Whether you are a seasoned forklift operator or if you are just starting out with your operation you’ll know that forklift trucks can often develop faults despite regular professional maintenance, especially during the winter months. To help you spot any issues before they become a major problem, here is a list of the most common forklift problems and how you can fix them. 

Your Forklift Won’t Start

Just because a forklift is refusing to start doesn’t mean that it has come to the end of its life. It can be something as simple as a flat battery (especially when it is cold and not used regularly) or lack of fuel. There’s is also a chance that overheating could be the issue, so make sure the machine has adequate coolant and antifreeze. 

If you have checked these and the machine still won’t start, get in touch with a professional who will be able to find the fault and service your machine thoroughly to prevent issues in the future. 

Steering Faults

Steering issues are definitely something you cannot ignore when driving a forklift. Even the small capacity forklift can weigh thousands of kilos, so being able to steer the machine safely can prevent serious injury even from the smallest of accidents. 

Steering issues normally occur as a result of poor steering fluid transmission which will affect the wheel’s ability to switch directions. However, steering can also be affected by other factors too, including misaligned tyres, worn-out gears, or a rusty steering mechanism. These can easily be replaced by one of our fully trained service engineers. 

Mast Or Lifting Problems

One of the most common forklift problems that we’re contacted about is the mast and lifting mechanism not raising or lowering correctly. To avoid damage to the goods being lifted, it’s best to solve this issue as soon as possible. 

Faults with the lift mechanism are usually down to not having enough hydraulic fluid, which makes it difficult for the machine to power any fast movements. Check for leaks, top-up fluid levels, and replace any faulty or aged parts.

Worn-out Tyres And Suspension

Lifting heavy loads day in day out is bound to have an impact on your forklift’s tyres and suspension. And once they begin to wear, you’ll find all kinds of problems with the machine’s performance, especially when it comes to stability and safety when travelling across multiple surfaces. 

By simply checking all the tyres before operating the forklift and replacing the tyres when necessary will go a long way towards increasing your safety.

Engine Overheating

An overheating engine will cause your forklift to run inefficiently but in extreme cases, it can cause the forklift to shut down. This makes it really important that you keep an eye on the coolant system, check for any blockages, take a look at the radiator, and gently clean the machinery when needed. 

It’s also a good idea to check the thermostat is working correctly as this is the part that’s triggered when the engine temperature becomes too high to release excess heat.

At Dawsongroup | material handling we can supply a full range of forklift trucks and material handling equipment to suit any operation. We are also able to maintain your machine regardless of your fleet size throughout the UK. If your forklift requires servicing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.