Like other equipment, forklift parts wear down over time and require regular maintenance and replacement. This helps reduce downtime and improves productivity.
A high-quality forklift parts inventory is essential for proper and efficient operations. Identifying when your forklift needs new parts is crucial to avoid costly repairs and downtime.
Brakes
Brakes are a crucial forklift component to stop thousands of pounds of equipment over a short distance. Because of this, they are more prone to wear and tear than other Hyster forklift parts.
During operation, dust and debris can transfer onto forklift brake shoes, creating ridges that impact how well the forklift stops. When these ridges are too large to smooth out, they cause damage to the brake drum and require replacement.
A visual inspection before each shift helps you spot potential problems, including excessive brake lining wear. Leaving this issue unchecked could lead to a breakdown or an accident, both costly for your business. Brake failure also results in downtime, limiting the work your forklifts can perform.
Tires
Tires on forklifts must be replaced properly to maintain good operation. Poorly worn tires cause instability, reduced fuel efficiency and driver fatigue. They also can lead to excessive damage to the forklift. Forklift tires wear down over time, which can be influenced by the surface they travel on, the type, and tire pressure.
During your daily pre-shift inspection, check for any signs of worn or damaged tires. If the tires are worn past the safety line (a 50% wear indicator), it is time to replace them. Also, the tires must be replaced immediately if you see chunking or tearing. This is an unsafe condition that can result in damage to your equipment and people in the work area.
Oil & Air Filters
A forklift’s air filters ensure the air running through the engine is clean. This ensures that dust, pollen, and other microseeds don’t find their way into the machine and damage it.
Air filters may become clogged with debris over time, so it is important to replace them regularly to keep the forklift’s engine working at its best. A dirty air filter can hinder the forklift’s acceleration by not allowing enough clean air to the spark plug.
Forklift tires must be replaced when they show signs of tearing or balding. They must also be returned if they start making stuttering sounds or showing signs of metal-on-metal contact. Keeping a forklift’s tires properly maintained will reduce accidents and downtime.
Lights
Many forklift parts work together to keep your lift truck running. If one of them stops working, it could slow down the entire operation. That’s why it’s important to watch for signs that it’s time to replace a forklift part.
For example, the forklift overheats if the check engine light comes on. This could lead to costly repairs if the issue is addressed slowly.
Another sign that your forklift needs a new part is if the LED warning lights start flashing. These lights effectively indicate to pedestrians that the lift truck is moving in their direction, which can prevent accidents. The lights are also easy to install and don’t require drilling into the overhead guard (which reduces capacity). You can purchase red or blue LED pedestrian safety spotlights from most forklift suppliers.
Lift Cylinders
A forklift lift cylinder is an integral part of any forklift. A broken one can put a stop to your operation. Keeping extra lift cylinders on hand can minimize downtime and loss of productivity.
Like anything else, forklift parts will wear down over time. It is important to replace them regularly to ensure safety and performance. Frequent breakdowns can be expensive to your bottom line.
Getting high-quality forklift parts can extend their lifespan and save you money in the long run. Buying cheap ones may seem like a good idea at the time, but they will break down more frequently and cost you more in the long run.
