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Fault Diagnosis

Common Forklift Problems

The four most common forklift faults — explained in plain language. Each page covers causes, symptoms, what you can check yourself, and how our technicians diagnose and repair it. If your machine is showing any of these symptoms, call now.

Emergency? Call 074 238 1260
HIGH
Forklift Not Lifting

Forks won't raise, or lift slowly and struggle under load. The most disruptive fault — your machine is useless until it is fixed.

Common causes
Low hydraulic fluidWorn hydraulic pumpClogged filterCylinder bypassRelief valve fault
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HIGH
Hydraulic Leaks & Cylinder Faults

Oil pooling under the machine, mast drifting, tilt losing hold — hydraulic leaks accelerate. A small seal leak becomes a major repair if left.

Common causes
Cylinder seal failureHose burstPump cavitationContaminated fluidControl valve sticking
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HIGH
Engine Problems

Overheating, power loss, unusual knock or smoke. An overheating engine that keeps running destroys itself in minutes.

Common causes
Coolant system failureOil starvationInjector faultsTurbo failureHead gasket failureTiming belt
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MEDIUM-HIGH
Electrical Faults

Dead machine, error codes, battery problems, intermittent faults. Electrical diagnosis requires the right tools — guessing with parts costs more.

Common causes
Wiring harness damageBattery failureAlternator failureFuse/relay faultECU faultContactor wear
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Not sure what the fault is?

Call 074 238 1260 and describe the symptom. We will tell you what it most likely is and get a technician to you the same day across the Vaal Triangle.