Forklift Mast Chains are responsible for lifting, supporting and holding your load, if they fail, the results can be catastrophic.
Forklift mast chains are constantly running in extreme conditions, constantly loading and unloading hundreds to thousands of pounds on a regular basis puts the chains at risk of failure.
Inspecting the forklift mast chains should be part of an operators daily, weekly or monthly schedule to ensure the longest life possible, but it is always best to have a professional assessment done on a regular basis with a Forklift Periodic Maintenance Schedule.
Two key tools for inspections are a good penetrating lubricant and a chain gauge
SY7006 Chain Lube
Professional-Chain-Gauge
Replace the forklift mast chains if any of the following occur:
- Elongation: Chains need to be measured with a chain gauge, if the elongation is 3% or higher, they need to be replaced. This measurement needs to be where the chain goes over the guide, as this is the highest wear point.
- Broken or Cracked Plate: Cracks can occur in plates for various reasons. Overloading, bouncing of the load from rough surfaces, corrosion or other stressful working conditions.
- Turned, shifted or misaligned pins: If you notice the pins have turned, enlarged holes or twisted, replace the chains.
- Damage: Check for damage to the chain from an external source.
- Seized Links: If Links become seized from improper maintenance, time to replace.
If you notice any of these warning signs, the forklift should be pulled out of service and schedule a service call as soon as possible.
Although it will cost some money to replace the mast chains and anchor pins, ignoring or procrastinating these warning signs could lead to thousands of dollars in additional repairs, damage to property or worse yet, personal injury.
Forklift mast chains are best when replaced by a professional.
The chains should always be replaced as a pair since the load is distributed equally.
Never replace just the link. (the chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link)
New mast chains should always have new anchor pins and cotter pins installed.
Chain anchors should always be inspected and replaced if the pin is seized, bent, adjusting nut is seized or any visual damage.
Contact Landmark Equipment’s Service Department to schedule service. Or if you’d like to perform your own service, contact our Parts Department.
