by Phil Hanford, on August 19, 2021 at 8:10 AM
As a busy equipment manager dealing with heavy equipment, you know forklift brake jobs aren’t cheap. As a major component, they require regular maintenance and replacement. Those parts and labor add up quickly.
If you’re looking for a way to reduce maintenance costs and increase forklift performance, look no further: oil-cooled disc brakes will help transform your business. Here’s what you need to know:
What are oil-cooled disc brakes?
Oil-cooled disc brakes are a powerful alternative to traditional disc brakes. They are sometimes called “wet disc brakes.” While standard disc brakes wear down quickly due to friction, wet disc brakes are completely sealed and are filled with oil. That oil absorbs the heat, helping to keep discs from wearing down as quickly. That heat absorption has big benefits over time as well as in day-to-day use. These come standard on Doosan forklifts and are available on other brands as well.
How do oil-cooled disc brakes perform day-to-day?
Oil-cooled disc brakes are great in any application. However, they truly shine in areas with heavy braking usage. High-traffic warehouses, outdoor settings with many hills, and any other setting with frequent stops will benefit from their use. Oil-cooled disc brakes stop more reliably and more effectively than traditional brakes. They can even brake effectively on wet pavement, thanks to their sealed construction. Those seals keep water and other contaminants out so that the brakes don’t slip. It also keeps them from rusting or corroding over time, which can lead to brake failure.
What can I expect from maintenance on oil-cooled disc brakes?
Compared to traditional brakes, oil-cooled disc brakes require very little maintenance. Aside from an occasional oil change, no major labor is needed to keep them working day in and day out. This can lead to substantial cost savings over time without sacrificing safety or performance! Doosan’s oil-cooled disc brake warranty is for 5 years or 10,000 hours of operating time. Other forklift brands offer similar peace of mind for these components. At five years, most forklifts are nearing the end of their economic lifespan, meaning you’d be ready to replace the entire unit. That makes oil-cooled disc brakes a big plus for businesses interested in lower costs and better forklift braking performance.
Want to learn more about Doosan forklifts and other oil-cooled disc brake options? Contact the material handling experts at Mid-Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material Handling. You can also contact one of our dealerships in the Pacific Northwest by phone:
Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137
Further Reading:
3 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Forklift Brakes
How Wet Disc Brakes Dramatically Reduce Forklift Brake Repair Costs
Where Are Doosan Forklifts Manufactured? Doosan Forklift FAQ
