A scheduled maintenance program for your forklifts is critical to operator safety and operational efficiency. Similar to your personal vehicle, there are components on your forklifts that need to be serviced periodically to maintain performance and prevent systematic problems.

Some lift truck components consistently receive unrelenting wear, or are more vulnerable to degradation because of heavy utilization or extended service. Hoses and rubber parts should be preemptively renewed on a planned maintenance schedule to prevent leakage or failure.

Exchanging components before they degrade or fail can prevent much costlier maintenance in the future. As the adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Lift truck parts that need to be replaced on a regular schedule are:

• Power Steering Hoses & Rubber Parts: Every 4,000 hours or 2 years
• Reservoir Tank Hose: Every 4,000 hours or 2 years
• Wheel Cylinder Rubber Parts: Every 1,000 hours or annually
• Master Cylinder Rubber Parts: Every year, or 2,000 hours
• Hydraulic Hose: Every 4,000 hours or 2 years
• Lift Chain: Every 6,000 hours or 3 years
• Swing Lock Cylinder: Every 10,000 hours

There are other parts that may also need regular replacement, including:

• Forklift batteries: these will usually last at least 5 years, and given appropriate management they can last much longer. However, all batteries will eventually need to be replaced.
• Lift truck tires: once tires erode under the 50% line, have shredding or general disintegration problems, or acquire flat spots, they should be changed immediately.
• Bearings: any failing bearings should be attended to right away to maintain smooth function of the forklift.

Forklift Service

At a minimum, any regular forklift maintenance should include:

• Routine Lubrication: the joints and moving parts of a forklift should be oiled regularly.
• Fluid Checks: Forklift battery water and fluids for hydraulic systems should be checked on a regular schedule.
• Battery Charging: A methodical charging routine is essential for your lift truck’s battery life and performance.
• Gauge Inspection: to maintain a safe work environment, all gauges and instruments must be examined on a planned schedule. Not only is this a good idea, it’s also mandated by OSHA within Section 1910.178(q)

Forklift Safety

The federal government has a number of rules related to lift truck upkeep, and any vehicle that is considered to be unsafe must be put out of commission until all issues can be resolved. When is a lift truck considered unsafe? Here are some of the problems that could easily justify removing a lift truck from service:

• Tires with missing chunks or gouges
• Weld faults on the frame or mast
• Damaged or missing fasteners or bolts on any part of the vehicle
• Malfunctioning instruments or gauges
• Damage to overhead guard

Forklift Part Replacement in Long Beach

For any brand of forklift parts, you can speak with an expert at Raymond West by calling (562) 444-1222 .

Raymond West
Long Beach Service Area:
Long Beach, North Long Beach, Wilmington, San Pedro, Lomita, Torrance
Phone: (562) 444-1222