Whether you're a small business owner purchasing your first forklift, or a season warehouse manager hunting for the best possible deal, it's important to know what to look for when buying a used forklift. Otherwise you may end up with a machine that fails long before it should. If you would like to learn more about the most important parts of a forklift to inspect, read on. This article will outline three important areas.
Canopy And Frame
The canopy may not seem like one of the most important part of a forklift--at least, not until you stop to consider that it is the one potential shield between you and any falling merchandise. Likewise, the canopy greatly reduces the risk of being crushed should the forklift roll over. Thus it is vital to ensure that neither the canopy nor the framing posts that hold it up have suffered any undue damage that would leave them weaker than they should be.
Start by checking the support beams for any signs of bending or damage. Even relatively minor problems could compromise the canopy's ability to resist crushing forces. Keep any eye out for any areas that appear to have been welded or repaired. To ensure ideal safety, it is best to purchase a forklift whose principal components have not been modified or altered in any way, as these are often signs that it has suffered undue damage in the past.
Loading Arm Performance Checks
Next sit down inside of the cab. There, begin by checking that the safety belt fastens properly. Also inspect the belt itself for any tears, wear, or signs of poor condition. Now start the forklift and proceed to test all of the hydraulic levers. In other words, test that the loading arms are capable of moving fluidly not only up and down, but also back and forth, and left and right. At no point when testing the lifting arms should you hear any grinding or straining sounds.
Engine
Finally, it is important to take a look underneath the hood of the forklift. Don't worry: you don't need to be a skilled mechanic to make some basic evaluations about the machine's condition. Inspect the engine compartment—as well as the ground just beneath it--for any signs of leaking fluid, whether oil, hydraulic fluid, or coolant. Also be sure to also check out the various hoses. Be wary if you notice any signs of gunk or grime, as such dirt often accumulates around a leaky hose. Likewise inspect the forklift's battery for any signs of corrosion or leaking.
For more information, contact companies like Horizon Equipment Rentals.
Share6 October 2016
How safe is your industrial workplace? Do your employees have all of the safety equipment they need to safely do their jobs every day? Are dangerous areas clearly labeled? Are the emergency exits visible from different areas of the workplace? There are many elements that go into keeping an industrial workplace safe, so it can be difficult to know if you have every element covered. Visit our site to find a checklist that can help you walk through your building and check for every possible safety measure that could be put in place. It is my hope that the information provided will help you and your employees avoid serious injuries.
