Wet brakes, also known as oil-cooled disc brakes, offer tremendous long-term cost savings compared to standard disc brakes. Wet disc brakes only require periodic oil changes, that’s it - no maintenance, no shoes to replace or adjust.
Wet brakes are also fully-sealed, which prevents corrosion and contamination. Dust and debris can damage conventional brakes by creating ridges on the brake shoes (and sometimes the drum), but these repairs can be completely avoided with wet brakes.
Choosing a forklift with wet disc brakes can save you $3300 - $5000 on brake jobs over five years (depending on your application and working conditions). You can also avoid other common problems with conventional brakes (such as glazing, grabbing, etc.), which can add up to an additional $5,000 in repair costs during the life of your forklift.
If you’re interested in buying a forklift with wet disc brakes, Mid Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling has several brands and models to choose from including:
Questions? We’re here to help. Contact a forklift expert online or by phone:
Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137
Further Reading
Maintenance Tips for Washington Port Equipment
Best Equipment for Intermodal Shipping Container Management
Equipment Challenges for Washington’s Forest Products Industry