If you’re in charge of a fleet, work with tools every day, or run a repair shop, having the right parts is very important.
Good forklift parts can save you time, cut down on costly downtime, and make your entire operation more efficient.
How do you get the best forklift parts? Let’s get right to the important stuff.
You can use this help to learn how to find the right forklift parts, look through different categories, and work with reputable manufacturers.
Why Good Forklift Parts are Important
Like any other piece of machinery, forklifts need to be serviced and fixed every so often. Using high-quality truck parts makes sure that:
- Durability: High-quality parts last longer, so you don’t have to repair them as often.
- Safety: When pieces of tools break down, accidents are less likely to happen when they don’t work well together.
- Performance: The best forklift parts are those that are brand new or have been changed to a high standard.
Buying good forklift parts is not just a matter of saving money. They’re also important for keeping your workers safe and your business running smoothly.
How to Find the Right Forklift Parts
1. To Ease Your Search, Use Categories
Putting your search into groups based on topics can help you find things faster.
The way most suppliers group forklift parts is by the equipment or job they are used for. Look out for these things:
- Forklift parts include brakes, tires, engines, and hydraulics, which are all very important.
- Parts that are attached to something else, like clamps, rotators, and special forks.
- Sweeper/scrubber Parts: Used to fix tools that clean floors.
- Aerial Lift Parts: For scissor lifts and work areas that are higher up.
- Skid Steer Parts: These are pieces for small tractors.
If you pay attention to the right area, you can quickly find what you need without having to sort through options that don’t help.
2. Look for Products Made by Reputable Brands
You can find parts a lot faster if you know what kind of truck you have.
Because each company makes a different kind of forklift, it’s important to only use parts that work with your truck.
Here are some well-known brands:
- Parts for Allis-Chalmers forklifts
- Parts for Caterpillar (Cat/Towmotor) forklifts
- Clark Parts for Forklifts
- Crown Parts for Forklifts
- Parts for Doosan (Daewoo) forklifts
- Hyundai Parts for Forklifts
- Parts for Komatsu forklifts
- Parts for Mitsubishi Forklifts
- Toyota Parts for Forklifts
The make, model, and serial number of your tractor can be found on the nameplate. This will make your search easier.
3. Sort Parts by Type
If you’re not sure about the brand or need a universal part, looking by part type is a great way to find it. Some common types are:
- Parts of an Engine: The engine needs filters, spark plugs, and seals to keep it going well.
- Hydraulic Parts: Pumps, cylinders, lines, and other important pulling parts are among these.
- Electrical Systems: Alternators, batteries, and wires make sure that the power is always on.
- Tires and Wheels: You can get air tires for use outside or cushion tires for use inside.
4. Think About OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts
Most of the time, you’ll have two options when looking for forklift parts:
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts: These are made by the same company that made your forklift, so you know they will work well with it.
- Aftermarket Parts: These are made by outside companies. They are usually of good quality, but they cost less. If money is tight, aftermarket parts might be a good option. Just be sure to buy them from a trustworthy source to keep the quality high.
5. Work with Suppliers You Can Trust
It is very important to work with a source you can trust. Search for companies that can give you:
- Large Selection: A large stock of parts for many brands and types.
- Expert Help: Staff members who know what they’re doing and can help you find the right part.
- Fast Shipping: To keep your activities running as smoothly as possible.
- Warranties: A promise of quality and longevity.
6. Make Maintenance Plans Ahead of Time
By changing worn-out parts before they break, you can avoid sudden breakdowns. Pay attention to:
- Repairs All the Time: If a part keeps breaking, it’s time to get a new one.
- Performance Drop: Operations that are slow or making strange noises are red flags.
- Visible Wear: You should fix any cracked lines, worn tires, or broken hydraulic systems right away.
Models of Equipment and Types of Parts by Manufacturer
To make sourcing easier, you need to know how equipment types relate to forklift part categories. Here’s how makers divide their parts into groups:
1. Parts for Caterpillar (Cat/Towmotor) Forklifts
Caterpillar forklifts are known for being strong and useful in a variety of situations. For these models, these are the main types of parts:
- Engine Parts: The engine needs filters, belts, and sensors to keep it going well.
- Hydraulic Parts: Pumps and valves make pulling and controlling operations smooth.
- Attachments: Forks, clamps, and other add-ons that make it easier to move things around.
2. Parts for Toyota Forklifts
People love Toyota trucks because they are reliable and have modern designs. The following groups describe their parts:
- Electrical Systems: A steady flow of energy is made possible by wiring, batteries, and alternators.
- Braking Systems: These have pads, wheels, and other parts that make stopping safe and easy.
- Mast Components: Rollers, bearings, and other parts that are needed to lift.
3. Parts for Hyster Forklifts
Hyster forklifts are made to do hard work, and they have parts that are specifically made for the following:
- Transmission Parts: Gears, clutches, and other parts that make the flow of power smooth.
- Cooling Parts: Things like fans, heaters, and lines to avoid overheating.
- Tires: Available in solid and pneumatic types for different work conditions.
Why This is Important
It’s important to know which parts fit which types of equipment for:
- Quicker Ways to Find the Right Parts: Finding parts that fit your truck is easy.
- Keep Things Running Smoothly: Having the right parts on hand will cut down on downtime.
- Fix Things for Less Money: Save money on mistakes by using parts that work together.
How to Find Better Sources
- Always Read Your Forklift’s Manual: It tells you what parts will work with it and how often it should be serviced.
- Choose Suppliers You Can Trust: They will usually have full catalogs and knowledgeable staff to help you.
- Make a List of Common Repairs: Keep extra filters and brake pads on hand for parts that need to be changed often.
Advice on How to Pick the Best Supplier
Finding the right forklift parts is only half the fight. It’s also important to find a supplier you can trust. Here are some ideas that can be used:
1. Look for a Lot of Different Parts
- The best providers have a lot of different items in stock, from engines to tires.
- Make sure they have parts for a lot of different types, like Hyster, Caterpillar, and Toyota. You won’t have to waste time going from one seller to another to get what you need.
2. Read What Other Customers Have Said
- There is a lot you can learn about a service company from review sites.
- Check out what other customers have said about how fast they ship, how good their items are, and how helpful their customer service is.
- One good indication of a dependable supplier is positive comments empty of changes.
3. Look at How Well Their Parts Are Made
- Quality is very important for parts that are used a lot, like lifts or brakes.
- Make sure the parts are legal and that they come with proof or a guarantee. Parts that are made well will last longer and work better, which will save you money over time.
4. Don’t Just Buy from Sellers; Choose Experts
- A good provider does more than sell parts; they also help you choose the right ones.
- If you’re not sure what you need, look for someone with knowledge in the field who can help you. They can help you avoid making mistakes that cost a lot of money.
5. Shipping That is Quick and Reliable
- Every minute counts when a truck breaks down.
- Pick a supplier that can send quickly, especially if you need to fix something right away. Some sellers even offer same-day shipping, which is great if you need something quickly.
6. Easy-to-use Return Policies
- It does happen that the wrong part gets shipped sometimes.
- When you buy something, make sure the company has an easy-to-understand return policy. Everything will fit and look good, so you won’t have to worry about that.
7. Get the Best Price and Quality
- It’s tempting to pick the least expensive option, but keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
- They should be honest about how much they charge and not skimp on quality. It can save you a lot of money in the long run to spend a little more up front.
8. Look at Their Customer Service
- There will be times when things go wrong, and great customer service is very important.
- If something goes wrong, choose a seller who is easy to reach and quick to fix it. Great customer service by phone, email, or live chat from a partner you can trust.
Common Forklift Problems and Ways to Fix Them
1. Finding Parts for Older Forklifts
- Parts that are no longer made or are hard to find may be needed for older forklifts. When this happens, it can be very helpful to work with a supplier that deals in old or hard-to-find parts.
2. Making Sure They Work Together
- You should always check your forklift’s make, model, and serial number twice before getting parts for it. Many businesses can help you make the best choice when it comes to matching.
3. Dealing with Costs
- Quality is important, but you also need to make sure you don’t go over price. If possible, find sellers whose prices are reasonable without lowering the quality of their products.
In Conclusion
Finding the right forklift parts for your tools doesn’t have to be hard. Use categories, look by manufacturer, and work with a trustworthy source to keep your forklift in great shape.
Remember that investing in good forklift parts will protect you, speed up your work, and make the machine last longer.
Here at MDS Forklift, we can help you with all of your forklift needs, from parts to servicing and more.
