What if you had a small cut that wouldn’t stop bleeding?
It would probably worry you. You might wonder about the cause and what other issues it indicated. A quick internet search might give basic guidance, but you would still go see a doctor, no matter how minor the wound. After all, it could be something serious.
Hydraulic fluid is the lifeblood of your forklift’s hydraulic system.
Even a small leak can lead to larger issues. If left long enough, it will put your whole forklift out of commission, leading to expensive emergency repairs and unexpected downtime. It might be a small cut, but it becomes a big issue.
Read on to learn:
Never continue to use a forklift with a hydraulic fluid leak.
Leaking hydraulic oil might seem like an unimportant issue. Still, it poses a significant risk to your facility, equipment, and associates. Operating a forklift with a leak is just plain dangerous.
There is no upside to ignoring a forklift hydraulic leak.
Leaks are a relatively common service issue among forklifts.
Fixing them before they become a disaster requires immediate action. So vigilance and prevention are your best tools.
If your forklift has a leak, there are a few steps to take right away.
You can’t fix a leak you don’t know about.
Keep an eye out for the following signs:
If you notice any of these, remove the forklift from service immediately.
Forklift hydraulic fluid can reach 300 degrees Fahrenheit, instantly burning skin even through leather work gloves.
Additionally, hydraulic systems maintain high pressure. This makes it critical to immediately depressurize the system before taking any diagnostic action. Even small leaks can rupture unexpectedly. A rupture during inspection or repair can spray the technician, causing 3rd-degree burns in under a second.
Never inspect or attempt to repair a pressurized hydraulic system.
Once depressurized, you can inspect the hydraulic system for the source of the leak.
A leak can form in a variety of locations. Examine these common failure points:
Some leaks are easier to fix than others. For example, tightening a loose nut might fix a small leak. However, most repairs require a certified technician.
Check your warranty before attempting any repairs yourself.
Check your hydraulic oil for signs of contamination. Replacing dirty fluid isn't likely to fix an existing leak. Still, it can help prevent recurring leaks, reducing repair costs and downtime.
Additionally, routine fluid checks can prevent a leak in the first place.
Ultimately, contacting our forklift service team is the best option.
Certified, experienced technicians ensure safe, reliable repairs. A leak fixed on the first visit reduces downtime and keeps ongoing leaks from endangering your team and equipment. Plus, our mobile forklift repair takes the hassle out of service calls. Our technicians come to you, leading to faster repairs and less lost productivity.
Professional repair isn't free, but the expense is insignificant compared to the cost of an unaddressed leak.
Forklift hydraulic oil leaks may feel insignificant in the moment.
However, they quickly put your staff, equipment, productivity, and revenue at risk. Don’t let these small failures snowball into critical damage. Our friendly repair team provides fast, efficient service that’s done right the first time. Reduce your risk and your downtime with our certified technicians.
To learn more about service plans or mobile forklift repair, contact us online or visit one of our locations:
Arkansas - Jonesboro
Alabama - Birmingham, Dothan, Irondale, Madison, Mobile, and Montgomery
Georgia - Atlanta
Mississippi - Belden, Tupelo, and Richland
Tennessee - Jackson, Memphis, Knoxville, and Kingsport
Further Reading
Fast Forklift Repair That’s Done Right
The Risks of DIY Forklift Repair
How To Calculate the True Cost of Downtime