive when you push on the pedal.

Brake repairs can be simple, depending on the issues you are dealing with. For example, you might need to replace worn brake pads or change out the brake fluid. Also, check the adjustment of the brakes to see if they need to be repositioned for optimal performance.

The way the forklift is being driven will reduce forklift repair costs. For example, avoid hard braking, if possible, which helps to reduce the strong impact on the braking system.

Make sure to test the brakes regularly, especially if you have a high-demand project coming up. If you replace brake components as soon as they start showing issues, then it helps to reduce the need for more expensive repairs in the future.

Other Forklift Repair Issues

The best thing you can do is work with a professional forklift repair team to ensure that you are staying ahead of the maintenance and repair tasks. Our expert team will inspect everything from the drive train to steering issues, engine performance, electrical system functions, and more. We bring a variety of options for forklift engine failure solutions to help reduce wear and tear and ensure the best performance going forward.

FAQ

How often should forklifts be serviced?

The best preventive maintenance for forklifts should occur after 250 – 500 hours of operation. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the ideal schedule.

How do I extend forklift lifespan?

As with other vehicles, such as cars and trucks, it’s essential to stay proactive about a regular maintenance schedule. These seemingly small maintenance tasks make a big difference in the overall performance, which can have a positive impact on the equipment’s lifespan.

Call the Forklift Experts

At Ace Equipment, we are just a phone call away and ready to help with all of your forklift repair and rental needs. For more information about these services, contact us today.