If your company uses one or more forklifts to get the job done, having one of your forklifts go out of service can feel like the end of the world. Having your heavy equipment fail could slow down your entire operation. In a worst-case scenario, it could also prove to be dangerous for your employees. As a business owner, you likely take your forklift repair process quite seriously. To that end, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Don't "Try It Out" If You're Not Absolutely Sure
First things first, if you are going to attempt your own forklift repair, a word of caution. Make sure you can actually identify the problem with 100 percent certainty and ensure that the forklift is 100 percent safe and ready to go before you put it back into operation. This is not a situation where you want to go with trial and error, in other words. Don't make what you think might be the right fix and then roll the dice by deciding to "try it out" and see if it now works properly. The last thing you want to happen is to have your forklift sustain further damage or create a dangerous situation because you didn't actually find the real source of the problem.
Start with the Piston and Fluid
The part of the forklift that actually does the work is called the mast. The mast is what will help lower or raise whatever it is you are carrying. The mast on a forklift is usually powered by a hydraulic piston. This piston requires hydraulic fluid to function properly. If you notice that the mast is not lifting smoothly or appears to be "jerky" in motion, the first thing you'll want to check is the amount of hydraulic fluid that is being used by the piston. You might need to dump out and replace this fluid or top it off to get the forklift running smoothly again.
Check the Steering for Trouble
A forklift can also run into trouble when it comes to steering. Sure, it might be able to lift just fine, but that won't help you if you can't correctly steer it to where it needs to go. You'll want to start by checking on the steering fluid but then also keep an eye out for signs of rust.
Contact Professional Help
If the problem is not immediately obvious, it's likely best to leave your forklift repair to a professional. Contact a local forklift service repair company like RDS Equipment, Inc for more information.
