Thanks duodeluxe!
The reverse seems to have more torque than going forward. Is that an issue with a hydraulics or something else?
No, there is a differential which allows the wheels to turn independently and at different speeds. The handle is the parking brake handle. Your serial # is Q1901... not O1901....
In order to access the brakes, remove the wheels. Do not try to remove the slotted countersunk bolts. In the back of the brake drum there are 12 or 16 nuts that must be removed. Put a drain pan under the axle and remove the brake housing assembly. Remove the big slotted nut. Suspend the brake housing upside down between the forks and hit the axle shaft with a piece of wood and a hammer and you will see the brake assembly.
Also, is there any way to lock the two front wheels together so they will turn at the same speed?
Here are the numbers on the id plate:
FMF-040 (model)
O-1901-165 (possible serial)
12444-B (possible serial)
What is the serial # of your truck?
Update so far: Had the Starter rebuilt and it runs great now, replaced the old leaky LPG tank, replaced the ignition key switch that was sticking and leaving the starter engaged! and it runs pretty good now.
Next major issue is there are NO BRAKES at all. On the ground it's fine but on concrete it rolls one way or the other and gains momentum quick, so the good news is the bearings are good :-).
I would appreciate any guidance on what and how to check the brake system. There is a lever on the front that leads to two cables, which I assume are the parking or emergency brake, those do no work either.
Thanks for the info! I will remove the starter today and take it down to a repair place nearby that I believe does heavy machine work.
Napa might have one or be able to get on. A starter repair shop could probably fix it. Anyone involved in forklift repair could get you one also. The capacity of a FMF040 is 4000 lbs. A guess on what the forklift weighs is about 7000 lbs.
Seems the starter has a short or something as it keeps getting hot and now has stopped working. Seems like an easy fix to swap if I can find a local source for the starter.
Anyone know if I can get one of these from the local Autozone or Napa?