Forklift driver safety and operational fitness begins with properly maintained forklifts. Similar to your own car or truck, there are parts on your forklifts that need regular attention to maintain performance and avoid mechanical failures.

Some lift truck components invariably get a lot of use, or are more susceptible to deterioration over time. All rubber components and hoses should be periodically renewed on a set schedule before they start leaking or fail altogether.

Replacing components before they degrade or give out can help you avoid far more expensive repair work in the future. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

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

• Rubber Parts and Power Steering Hoses: Every 4,000 hours or 2 years
• Reservoir Tank Hose: Every 4,000 hours or 2 years
• Wheel Cylinder Rubber Parts: Every year, or 2,000 hours
• Master Cylinder Rubber Parts: Every 1,000 hours or annually
• 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 battery: in general, most industrial batteries will last for a minimum of 5 years, and with adequate handling they can have an even longer life. However, from time to time they may need replacement.
• Forklift tires: as soon as tires erode further than the wear line, have shredding or chunking problems, or form flat spots, they should be replaced as soon as possible.
• Bearings: any failing bearings need to be replaced quickly to maintain smooth operation of the lift truck.

Forklift Service

Regular forklift maintenance plans should address the following:

• Routine Lubrication: all moving parts or joints should be oiled regularly.
• Fluid Checks: Forklift battery water and fluids for hydraulic systems should be inspected on a routine basis.
• Battery Charging: A methodical charging schedule is imperative for your forklift’s battery life and efficiency.
• Inspection of Gauges: for safety, all instruments and gauges should be inspected on a planned schedule. This is not only a best practice, it’s also an OSHA requirement within the compliance section 1910.178(q)

Lift Truck Safety

The federal government has a number of rules concerning lift truck upkeep, and any truck that is found to be noncompliant must be sidelined until all issues can be resolved. So when is a forklift unsafe to operate? Here are some of the conditions that may take a forklift out of service:

• Tires with missing chunks or gouges
• Weld faults on the truck frame or mast
• Missing bolts anywhere on the vehicle
• Malfunctioning gauges or instruments
• Damage to overhead guard

Forklift Part Replacement in Santa Clarita / Valencia

If you’d like assistance in sourcing forklift parts or need forklift service, you can talk to a parts professional at Raymond West by calling (661) 206-0462 .

Raymond West
28303 Industry Drive
Valencia, California 91355
Phone: 661-206-0462