Clark Forklift Repair

If you need to repair your Clark forklift truck, it is important that you have the model number of your lift truck so that you can properly look up the exact forklift part number as well.  Depending on the capabilities of your in house staff you can perform your forklift repair or have this process outsourced to the local Clark dealer as well.  If you wish to perform your own maintenance make sure that your staff is adequately trained with regards to forklift repair. 

Sometimes it can be challenging to find the correct part number for older electric pallet trucks.  Part of the key is to understand who originally made the part.  The reason for this is because the forklift company does not usually make all the parts.  If you have the OEM part number along with the Clark assigned part number this can make it much easier to source parts (and often at a cheaper price as well).  Some of the Clark forklift models which have been sold in the past include: P40, P60,EWP45, HWP40,HWP60, S20, S30, S40, SP20, S20, S30, S40, PT5, HPC60, PC60, PTT5, ST20, ST30, ST40, OP7, 30, NS300, ESM15S, ESM2 15S, and ESX15S.

Electric models usually will require fewer repairs because there are less moving parts compared to owning and operating internal combustion (diesel) forklift trucks.  You can purchase parts online and there are many different options you can choose from including OEM, Aftermarket, New, Used, or Refurbished.  In certain cases you are better off purchasing new vs. refurbished forklift parts for your Clark truck depending on your overall budget. 

When you are examining the mechanical components on your Clark forklift truck make sure to pay close attention to the lift chains and rollers on the forklift.  You should be checking for signs of rust (which indicate the need for lubrication), squeaking noises, etc

You should also replace your Clark forklift wheels if they are developing large cuts, missing pieces of rubber, or separating from the bond causing slipping as well. 

The age of your machine will primarily determine which parts will need to be serviced, repaired, or replaced.  During safety checks make sure you check the condition of the lights, sirens, strobes, horn, seat belts, overhead guard to make sure they are in good working condition.  Make sure that you also check off of the operating controls including seat break, steering wheel, dash gauges, and hydraulic lift controls.

As your Clark forklift truck ages you may need to repair certain hydraulic lift parts such as the lift cyclinder, hydraulic seal kits mast or other parts of the hydraulic system. During normal wear and tear you may begin to develop leaks, on the tilt, lift or fork attachments.  Over the forks on your Clark truck will wear and and may need to be replaced as well.  If you have a order picker truck, be sure to closely examine the gripper jaws, work platform and the safety interlock to make sure they do not have to be repaired or replaced.

During regular preventative maintenance intervals you should be consistently check, and replace fluids as needed such as the hydraulic oil, transmission fluid, motor oil, engine coolant, and water/electrolyte if you have a Clark electric forklift.  Also check your pneumatic rubber or cushion wheels on a regular basis to inspect for wear and tear issues.  You can usually obtain a preventative maintenance checklist from the Clark dealer if you no longer can find your original Clark forklift truck manual.

If you own an internal combustion (diesel) forklift you may also need to replace the exhaust system, fuel tanks, in addition to performing overhauls on the diesel forklift motor.  Keep in mind that over time, depending on your usage environment other mechanic parts such as steering linkages, drive shafts, wheel bearings will also wear out and need to be replaced as well.  If your machine has been used in extremely heavy duty environments make sure that the forklift mast is still structurally sound, and not bending.  Look for broken welds, cracked areas, or missing stops on the forklift mast.