Wednesday, April 9, 2014
How to Fill the Hydraulic Fluid in a Forklift
Hydraulic fluid is the lifeblood of a forklift. Forklifts rely on hydraulics for their lifting abilities as well as steering. It is important to maintain the proper level of hydraulic fluid in a forklifts reservoir. An inadequate level of hydraulic fluid will decrease a forklifts lifting and steering abilities. An overabundance of fluid, on the other hand, can lead to other problems, such as leaks and spills. Many manufacturers recommend replacing a forklifts hydraulic oil every 1,000 hours of use.
Instructions
- 1
Consult the forklift operators manual, if available. It will tell you the specific grade of hydraulic fluid to use as well as what the particular fill level of the hydraulic tank is. If the manufacturers recommendation cannot be found, use a general purpose fluid like ISO 32 hydraulic oil.
2Park the forklift on level ground. Lower the forks until they touch the ground, set the parking brake, and turn the ignition off.
3Locate the hydraulic reservoir. It will have a vented fill cap on its top side and a sight glass or fill gauge on its side to indicate the fluid level.
4Remove the vented fill cap. Insert the oil delivery pumps discharge nozzle into the fill tube and begin pumping fluid into the reservoir.
5Observe the tanks fluid level by via the sight glass or fill gauge. Once the fluid level reaches the max fill line, stop pumping. Do not overfill the tank.
6Slowly withdraw the delivery pumps fill nozzle. Use a shop towel to contain or clean up any hydraulic fluid that may have spilled onto the outside of the tank.
7Finish filling the forklifts hydraulic tank by replacing the vented fill cap.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
How to Use a Bicycle Pump to Fill an Air Tank
Compressed air is useful for many things. It can pump up flat tires, run a variety of air tools, or simply be used to clean a bit of dirt out of a crevice. In order to create and use compressed air you need to have a commercial air compressor or an air tank. If you have an air-tank equipped with a pressure gauge and Schrader valve you can easily fill it up with a bike pump.
Instructions
- 1
Press the bike pump connection onto the Schrader valve located near the top of the air tank. It will be an approximately 3/8 inch metal threaded tube with a small pin in the center.
2Pump up the tank while keeping an eye on the tank air valve. After several dozen pumps you should start to see some air pressure registered. Continue this action until the tank reads about 20 pounds of pressure.
3Remove the bike pump nozzle and use the tire gauge to verify the pressure for safety. Once it is verified, continue pumping to your desired pressure.
