Forklifts are industrial trucks for lifting and moving loads over short distances, making them popular in construction and warehouse operations.
Some forklift parts require more frequent replacement compared to others. Meanwhile, don’t be tempted to postpone or skimp on maintenance repair because the failure of certain functions can lead to downtime, bodily injuries, and “expensive” accidents.
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Wholesale Industrial Parts, a company known for selling and shipping high-quality forklift parts, has explained the most commonly replaced parts of this industrial truck.
Forklift tires
Under normal usage, forklift tires generally last 2,000-2,400 operating hours. Another good rule of thumb is to replace them when your wear ring, also called a wear band, is exposed. However, some have a safety line above the tire size, which tells you if the wear and tear has reached to the point that you need to replace them.
When you see cracks and tears on your tires, it’s time to replace them with new ones to avoid accidents.
Brakes
On average, brakes last between 5,000 and 7,000 operating hours. This great variation is caused by several factors, such as driving patterns and driver behavior. For instance, brakes last longer if the operator drives a longer distance without obstacles and does allow time to slow the forklift when braking (as opposed to aggressively braking).
If the brakes are making noises or not stopping the forklift efficiently, they may require replacement or at least an immediate inspection. It is important to check them regularly even if there are no telltale signs of damage.
Forklift chains
In general, chains require replacement every 6-12 months, although it all depends on the type of lifting equipment, usage, and load. Instead of “age,” a better way to determine if they need replacement is to use a chain gauge, which measures the wear and elongation.
Elongation greater than 3% means your chains are ready to retire.
Oil filters
Oil filters remove contaminants and particles from the oil, keeping the forklift engine clean and protecting it from excessive wear and tear.
Most manufacturers and professionals recommend replacing forklift filters during every oil change, which is typically done every 3-6 months. This ensures that your engine uses fuel efficiently and is protected from wear and tear.
When your engine emits unpleasant odor or heavy exhaust fumes, it is usually a telltale sign that oil filters need to be replaced.
Forklift batteries
Batteries provide power to the engine, and so it is easy to spot if they are broken or drained. On average, their lifespan is 1,500 cycles or around five years, assuming that the battery is charged once a day.
However, you can extend the life of your forklift batteries by doing these following tips:
- Unplug your unit when it’s fully charged.
- Charge the batteries completely.
- Avoid charging your batteries too frequently.
- Don’t let your batteries completely run out of charge.
- Ensure proper water levels.
- Make sure all the lights are off on the forklift when not in use.
Hoses
Forklifts have power-steering hoses, mast hoses, and reservoir tank hoses, all of which contain hydraulic fluids and other types of oil.
If there is any sign of damage, oil leaks around the hose, and exposed wire, you should replace them immediately.
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- How to Handle a Forklift Properly
If you need quality forklift replacement parts, contact Wholesale Industrial Parts at (844) 588-8455. The company carries a wide range of material handling parts and tires of all sizes and ships them anywhere.