Forklifts are powerful and versatile machines. They are used for lifting, carrying, moving and loading heavy materials and equipment in industries like warehouses, construction sites and manufacturing units.
Electric forklift for rental at Adaptalift Group forklift is capable of performing the toughest jobs with ease. However, a malfunctioning forklift can cause serious accidents or injuries. To avoid such untoward incidents, it is necessary to identify the common causes that can lead to forklift breakdowns.
1. Overheating
Overheating is one of the most common causes of forklift breakdowns. It generally occurs when the operating temperature exceeds the normal range. This could be because of a faulty radiator fan or lack of coolant in the hose pipes.
Improper Maintenance – Improper maintenance can also cause your forklift to break down suddenly. Forklifts should be serviced regularly and the oil should be changed at regular intervals to ensure that they run smoothly for a long time without any problems.
2. Battery Discharge
This is by far the number one reason for forklift breakdowns. Let’s face it, forklift batteries do not last forever and need to be charged after a certain amount of use. Because batteries don’t last forever, they also need to be maintained in order to keep them running as long as possible.
3. Over Charging
You might be thinking that over charging your forklift battery would be a good thing, right? Wrong! Over charging your battery can actually cause more harm than good when it comes to the lifespan of your battery. It can cause excessive gassing, which in turn can damage your battery water system, plates and separators causing it to produce less power and ultimately have a shorter lifespan.
4. Faulty Forklift Batteries
Your forklift batteries are one of the most important components of your equipment. Without a functioning battery, your forklifts won’t be able to run, and this could mean that your employees have to stop working. This is why it’s vital for your business to invest in good quality batteries that are easy to charge and maintain. When using lead-acid batteries, be sure to follow the proper charging procedures and monitor the electrolyte levels regularly. However, if you’re looking for a simpler option, lithium-ion batteries (like those used for electric cars) require virtually no maintenance and last much longer than traditional lead-acid batteries.
5. Forklifts in Poor Condition
Forklifts need to be regularly maintained to ensure they remain safe and reliable. This includes keeping on top of regular services, replacement parts, oil changes, tire pressure checks, hydraulic fluid changes, checking the cooling system and more.
If you don’t keep up with these simple tasks regularly, it can result in more serious issues further down the line, including costly repairs or even having to replace your forklift altogether.
6. Lubricant Problems
Forklifts have many moving parts that need lubrication to function smoothly. Not applying lubricant on these moving parts will cause them to break down sooner than expected. It is important for you to check the oil level and apply the right amount of oil on all the moving parts of the machine.
7. Faulty Brakes
Forklifts are heavy machines, and if the brakes stop working, it can cause a lot of damage in your warehouse. Faulty brakes can cause accidents if you don’t get them fixed immediately. If you feel that your brakes are not responding properly or there’s a delay in applying brakes, then you should get it checked by an expert mechanic immediately.