Forklifts play a critical role in the day-to-day running of warehouses, yards and factories. But just like any hardworking machine, they don’t stay in perfect shape forever. Certain parts are put under far more pressure than others, meaning replacements will be needed sooner rather than later.
Spotting the warning signs early can help avoid breakdowns, costly repairs and unsafe working conditions.
In this blog, we’ll look at five forklift truck parts that tend to wear out first and why keeping an eye on them makes all the difference.
- Forks
Forks carry the weight of the job, quite literally. Whether it’s pallets of bricks or crates of stock, they deal with tonnes of pressure every single shift. Over time, that stress starts to show. You might notice chipped edges, bending, or thinning in places that once looked solid.
Whilst it’s easy to assume forks will last forever, damage can creep up quietly. And when they’re worn past a certain point, the risk of dropping a load increases. That puts people, stock and the forklift itself at risk. A quick visual inspection now and then could be all it takes to spot problems before they lead to a serious fault.
- Brakes
When a forklift’s loaded up with a couple of tonnes, its brakes have a big job on their hands. Every stop, every slow-down, every tight turn puts them under strain. Over time, that starts to show in worn brake pads or tired drums that just don’t perform like they used to.
Weaker brakes mean longer stopping distances, which puts operators, stock and the surrounding area at risk. If they’re wearing out faster than expected, it might even be down to the way the truck’s being driven. Keeping brakes in check with regular servicing is a must for forklift safety.
- Mast Chains and Hydraulic Components
The mast and its chains take care of all the heavy lifting. That means they’re constantly under stress, shift after shift. Chains can stretch, links can wear down and over time, you’ll notice the truck doesn’t lift quite as smoothly as it once did.
Hydraulic components are just as important. Seals can crack, fluids can leak and pressure drops will start to affect performance. These are parts that can’t be ignored. Routine checks and timely replacements will help you avoid sudden failures that bring work to a halt.
- Oil and Air Filters
Oil and air filters do the quiet work of protecting your engine. They stop dust, debris and other grime from getting into places they shouldn’t. When filters clog up, engines have to work harder than they should, which can lead to wear and overheating.
If your forklifts operate in dusty environments, those filters will need swapping out more often. Dirty air equals dirty engines. Following the service schedule recommended by the manufacturer helps avoid unnecessary repairs and keeps performance on track.
- Tyres
Tyres take on the full weight of the truck, as well as whatever it’s carrying. They also affect how well the forklift grips the ground, turns corners and absorbs bumps. Once tyres start wearing out, you’ll notice a difference in handling and stability.
Signs like worn treads, cracked rubber or uneven wear shouldn’t be ignored. Replacing tyres early can help avoid accidents, protect your operators and even take pressure off other key parts of the forklift.
Even the best forklifts need the odd part replaced. Staying ahead of wear and tear keeps your fleet safe, efficient and less likely to break down when you need it most.
At H&F Lift Trucks, our dedicated parts department is here to help. We hold a wide range of spares for all makes and models and, if we don’t have what you need, we can usually get it the very next day.
Prefer to order direct? Give us a call, drop us an email or contact us today. We promise to keep your forklift working harder, for longer.
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