3 Common Problems With Forklift Hydraulic Systems

For businesses that deal with buying and selling goods, few warehouse tools hold as much importance as forklifts. In fact, many companies would find themselves unable to meet day-to-day needs without one or more forklifts in reliable working condition. Unfortunately, the heavy workloads that forklifts experience often cause them to develop problems.

Many such problems specifically affect a forklift's hydraulic system. If not attended to quickly, hydraulic issues may soon lead to a forklift that cannot be used at all. If you would like to improve your knowledge of forklift hydraulics, keep reading. This article takes a closer look at three common problems experienced by forklift hydraulic systems.

Mast drift involves a forklift mast that exhibits changes in position when elevated under load. As anyone who has ever experienced this problem knows, it can be highly worrisome. At first, the amount of drift may be quite small. Left unattended, however, the problem can quickly reach dangerous levels, putting the stability of your forklift at risk.

Mast drift often occurs as the result of problems with a forklift's hydraulic system. Even relatively small fluid leaks may lead to mast drift. Likewise, the problem may be caused by one or more faulty valves that allow hydraulic fluid to escape from the master cylinder at inappropriate times.

Seek professional assistance if you or any of your forklift operators have experienced mast drift. In the meantime, learn as much as you can about the issue. Run a test to determine the weight necessary for the drift to manifest. Also pay attention to whether the drift regularly occurs at a particular mast height. Such information makes it much easier for a technician to determine the appropriate repair.

While forklifts may be unique among the pantheon of work vehicles, their lifting ability derives from universal hydraulic principles. Simply put, forklifts accomplish work by transferring pressure through a fluid system. In order to maintain efficiency, this system must remain closed at all times.

Unfortunately, like all hydraulic systems, forklifts utilize numerous hydraulic hoses in order to transfer fluid pressure. Compared to other parts of the hydraulic system, these hoses demonstrate a marked tendency to develop leaks as time goes on. Hose failures reduce the ability of your forklift to do work, and can even cripple it entirely.

Hose failure may stem from a wide range of factors. Simple old age can cause a hose to become hard, brittle, and prone to cracking. An insufficiently threaded hose fitting stands a much greater chance of failing under pressure. Excessive crimping, friction damage, and incompatible fluid types may all also contribute to hose failure.

Although a forklift's hydraulic system ideally remains closed at all times, contaminants can still make their way into the fluid. Such contaminants often occur as internal components experience corrosion. Moisture can also infiltrate a hydraulic system in numerous ways, often leading to devastating problems.

Forklifts, like virtually all hydraulic equipment, contain suction filters used to remove any and all contaminants from the fluid as it circulates through the system. Unfortunately, suction filters may eventually become so clogged with contaminants that they begin to impede the proper flow of fluid.

Such a restriction can cause all sorts of problems for the system, from a simple lack of power to devastating forms of damage like cavitation and aeration. Regular suction filter maintenance should therefore be a high priority for any business that regularly relies on forklifts. For more information about what it takes to keep a forklift running strong, please contact the heavy equipment experts at Ever-Joy Rent All.