Three Wheel Kits - Have you heard of them?

Now there is a great way to keep your electric lift truck running smoothly!

There is a Three Wheel Kit that has as much as twice the wear life compared to the standard single wheel option. Not to mention that the independent rotation results in less wear since it generates less heat. These Three Wheel Kits also help prevent "coning" because they don't get as worn down when turning corners.

These wheel kits can be used on the Crown PE Series or the Raymond 111, 112 or 8400, 8500

Fast Lift Parts offers these for a great price, check it out here (Crown) or here (Raymond).

Pallet Jack Traverse

There are few things that can be wrong with the traverse. Wear can occur on the bearing shoulder or where the shoulder bolts attach to the lifting link. If these areas are egg-shaped or out-of-round, replace the traverse.

Load Wheel Inspection Tips

Load Wheels (also known as Load Rollers) and Load Wheel Brackets

Load wheel inspection-
Load wheels should not have flat spots or large pieces of metal imbedded in them (i.e. tacks, nails or metal shavings). Any chips in the wheel that keep it from rolling smoothly indicate the need for replacement. If the wheel has cracks, loose tread, or does not turn freely, replace both wheels. Always change the wheels in pairs to reduce uneven wear.

New load rollers have an outside diameter of 3"(L-50), 2"(L-50 mini), and 1 3/4" (L-50 CHEP). If the diameter is worn more than 1/4" from its normal size, replacement is necessary.

Load wheel brackets -
Inspect the brackets for cracks or wear from prolonged rubbing on the floor. Check for out-of-round axle holes and inspect the bushings closely (see Bushing Inspection). If any of the above conditions exist, replace the brackets.

Go to www.fastliftparts.com for load wheels or load wheel bracket replacement parts.

Pallet Jack Handle - Inspection Tips

Inspect handle for cracks and structural integrity. There should be minimal side play in the handle socket. Check for worn bushings. If bushings are not replaced regularly, the handle bracket holes can become worn. Damaged holes cause pin failure and may require complete handle replacement. Also inspect the roller for flat areas and wear. If any of the above parts are worn more than 1/16", replace them.

Pallet Jack Hydraulic Unit Inspection Tips

Inspection Tips for Hydraulic Units

Inspect the outside of the pallet jack hydraulic pump for oil leaks. Test the hydraulic unit, under a load, to determine if there is a problem. This can be done by lifting a heavy pallet and letting it stand for 15-20 minutes. Use UNI-HO hydraulic oil. Do not use automotive oil or hydraulic brake fluid.

Possible Problems with Pallet Jack Hydraulic Unit:

Jack fails to lift load:
• Air Lock in Pump - Place the control lever into release position, then pump the handle rapidly about 10-15 times. (5 minutes)
• Low Fluid Level - With the jack in a lowered position, remove filler plug. Using UNI-HO oil, fill the reservoir until the oil is level with the fill plug hole. Bleed the unit. Replace the filler plug, creating a snug fit. Do not over-tighten.

Jack fails to lower:
• Look for any bent frame parts (lifting link, push rod, etc.). Bent frame parts need to be replaced.
• The hand control may be out of adjustment.

Jack lifts in short increments:
• Lack of oil pressure – check fluid level.
• Reservoir filler plug leaking - Replace the washer and filler plug and replenish oil as necessary.

One fork lifts, the other does not:
Check for damage in the following areas and their attached parts:
• Lifting link (lifting link pin and traverse shoulder pin)
• Pushrod
• Load roller bracket (pivot axle)

Pallet Jack Steer Wheels Inspection Tips

Steer wheels should not have flat spots or large pieces of metal imbedded in them (i.e. tacks, nails or metal shavings). Chips in the wheel, which keep it from rolling smoothly, indicate the need for replacement. Steer wheels should turn freely. They should not rub the bottom of the traverse. If they do, check for the correct installation of the snap ring under the traverse. If the wheel is worn more than 1/4" from the normal outside diameter, replacement is necessary.

Everything About Bushings

Bushings are designed to wear out sooner than the mating parts. They are made of softer material and are expendable. It is recommended that anytime the jack is torn down to a point where the bushings are accessible, that they should be replaced. This will ensure longer life of the jack and will reduce the amount of downtime. Bushings are very inexpensive and it is cost-effective to change them regularly.

Tip:If bushings are cracked, broken, egg shaped or worn more than 1/16" from the original size, replace them.

Remember, if the jack is already disassembled, replace all accessible bushings.

Tip: Coating axles and bushings with anti-seize compound before installation makes maintenance easier.