3 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Forklift Brakes

by Dave Jensen, on January 15, 2021 at 3:15 PM

 3 Signs Its Time to Replace Your Forklift BrakesWell-functioning forklift brakes are vital to maintaining your operation. Your operators' safety and productivity are in jeopardy unless a forklift can stop smoothly and with control. That's why OSHA requires you to inspect the brakes daily. 

When you're checking a forklift, how can you tell that it's time to replace forklift brakes? Learn the 3 signs of worn-out brakes to protect your staff, avoid unwanted downtime, and maintain productivity.

My Forklift Brakes Have More Than 5000 Hours

Brake drum and brake shoes are the two main components of your brake structure. Your forklift stops when the brake shoes are forced against the brake drum and cause friction.

Newly installed forklift brake shoes and drums have smooth surfaces. Eventually, you will start noticing how debris and dust create ridges on the brake shoes. You can smooth these ridges out if you detect them early. Without timely intervention, the brake damage has gone too long, and the ridges damage the brake drums. It happens every 5,000-7,000 hours. Then, you should replace an entire brake system.

Note that these are basic guidelines only. The range of hours depends on your environmental conditions and driving habits. For example, the brakes will have less wear if your operators avoid obstacles or stacking loads.

My Forklift Brakes Fail Basic Pre-shift Inspection

OSHA requires you to ensure that brakes are functioning before every shift. During this pre-shift inspection, pay attention to the following:

  • The brake pedal doesn't fall to the floor and has enough resistance to create a safe stopping distance smoothly 
  • Parking brake holds against a light pull
  • Deadman switch holds when the operator gets up from the seat

If you're not convinced that one of the areas above is functioning correctly, have a certified technician inspect it. 

My Forklift Stops Too Fast

Stopping distances are much longer for forklifts than the vehicles we're used to.

For example, check how long it takes your forklift if you're traveling at 7 mph. It should take about 16 feet for your lift truck to stop completely. Your stopping time increases with your speed.

When you're carrying a heavy load, your forklift should take longer than usual to stop completely. If stopped too quickly, the forklift becomes unbalanced, loses its load, or even turns over. 

Observe your forklift in different scenarios to determine if the brakes slow your lift truck smoothly. It may be a time for a replacement.

Forklift Brakes Repair and Replacement in Seattle, the Tri-Cities, Wenatchee, and Yakima

If you've experienced one of the signs above, it's time to partner with a certified professional. Unplanned downtime shouldn't get in the way of your productivity.

The forklift brakes experts at Mid-Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling can complete a thorough inspection of your forklift brakes. We can help you determine whether you should repair or replace them. Our expert technicians replace brakes on all makes and models of material handling equipment.

Mid-Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling has been helping customers in the greater Seattle area, Tri-Cities, Wenatchee, and Yakima since 1978. We're happy to answer any questions you have about battery maintenance, inspection, or repair.

Read What We Need to Know When You Call for Forklift Service 

And then contact us online or by phone:

Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137

Further Reading
Know When to Replace Forklift Forks
How Wet Disc Brakes Dramatically Reduce Forklift Brake Repair Costs
Signs Your Forklift Needs Repairs

Forklift Parts and Service

Topics:ForkliftServiceForklift Brakes

About This Blog

Material handling articles to help answer the questions you have about forklifts, aerial equipment, utility vehicles, warehouse optimization, and safety.

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