Forklift Not Starting? Complete These 5 Checks
As helpful as forklifts are, they can sometimes be problematic when they do not start as they should. There can be many reasons for this, with some being simple fixes and others being issues that require a technician to examine. In this article, we will examine the 5 most common forklift start up issues and how they can be easily resolved.
Check #1:
Warning Lights
If a warning light has presented itself on the dash when operation has commenced, then this should be the first issue you check. The alert should usually be accompanied by a message or error code to raise attention to the problem. Your first course of action should be to locate what this message means in your forklift’s user guide or to contact your dealer if this was not supplied to you. From there, you should be able to get an accurate idea of what issue has occurred and either your dealer or the guide should be able to instruct you on what to do next from there.
Check #2:
Emergency Button
Most modern electric forklifts have an emergency button on them to stop the unit in the event of an emergency. Check that the button has not been engaged accidentally as that will prevent any usage of the forklift and may be the reason as to why your forklift is not working. The emergency button should be a large red button located on either the console of the forklift or on the bonnet.
Check #3:
Start Up Sequence
Another common feature in modern forklifts is their start up sequence. Most modern forklifts now require you to have the seat belt locked in before you are able to drive the forklift. Ensure that you have completed the correct sequence as this can often be a leading issue as to why the forklift may not start. Below are two common start up sequences that should be tested before proceeding through this guide:
Check #4:
Neutral Start
Modern forklifts will also not start if the handbrake has been left off or if the forward/reverse lever has been left in any position but neutral. It is therefore important to check that the handbrake is on and that the forward/reverse lever has been left in neutral to ensure that this common issue is not the reason for your forklift not working.
Check #5:
Fueling and Charging
While a simple issue, it is always important to also check that your forklift is properly fueled. If it is an electric forklift, it is important to check that the forklift has enough charge in it to operate and that the charging cable has been correctly attached back onto the forklift. If it is a diesel or LPG forklift, then it is important to check that it either has enough diesel fuel or that the gas bottle is properly fitted.
If none of these checks work, then you may need to call your technician and get them to complete either an over the phone run through or onsite inspection of your forklift. It is always important to ensure that your forklift is kept properly maintained to help avoid situations such as these. If you are looking for more information on how to help keep your forklift properly maintained, read our other article on Forklift Maintenance.