Most of the time, companies will spend a lot of money to buy their lift trucks. It is vital, therefore to take good care of your equipment to protect your investment into the long run. It is a good idea to know the procedures which are undertaken in the care and maintenance of this piece of machine.
By starting up the forklift and listening carefully how it runs is amongst the best ways to tell how good the engine is working. For example, if there are any knocks or misses, the machinery is faulty and this must raise some issues. Also listen closely for any squealing sounds which come from the belts as these sounds would provide you with a wealth of information.
When carrying out maintenance, several of the main parts you will have to pay attention to comprise the safety warning devices, horn, the lights, the gauges and the overhead guard. Any faulty parts or burnt out light bulbs should be replaced as soon as they are noticed. It is also vital to check the wiring.
When the above parts have been inspected thoroughly, proceed to the battery compartment to be able to see if the terminals are clean. If the terminals are not clean, be sure to clean them properly. Every battery cell has to be inspected so as to ensure the fill level is topped up to the regulated amount.
An oil change is the next step to drain all the oil out of the machine and after that change the filters. The hydraulic filter, the transmission filter and the fuel filters need to be replaced regularly. Before fitting them, be sure to write the date on the new filters by using a permanent marker to be able to keep track.
Once the oil change has been done and new filters have been fitted, visually check the drive axle from beneath the machine. Be sure to grease the axle if there is any grease fitting. Check the belts on the engine for any cracks or frays. If you find any, fix the issue accordingly. Then, check every other component of the machine including the wheels. If any type of fault or concern is detected, be certain to address it immediately so as to make sure the equipment is running at its safest and optimum levels.