What Causes a Forklift's Steering to Become Stiff?
2 Answers
The reason a forklift's steering becomes stiff could be due to lifting mechanism failure, damaged seals in the steering hydraulic cylinder, or clogged power steering oil lines. Below is an introduction to forklifts: Definition: A forklift is an industrial handling vehicle designed for loading, unloading, stacking, and short-distance transportation of palletized goods. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO/TC110) refers to it as an industrial vehicle. Commonly used for transporting large objects in warehouses, forklifts are typically powered by fuel engines or batteries. Performance Parameters: The technical parameters of a forklift indicate its structural characteristics and operational performance. Key technical parameters include: rated load capacity, load center distance, maximum lifting height, mast tilt angle, maximum travel speed, minimum turning radius, minimum ground clearance, as well as wheelbase and track width.
When I operate a forklift and the steering wheel won't turn, it feels like the wheels are welded in place. Most likely, it's a hydraulic system issue—either the hydraulic fluid is too low or contaminated, the oil pump might be worn out, or the oil line is clogged, causing insufficient pressure and stiff steering. Another common cause is rust or debris jamming the steering column, especially in dusty warehouse environments. Additionally, leaking steering cylinders can make the steering wheel rigid. If this happens, don't force it—you risk damaging more components. Stop immediately and check the fluid level and quality. If the fluid seems fine, call a technician to inspect the pump and cylinders to avoid major operational disruptions.
