FAQ

Q:

Can my forklift and excavator use the same hydraulic oil?

A:
Not necessarily. Although both types of equipment use hydraulic oil, they have different requirements for viscosity and additives:
Forklifts typically use ISO VG 32 or 46 hydraulic oil, depending on operating temperature and manufacturer specifications.
Excavators typically require ISO VG 46 or 68 hydraulic oil; in hot climates or heavy-duty excavation applications, higher-viscosity hydraulic oil is required.
Always use the oil grade specified in the manual for each piece of equipment. Using oil with an incorrect viscosity—for example, oil that is too thin for an excavator or too thick for a forklift—may lead to pump wear, poor performance, or cold-start problems. If you want to use the same oil across your entire equipment fleet, select an oil grade that meets the highest requirements and confirm that it is compatible with all equipment manuals.
Q:

What causes loader driveshaft vibration, and how should it be resolved?

A:
Driveshaft vibration is a common issue that may damage the transmission and axle. Common causes include:
Worn universal joints (U-joints): Grease should be applied weekly. If there is play when turning the driveshaft by hand, replace the universal joints.
Accumulated mud or debris: The driveshaft should be thoroughly cleaned. Even a small amount of mud can cause the driveshaft to become unbalanced.
Bent driveshaft tube: If bending is visible or the runout exceeds 2 mm, the driveshaft needs to be replaced.
Worn center bearing: For a two-piece driveshaft, a worn center bearing can cause excessive movement.
If the vibration problem cannot be resolved after cleaning and lubrication, have a professional dynamically balance or replace the driveshaft.
Q:

How do I determine when excavator bucket teeth should be replaced?

A:
Bucket teeth gradually wear down, and replacing them at the right time can save costs. Bucket teeth should be replaced in the following situations:
Blunt tooth tips: Less than 25 mm of the original length remains, resulting in reduced penetration capability.
Wear reaching the adapter nose: If the bucket tooth has worn down to expose the adapter body, the adapter will wear quickly and replacement costs will be higher.
Asymmetrical wear: One side of the bucket tooth is noticeably more worn than the other, causing the bucket to pull to one side during digging.
Bucket teeth should be replaced as a complete set rather than individually. Mixing new and worn bucket teeth causes uneven loading on the adapters. It is recommended to keep spare bucket teeth on site for quick replacement.
Q:

My mining dump truck's brake pedal feels very soft and goes all the way to the floor. What should I do?

A:
A soft or sinking brake pedal indicates insufficient hydraulic pressure in the braking system. Start by checking the following:
Brake fluid level: A low level in the master cylinder reservoir means there is a leak somewhere. Check all brake lines, brake calipers, and wheel cylinders for signs of moisture.
Air in the system: A spongy pedal usually means air has entered the system. Bleed each wheel, starting with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder.
Brake booster or accumulator: If the equipment is equipped with a hydraulic brake booster, insufficient nitrogen precharge pressure or inadequate pump pressure can cause the pedal to become soft. Use a pressure gauge to check the accumulator pressure.
Master cylinder seals: If the brake fluid level is sufficient and there are no external leaks, the master cylinder may have internal bypassing. It should be repaired or replaced.
Do not operate the vehicle when the brake pedal is soft. The problem will only worsen and may result in complete brake failure.
Q:

My mining dump truck's brake pedal feels very soft and goes all the way to the floor. What should I do?

A:
A soft or sinking brake pedal indicates insufficient hydraulic pressure in the braking system. Start by checking the following:
Brake fluid level: A low level in the master cylinder reservoir means there is a leak somewhere. Check all brake lines, brake calipers, and wheel cylinders for signs of moisture.
Air in the system: A spongy pedal usually means air has entered the system. Bleed each wheel, starting with the wheel farthest from the master cylinder.
Brake booster or accumulator: If the equipment is fitted with a hydraulic brake booster, insufficient nitrogen precharge pressure or inadequate pump pressure can cause the pedal to feel soft. Use a pressure gauge to check the accumulator pressure.
Master cylinder seals: If the brake fluid level is adequate and there are no external leaks, the master cylinder may have internal bypassing. It should be repaired or replaced.
Do not operate the vehicle when the brake pedal feels soft. The problem will only worsen and may result in complete brake failure.
Q:

My forklift's electrical system keeps draining the battery overnight. Where

A:
Parasitic current (the battery continues to discharge after the vehicle is turned off) can be frustrating, but the cause can usually be traced. Please follow these steps: First, disconnect the negative battery cable and connect a multimeter in series, set to current measurement mode. A current exceeding 0.05 amperes (50 milliamps) indicates a problem. Next, remove the fuses one at a time and observe the multimeter reading. When the current drops, you can identify the circuit with the problem.
Common causes include a stuck ignition relay, faulty alternator diodes (which cause reverse current flow), aftermarket accessories connected directly to the battery, such as lights, radios, or GPS units, or a worn starter solenoid. Third, check the battery terminals and ground cables for corrosion; poor grounding can also cause continuous discharge. If the alternator is causing the problem, replace the diode assembly rather than simply charging the battery and ignoring the issue. For modern forklifts equipped with electronic controllers, have a dealer check for control modules that are unable to enter sleep mode.