Exploring the Commonly Replaced Forklift Truck Parts

Nov 21, 2023

Having the right parts for your forklift can help keep production on track and your associates safe. Choosing quality over price may save you money in the long run. Inspect and replace forklift brakes whenever inspection or use reveals metal-on-metal grinding, squeaky brakes, or other changes in performance.

The forks are the most important among all the parts on a forklift. If they break, a load could fall and severely injure or kill someone standing nearby. Regular inspections should look for signs of cracking, bending, or any other fork damage. Even a slight loss of fork thickness can mean it's time to replace them. Forks are constructed from heavy-duty materials, but daily use can impact their structure and thickness over time.

Similarly, tires and wheels should be inspected regularly for any visible signs of wear. Driving a forklift with compromised tires can create dangerous conditions, causing costly accidents in both terms of repair and lost productivity. That is why it is good to search for forklift replacement parts, such as for fast moving Komatsu forklift products from reputable companies nearby.

The battery is a critical part of electric-powered forklifts. Replacing a worn-out battery can improve performance and reduce downtime. Maintaining a stock of extra batteries is also beneficial. Ensure employees use PPE like splash-proof goggles, acid-resistant aprons, and gloves when working on forklift batteries. Sulfuric acid and lead are high-risk chemicals that can contact and burn the skin or eyes of operators.

Check your spec plate for the forklift's minimum and maximum battery weight requirements. A battery lighter than the required weight may decrease the counterweight of the forklift, affecting its lift capacity.

A hydraulic pump converts electrical energy into mechanical work using impellers and other devices that apply force to a larger piston. If you hear a high-pitched whining sound coming from your forklift, this indicates cavitation in the hydraulic system. This means the hydraulic fluid can't be delivered at optimum volume or rate, most likely due to a blocked hose, line, filter, or strainer. Regularly check the hydraulic fluid levels, ensuring that they are not low. Also, ensure that the correct type of hydraulic fluid is used and that the breather caps and filler screens are clean.

Brakes are the most relied-on forklift safety components and are vital to your equipment's operation. Like other parts, brakes have a lifespan and require regular maintenance to continue functioning as intended.

When the brake pedal is pressed, it forces the brake shoes against the brake drum to create friction, slow, and stop your forklift. Performing a visual inspection to see how the brakes look before each shift is important to ensure they are in good condition. Adding brake fluid, adjusting the brakes, and checking tire air pressure are all things that need to be done regularly to extend the lifespan of your forklift's brakes. Regular forklift maintenance prevents costly repairs in the future, such as a broken brake. The brake drums must also be inspected for any signs of damage or wear.

While they may not seem as vital to your operations as other forklift components, tires are crucial to operators’ safety and the vehicle's longevity. Unfortunately, tire inspections and replacements often get pushed to the side, leading to unnecessary damages and higher maintenance costs. For instance, if your forklift tires show signs of tearing or chunking, they are well past their lifespan.

Tearing may be caused by driving over rough and uneven ground for too long, or it could indicate the tires are worn out from abrasion. Regardless of the cause, it's always best to replace forklift tires when they show signs of wear and tear to avoid costly accidents.