by Phil Hanford, on April 15, 2022 at 3:04 PM
Keeping your operation running smoothly means keeping your teams moving efficiently. When you rely on quality Doosan forklifts to get the job done, your equipment must be operating well.
Equipment failure or downtime can quickly become costly right up the chain, so a little bit of preparation can go a long way.
If you're ready to start stocking up on commonly required replacement parts, we've got five suggestions on where to start, covering the what and why as we go.
1. Tires
Whether you have pneumatic or cushion forklift tires, they are easy to check and one of the easiest things to replace. Forklift tires need to be in good condition for several reasons. In addition to allowing the forklift to move around, they also act as shock absorbers that keep operators comfortable, which is crucial for longer shifts.
Faulty, worn-down tires lead to decreased fuel efficiency and extra wear on the transmission as well as the potential for damaged products or operator injury.
By keeping tires in stock, your team can switch them out once they spot signs of wear, with minimal downtime.
Since Doosan's rigid drive axles are expertly engineered to withstand heavy loads over long shifts, it's essential to use good tires to maximize their benefits.
For more information on forklift tires, check out:
2. Mast Chains
Mast chains are remarkably strong, but they're also under considerable strain. Therefore, they must be inspected at least daily as any signs of wear could indicate impending failure.
If the mast chains are kinked, bent, rusted, or showing any kind of damage, it's time to replace them.
You can reduce downtime by keeping mast chains in stock. Regularly inspect and replace your mast chains to prevent problems.
3. Hoses
Just like mast chains, a forklift's various hoses should be inspected regularly and replaced at least once every year. These include:
- Fuel hose (for combustion forklift)
- Power steering hoses
- Hydraulic lift hoses
- Reservoir tank hoses
Inspection should include both visual and operational checks, keeping an eye out for any leakage, abrasions, corrosion, or exposed wire reinforcement. Since we suggest replacing these at least once a year, having hoses on hand will reduce downtime and make it easier to regularly replace all of the hoses at once.
4. Filters
Among the list of other easy-to-replace items, your air and oil filters protect your engine and keep your forklift running smoothly. Failure to replace these regularly can lead to catastrophic issues that could have otherwise easily been prevented. At the very least, clogged filters reduce forklift performance and, therefore team efficiency.
It's important to look out for any strange smells coming from the engine or uncharacteristically thick exhaust that might indicate it’s time for a filter change.
5. What About Forklift Brakes?
One of the best features about Doosan forklifts is their virtually maintenance-free, oil-cooled disc braking system, which comes standard on most models. Unlike conventional dry braking systems, oil-cooled brakes are sometimes referred to as "wet," as they're sealed off in a compartment filled with oil.
Rather than changing out the entire set of brakes, the only maintenance required is the occasional brake oil change. For that, we recommend (and stock) Doosan brand brake oil for optimal performance.
Doosan Parts in Stock Today
Whether you’re looking to source replacement Doosan parts or you want to add Doosan equipment to your forklift fleet, Mid-Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling has the stock and supplies you need. Contact us online to get the conversation started or to find out more about Doosan forklift parts. You can also reach out directly to our dealerships by phone:
Auburn: 253-854-5438
Pasco: 509-547-7413
Wenatchee: 509-663-9009
Yakima: 509-457-5137
Further Reading:
How Wet Disc Brakes Dramatically Reduce Forklift Brake Repair Costs
3 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Forklift Brakes
4 Most Expensive Forklift Repairs and How to Prevent Them
What We Need to Know When You Call for Forklift Service
