Discussion:
mast lowering problem

5000lbs lift truck 3 stage mast. Free lift/carriage is lowering at twice the speed of mast channels/secondary cylinders.

Mast raises normal and has no problem lifting a load. When lowering from any height above free lift. The free lift will lower 1st and faster then the channels. If you release the handle to the neutral position the channels will continue lower and push Freelift up until the pressure is equalized. I have lubed the channels, have taken apart Freelift cylinder and resealed. Secondary lift cylinders have clear vent hoses at the top and there is no oil in the vents. At a loose as to what is causing this problem. I asked the customer if this problem just started with no warning or if the problem came on slowly....replied that problem just started out of the blue. I also chained up the carriage and lowered mast to see if the speed of the channels increased...only slightly faster.
Removed and disassembled a flow control valve that is in-line with supply line. Saw no obvious problems with valve.
  • Posted 25 Sep 2013 08:33
  • By hellcat
  • joined 19 Jan'13 - 4 messages
  • Florida, United States
Showing items 1 - 1 of 1 results.
Sounds to me like there is a small "cushioning" valve in the bottom of the free-lift cylinder ram that has either gone bad or is leaking past or fallen out. You will need to pull the ram all the way out to see and change it. it is about as big around as your pinkey and about 1/2 as long and right in the bottom center of the lift cylinder ram.
  • Posted 25 Sep 2013 20:07
  • By edward_t
  • joined 5 Mar'08 - 2,334 messages
  • South Carolina, United States
"it's not rocket surgery"

Post your Reply

Forkliftaction accepts no responsibility for forum content and requires forum participants to adhere to our rules of conduct. Click here for more information.

If you are having trouble using the Discussion Forums, please contact us for help.

Kalmar-Ac P100CXD
Morgantown, Pennsylvania, United States
Used - Sale
Nagano NUZ090D
Yokohama, Japan
Used - Sale
Global Industry News
edition #1254 - 30 October 2025
In this week’s Forkliftaction News - As an industry, our focus is often on key economic indicators such as productivity and profitability, but we all know our sector simply wouldn’t exist without the skilled operators who bring the machinery to life... Continue reading
Movers & Shakers
Kai von Berg Kai von Berg
VP sales Europe, EP Equipment Europe
Group president - Vancouver operations, Columbia Machine
Business development manager - UK, IRE, BENELUX, Tyri Lights
President and CEO, Wajax Corporation
Kalmar-Ac P100CXD
Morgantown, Pennsylvania, United States
Used - Sale
Nagano NUZ090D
Yokohama, Japan
Used - Sale
Upcoming industry events …
November 4-6, 2025 - Jaarbeurs, Netherlands
November 14, 2025 - Melbourne, Australia
December 10-11, 2025 - Louisville, United States
Editorial calendar - planned features
CONSTRUCTION FORKLIFTS
HANDLING GOODS IN THE COLD
LOADING/UNLOADING FREIGHT
BROWNFIELD AUTOMATION
FORKLIFT ATTACHMENTS
BATTERY AFFORDABILITY AND LIFETIME
FORKLIFT SAFETY

PREMIUM business

Hangzhou Manforce Material Handling Equipment Co., Ltd
Specializing in Nichi and conventional forklift products, we create significant value for all our partners!
Fact of the week
The word "robotics" was coined by Russian-born American science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov who first used the word in 1942 in his short story 'Runabout'. He characterised robots as helpful servants and as "a better, cleaner race."