With summer fast coming forklift owners and operators are needed to review and prepare forklifts to cope with the raised temperatures.
A well-prepared and sustained forklift permits owners and operators to detect any problems early on where it can be treated as a minor issue and not a fully-fledged breakdown, saving time and money on repairs.
This week’s post looks at 8 key assessment and maintenance points to ensure forklifts can safely operate at optimum levels during summer.
Forklift Coolant
Regularly reviewing and topping up the level of engine coolant is crucial to ensure a forklift engine doesn’t overheat.
Checking coolant levels every week not only refills levels regularly but also delivers opportunities to review for any leaks from the coolant reservoir.
Using the proper type of coolant as suggested by the manufacturer is necessary, water should not be used as a substitute for coolant as it has a lower boiling point and can donate to immediate engine overheating.
Forklift Fans
Radiator fans are a vital part of keeping a forklift’s engine cool.
Fans aid with the regulation of engine temperature as they pull away surface heat induced by the engine.
Regularly examining fans for damage and corrosion is crucial as any defects can negatively impact their performance.
Belts
As an engine belt moves it pulls coolant through the engine.
Severe weather conditions such as the hot temperatures of summer can induce corrosion and damage to engine details including the fan belt.
Regularly reviewing the condition of belts authorizes for the early detection of any damage and the belts can be replaced to guarantee optimal operation and cooling.
Wiring and Cables
Changes in weather circumstances from the cool of winter to the heat of summer can cause forklift wiring and the defensive coating surrounding them to become brittle, crack, and break.
Damaged wiring can compel to electrical components of a forklift to malfunction or stop functioning altogether.
Regularly checking and replacing damaged wiring will ensure a forklift’s electrical elements work optimally during summer.
ForkliftHydraulics
Hydraulics are a crucial component of forklifts as they are accountable for steering and all lifting movements.
When hydraulic fluid runs low forklifts may encounter a slowing in operation and operators may start to hear bizarre noises during operation.
During warm weather, all fluids have the potential to evaporate indicating it is essential to regularly check hydraulic fluid levels to decrease the chances of a forklift’s hydraulics systems from seizing up and breaking down
In addition to inspecting fluid levels, it is important to check the circumstances of cylinders, tubing, and valves for damage and leaks.
Battery
For battery electric forklifts it is necessary to check the water levels in the battery cells.
Manufacturers suggest batteries be inspected and watered (replenished) once a week or even more repeatedly for older batteries.
Low battery cell water levels due to evaporation may lead to details corrode.
Tires
Tire rubber can worsen and crack when exposed to the extreme heat of summer.
In summer the air inside a forklift tire expands driving an increase in tire pressure that heightens the probability of it blowing out.
It is necessary to conduct daily checks of tire pressure to ensure performance and lifespan are supported.
Forklift Maintenance
With potential boosts in load volumes being handled during summer, routine forklift maintenance mustn’t stop.
A well-maintained forklift will perform at optimum levels meeting the increased productivity needs during warmer weather.
Regular supervision can avoid a large proportion of the heat-related problems formerly outlined.
