Forklifts are robust industrial machines, but they are prone to damage under specific operating conditions or due to improper handling. Below are three common situations where forklifts are most vulnerable to damage, along with preventive measures:

1. Overloading or Uneven Load Distribution

Damage Risks:

Mast/Fork Deformation: Exceeding the rated load capacity can bend forks, warp the mast, or damage hydraulic cylinders.

Tire Failure: Uneven weight distribution (e.g., lifting a load with one fork) causes excessive stress on tires, leading to blowouts or sidewall damage.

Structural Stress: The chassis or overhead guard may crack under sustained overload, compromising safety.

Hydraulic System Leaks: Overpressure can rupture seals or hoses in the hydraulic system.

Real-World Example:

A warehouse operator lifted a 3-ton pallet using a 2.5-ton-capacity forklift, causing the mast to bend permanently. The repair cost exceeded $5,000, and the forklift was out of service for a week.

Preventive Measures:

Always verify the load weight using scales or weight tags.

Distribute weight evenly across both forks and center the load.

Use a load backrest extension for tall or unstable loads.

Train operators to recognize weight limits and avoid "guesswork."

2. Operating on Uneven or Slippery Surfaces

Damage Risks:

Tire Wear/Punctures: Rough terrain (e.g., gravel, potholes) accelerates tire wear, while sharp objects can puncture pneumatic tires.

Chassis Damage: Hitting curbs, speed bumps, or dock edges can dent the chassis or damage axles.

Mast Instability: Sudden stops or turns on slippery floors (e.g., oil spills, wet concrete) can cause the mast to tilt or the load to shift, leading to collisions.

Electrical/Hydraulic Failures: Water ingress from puddles or flooding can short-circuit electrical components or contaminate hydraulic fluid.

Real-World Example:

A forklift operating in a rainy outdoor yard skidded on a wet slope, crashing into a storage rack. The impact damaged the mast, forks, and rack, resulting in $12,000 in repairs and lost inventory.

Preventive Measures:

Use forklifts rated for the terrain (e.g., rough-terrain forklifts with pneumatic tires for outdoor use).

Install non-slip tires or tire chains for icy conditions.

Mark uneven surfaces with warning signs and train operators to slow down.

Equip forklifts with waterproof covers for electrical panels in wet environments.

3. Improper Turning or High-Speed Maneuvers

Damage Risks:

Tire Skidding/Flat Spots: High-speed turns or abrupt stops can cause tires to skid, creating flat spots or uneven wear.

Axle/Steering Damage: Sharp turns at full speed strain the steering system and axles, leading to premature failure.

Overhead Guard/Light Damage: Swinging loads or turning too tightly can collide with racks, walls, or doors, breaking lights or deforming the guard.

Operator Ejection: In extreme cases, sudden turns can throw the operator from the seat, causing injuries and forklift damage.

Real-World Example:

An operator racing to meet deadlines took a turn at 15 mph (double the recommended speed), causing the forklift to tip over. The overhead guard, mast, and tires were destroyed, and the operator suffered minor injuries.

The main equipment produced by Hebei Makita: stage electric hoist, electric chian hoist, wire rope electric hoist，Hand chain hoist, lever hoist, pneumatic hoist and other lifting equipment