The Forklift repair trade has it`s benefits but can be difficult if you have no support. I`m at a dealer where servicing 2 or 3 brands is our main focus. We have factory support with all the latest manuals and service bulletins. But, times are tough now and our company is forced to take on more diverse contracts. Now, we are fixing brand `X` trucks with no help available......just like most of you out there operate now. We have discovered that forklift manufacturer`s can withhold factory manuals and specs. Access to the truck`s computers is also proprietary and requires you to pay another repair firm to load new software. I cant imagine working on different trucks each day with no manuals or support. As an Auto tech, i could access any car with one scan tool as all makes have the same OBD2 plug. You can get factory manuals online with all the latest service bulletins and recalls. Not so with forklifts, not even close. This job can frustrating or a rewarding career depending on WHERE you work and WHO manages the place. Pretty much like any other job.....
There is no brotherhood and no Union (thank God!) but we can get together on these forums and share info. Were not supposed to give information about our trucks to any other companies, but now that we fix their trucks and they fix ours, we, as techs, secretly exchange info and expertize to get the job done. By keeping friendly with the competition`s techs, our job is made easier and we look more professional to the customer. Of course, if management caught us were toast!
Thanks to our Aussie friends, this website forum is a great help and I enjoy helping people with technical questions. I know that years of working on the same model every day gives me knowledge that i can share with anyone else in the world that has no manuals or support to deal with customer`s truck.