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7 Common Signs to Know When To Repair Your Reach Truck

7 Common Signs to Know When To Repair Your Reach Truck

Like every vehicle, a reach truck will have its own lifespan. At some point in time, a reach truck will need to have repairs and part replacements. Some parts may be costlier than the others, whereas some others, not as expensive. 

If your reach truck is reaching that stage in its lifespan, then you will know it is time for replacements. Here are seven signs that your reach truck needs a repair or part replacements. 

1. Worn out forks 

One of the most crucial parts of a reach truck is its forks. Its forks may show wear and tear when it carries too many loads. Such wear and tear usually resulted from carrying loads around for too long. Or it may result from using the wrong fork spec to carry the wrong load weight. 

Either way, even if you are using the right forks for the right load, it will still be subjected to wear and tear. Eventually, it will wear out and you will need to replace it nonetheless. If you see the forks bent or cracked, that means it is time to replace those forks. 

2. Worn out chains 

Chains on a reach truck tend to stretch during its use. At some point in its lifespan, it reaches the point where further deployment becomes less safe. Have a service technician measure the degree of stretching and know where it needs to be replaced. 

As soon as the chain is replaced, it is important to look at its wheels and rollers. Its wheels and rollers are subjected to wear and tear after long-term use too. 

3. Low battery life 

Reach trucks do run on batteries, be it lithium batteries or lead-acid batteries. Both types of batteries need to be recharged and refilled nonetheless. The only difference is that lithium batteries tend to cost more but last longer. Lead-acid batteries don’t last as long and do not cost as much during their initial purchase stage. 

However, if a battery reaches below 20% of its residual power, it can cause the reach truck substantial damage. A reach truck’s battery life span is approximately 1500 to 2000 charge and discharge cycles. The way the battery is being used can also determine and indicate its lifespan. 

4. External damages to the reach truck 

4. External damages to the reach truck
Image via Canva

 

If there are any external damages to your reach truck, it will be a sure sign that it has had a rough life. Its rough life can lead to consequences that lie beneath its surface, Its bent forks and dents in its overhead guards show you that you have to do something about it. If you do not take any further actions, you may not use the reach truck safely again. 

If it helps any, check the overall condition of the reach truck for dents, collisions, and any other damages. You should also pay attention to its forks too. Check for any bents and dents in the vehicle to determine if it can be used for the long term. 

5. Working hours matter 

The number of working hours on a reach truck matters too. The longer its functioning and working hours are, the higher its maintenance cost is going to get. Depending on the reach truck’s type, if its hours are over 10000 hours, the costlier its maintenance is going to get. 

Many rental contracts have a duration of 60 months to 72 months – or 5 years to 6 years in general. In average, that will be 1750 hours to 2000 hours a year. Any time after that, engines and gearboxes may need more care and revisions, and carbon brushes with electric motors that need replacements. Its engines will need to be kept extra clean too. 

6. Fluid leaks 

If your reach trucks start leaking liquids, it’s a clear sign that it is facing issues already. If your operator sees any signs of leaks inside or beneath the vehicle, they will need to remove the vehicle. After that, with due diligence, they will need to service and administer repairs as soon as possible. The most common leaks in reach trucks are hydraulic fluids and oil. 

This sign is a common reason why many reach truck operators need to be aware of their surroundings at all times. They will need to spot hazards for any employees and machines nearby. To avoid any vehicle or people slipping on the leaks, clean it up and fix the vehicle as soon as possible. 

7. Worn tires 

A reach truck’s tires are a testament to how long it has been functioning in the workplace. They endure a lot of stress during operation hours. If your reach truck has worn tires, it can lead to accidents while carrying out tasks. If you wish to avoid any injuries and property damages, employees and staff will need to properly monitor the reach truck’s tire integrity. 

Tires wear out overtime that’s why it has a visual marker to indicate excessive wear. If it falls below the 50% wear line and becomes visible, then it is time to replace the tires. 

Bottom Line 

If you see any of these signs on your reach trucks, be sure to have it repaired or replaced immediately. Feel free to reach out to us if you need any assistance with your reach truck.

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