Common Forklift Problems Solved
Here at Forklifts Direct, we often have customers calling us up for breakdowns and issues they may be experiencing with their forklifts. Some of these issues we can assist with over the phone, some are operator error and others require a qualified technician to examine the issue. There are four frequent issues we often get asked about, including starting issues, forward/reverse issues, charging issues and brake issues. In this article, we examine these top four issues we often get asked about at Forklifts Direct.
Common Issue #1: Forklift Not Starting
If your forklift is not starting, there are five common checks you can complete first to ensure that the issue is not occurring as a result of operator error. The first check is to ensure that no warning lights are on. If they are on, either consult your handbook or service technician on what to do next. If there are no warning lights, the next check to complete would be to ensure that the emergency button is not still activated. If the emergency button is up, then the third check would be to ensure that the correct start up sequence has been initiated, more information can be found on this stage in our Forklift Starting Issue article. Once the sequence has been confirmed to be correct, ensure the forklift is starting in a neutral position, with the forward or reverse lever being placed in the centre of it’s positioning. The final check would be to ensure that the forklift is properly fueled and charged. If it is a dual fuel forklift, then it is also important to check that switch has been set to the desired fuel source to be used. If all of these checks fail, then it is recommended you get in contact with your local service technician.
Common Issue #2: Forklift Won't Go Into Forward/Reverse
For a forklift that cannot select forward or reverse, there are only two checks that can be completed before a technician should be called out. Similar to the previous issue, the first check is to ensure that the forklift is started with the correct start up sequence. Most modern forklifts require a forklift to be started in a specific sequence, so it is important to ensure this sequence has been followed before proceeding further. Once the start up sequence has been verified, the next check would be to ensure that the forward/reverse lever is in neutral before attempting to move the forklift. If the switch has been moved, then the sequence may once again be affecting the selection. Once again, if both of these checks fail, then it is recommended that you get in touch with your local service technician.
Common Issue #3: Forklift Not Charging
When it comes to a charging issue, two simple problems may have occurred, however, only one can be checked by an operator. The first check that can be completed by an operator is to check if the fan belt is loose. If it is found to be loose, then it is recommended to get in touch with your local service provider, inform them of the issue and have them attend site to tighten the fan belt once more. If the fan belt is not the issue, then it may also be that the alternator has become loose. This issue is something only a technician can identify so ultimately unless you can firstly identify an issue with the fan belt, it is recommended that you contact your local service provider.
Common Issue #4: Brake Issues
If you are experiencing issues with your brakes, then it is firstly recommended that you check the brake fluid levels first as if they are low, then that would likely be where your issue lies. If the brake fluid levels are fine, then it is recommended you consult with your local service provider ASAP as brake issues should not be left unattended for too long.
Overall, this article is able to provide a guide on some simple checks you can complete on your forklift to understand what may be causing the issues that you are experiencing. This article is only a guide and if the outlined checks do not solve the problem, then it is recommended that you get in touch with your local service provider. If you are in Adelaide and are experiencing some of these issues, contact us today and we can send a technician to come have a look at the issue for you.