Hydraulic systems are the backbone of the strength and efficiency of your forklift. You need to take care of it at all times through timely maintenance and regular inspections that will help you troubleshoot problems in good time. Due to its complex nature, the hydraulic system of your forklift can develop all sorts of problems. It is important to understand their cause, effects and possible remedies that will get the machine up and running again. The following discussion centres on various problems associated with the hydraulic system and the implications that these problems have:

Tilt Cylinder Leaks

The purpose of the tilt cylinder is to move the lifting mast or forks in the direction required by the operator. In order to do this, the tilt cylinder relies heavily on hydraulic fluid to provide the much needed force for turning with heavy loads lying on the forks. The presence of hydraulic fluid in this component means that leaks can occur near valves and supply conduits. Such leaks lead to uncontrolled movement of the lifting mechanism and contamination of the working environment as the oil drains directly onto the floor. To remedy tilt cylinder leaks, replace all worn out valves, inlet and outlet conduits that let out fluid uncontrollably.

Low Fluid Levels

When working with forklifts, it is imperative to maintain the rights levels of hydraulic fluid. Low fluid levels are a ticking time bomb for your machine. The same goes for contamination or presence of particles in the hydraulic fluid. Both cases hasten the wear and tear of various parts of the hydraulic system. For this reason, you should always keep tabs of the hydraulic fluid reservoir to ensure that you have the right level. Avoid mixing different brands of hydraulic fluid for homogeneity and maintenance of quality standards. If you need to change brands, make sure that you drain the reservoir and fill it up afresh with your new brand.

Auxiliary Lines and Hoses

Auxiliary lines and hoses are the conduit channels used to carry hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the various components. During operations, hydraulic fluid heats up and moves under immense pressure. All these conditions are transferred to the auxiliary lines and hoses, which must stand up to the working environment. Therefore, it is only normal for them to warp and crack after prolonged use. Additionally, the lines and hoses can also bend and rupture due to physical impact from knocks and falling objects.

Any line and hose that shows blemish must be replaced immediately to maintain the lifting capacity of the machine. 

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