Neglecting to replace forklift engine coolant regularly can have dire consequences
February 10, 2010
By Jim Erwood
Manager, Key Accounts & Customer Development
In today’s world of forklift equipment powered by internal combustion engines, we are seeing technology changing at a rapid pace. We see extended service intervals, improved fuel economy, synthetic oils and permanent fluids, all in the effort of improving performance while reducing operating costs.
Unfortunately, engines running in vehicles that are a little older get forgotten and don’t get the servicing they once received, and still require. An example of this is cooling systems in equipment over the last half dozen years.
While technology advanced, engine components became composite, aluminum or any possible combination. Radiators became plastic with various combinations of metals. The chemists did their thing and came up with new coolants and recommendations for servicing.
Unfortunately, some owners and technicians have heard all the promises of servicing less frequently and began to postpone everything possible on forklift equipment, including not following manufacturers’ recommendations on coolant replacement.
So what we have learned? If you do not replace your coolant and service your cooling system on a regular basis, it isn’t like days of old. Today, due to all these new composite materials and mixing of dissimilar metals, we see chemical reactions that start to eat away at engine components and cooling systems. Head gasket failures are one of the primary expenses, along with water pumps, engine heads and of course radiators. The components are all expensive in themselves, but their costs rise considerably when you add the labour to replace them.
Take a look at your owner’s manual and see when it tells you to service your cooling system. Has it been done as often as it should have been? If you’re not sure, contact your Williams Machinery expert for some assistance. Play it smart. Change your coolant as directed by the manufacturer and have that cooling system checked over regularly. You’ll never regret it. It will save you money over the life cycle of your forklift equipment.
Contact Jim at jerwood@williamsmachinery.com