Is Your Forklift’s Hydraulic System Protected?

The hydraulic system of your forklift is the heart and lifeblood of your forklift. A forklift with a hydraulic contamination can result in extensive damage and extended forklift downtime – and downtime means less productivity and material handling moving. Use these tips from Ring Power Lift Trucks to keep your forklift healthy and operating smoothly.

1. Hydraulic Control Valve
   Incorrect hydraulic pressure can damage seals and restrict lift capacity. External leaks from the control valve and other sealed areas can contaminate the operating environment, accelerate component wear and reduce performance.
2. Lift Cylinder
   Lift cylinder oil leaks could result in load drift problems and contamination of the operating environment. Low fluid can accelerate wear of a forklift’s hydraulic components. Leaks can occur externally or internally within the cylinder. Be watchful of hydraulic oil on the ground or on components.
3. Tilt Cylinder
   Tilt cylinder oil leaks could cause uncontrolled mast movement and contamination of the operating environment. Low fluid can accelerate wear of hydraulic components. Leaks can occur externally.
   
4. Hydraulic Hoses and Auxiliary Lines
   Missing or damaged forklift hoses, tubes, lines and/or retainers could result in routing and interference problems. Bent or damaged hydraulic hose sheaves can damage the hoses. Both can result in oil leakage into the operating environment.
   
5. Hydraulic Fluid
   Low fluid levels or heavy particles in the hydraulic oil can accelerate wear of the hydraulic pump and other hydraulic system components. Check the forklift’s hydraulic fluid reservoir and maintain proper levels.
6. Hydraulic Filter
   A forklift with a clogged suction strainer or return filter restricts oil flow, increases the forklift’s system pressure and accelerates wear of internal hydraulic components, all of which can lead to premature system failure.
7. Steering System
   Leaking steering cylinders and/or hydraulic connections may contaminate the operating environment and result in loss of steering. Low fluid levels can accelerate hydraulic component wear.

Ring Power Lift Trucks is the forklift division of Ring Power Corporation, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Additional offices service Pompano Beach, Miami, Daytona Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Ocala, Sarasota, and Tallahassee. Ring Power Lift Truck services and repairs all makes of forklifts including Toyota, Hyster, Yale, Crown, Nissan and others. Click to schedule a service appointment.