Fleet Managers Urged To Inventory Popular Forklift Parts To Minimize Down Time

A successful car mechanic has spare parts on hand to make quick car     repairs in a reasonable period of time. Warehouse fleet managers should also follow this philosophy to minimize down time of forklifts in their fleet.

It’s not that difficult to determine what parts should be kept on hand. Just by reviewing repair records, a fleet manager should be able to determine what parts break down and need to be replaced over time.

It is then the responsibility of the fleet manager to ensure that an ample number of those parts are inventoried at the warehouse to ensure quick repairs of forklifts.

Common parts that seem to be the most popular are:

• Brakes
• Mast Chains
• Tines
• Tires
• Filters
• Hydraulic Supplies

Brakes

Brakes are probably the most important part and as such is often checked and maintained. The part is continuously decelerating and stopping forklifts hundreds of time a day. This action is often taken while the lift is carrying large amounts of additional weight as cargo. Whether the lift is equipped with brake pads, drum brakes or other braking system including oil-cooled, they will need replacement due to the wear and tear they experience.

Brakes are so essential to the safe operation of a forklift that it should be checked regularly and replaced when necessary. A good reason why a number of brakes should be kept on hand for speedy repair turnaround.

Mast Chains

Drivers of forklifts are aware that mast chains is an important part that is used to extend a forklift’s mast and carriage. Every time the extensions and retractions of a mast or shifting of carriage takes place there is incredible strain put on the part. Since the mast chain is responsible for the lifting of heavy loads and the management of the weight at extended heights, it is essential that the chain be checked on a regular basis and replaced at the first sign of wear or damage. Failure to properly maintain a mast chain could lead to severe injuries and deaths of warehouse personnel and damage to products or equipment.

Tines

Tines are essential to the ability of the forklift to function and because they constantly lift heavy loads, they are vulnerable to wear and tear. Tines can also get damaged if the loads that are lifted are misaligned. Damaged tines can result in dropped loads, which contribute to a higher risk of injury, fatalities, and damage. It is essential for a forklift operator to know how to inspect tines for damage. If damaged, they need to be replaced immediately.

Tires

Well-maintained tires are essential for proper gripping of the surface on which the forklift is moving as it traverses products from one location to another. In addition, they provide comfort for the forklift operator and assures safe operation of the lift. Depending on their type, tires may be prone to chunking, ripping, or tearing if overused. Damaged tires increase the possibility of injuries and damage to products when they are lifted and transported. Maintaining forklift tires can also ensure better fuel efficiency of the truck. As a result, it should be essential to keep the proper sized and types of tires on hand to serve as replacements for damaged tires.

Filters

Oil and air filters are essential parts in assuring that the forklift’s engine operates properly. They prevent oil contaminants from damaging the engine and also prevents overheating. It is essential to regularly replace filters as instructed by the forklift’s manufacturer’s routine maintenance guidelines. A routine schedule of replacing oil and air filters assists in prolonging the operating life of the forklift. Once oil and air filters are clogged with dirt, then it is important to either clean or replace the filters.

Hydraulic Supplies

Operators of forklifts are also aware that hydraulic systems move the chains of the forklift, which allows the forklift to lift loads. It is essential to inspect hydraulic parts to assure that they are clean, that there are no leaks and no damage to gaskets that can result in stuttering lifts and other performance problems. Keeping spare replacement lines, fluid and line cleaner are essential for the proper maintaining of the forklift’s hydraulic system. It ensures that the hydraulics are always in optimal working order.

(Source: forkliftaction.com)