Discussion:
Mast Fault / Diag Advice Needed

Mast is stuck in the air, tilting downwards. Have mechanically released the valve to lower the mast (to fit into our unit) but will not lower using the joystick controls. Joystick works for everything else. When going to lower the mast, engine goes under load but will not lower.

No fault code displayed on the dash.
Have fitted a new control unit which has made no difference.
Unload valve and key off lift lock has been checked, no issue found.
All fuses and relays checked, no issue found.

We have been through the oil control valve & mast sections of the manual, which haven't provided any clues...The company we use for diagnostics has said they are unable to help!

Does anybody have any advice, or know where we can source diag equipment/a technician? We are based in Plymouth, England.

Thanks in advance!!
  • Posted 27 Dec 2023 23:00
  • By AbbeyLifts
  • joined 27 Dec'23 - 1 message
  • United Kingdom
Abbey Lift Trucks Ltd
Showing items 1 - 2 of 2 results.
There should be a solenoid for the liftlock, check voltage when lowering.
There are 2 solenoids side by side, 1 for tilting and 1 for lifting.
When disambling watch for springs and bearings.
Check the armrest cable for broken wires, they get stuck easely.
My quess its the solenoid.
  • Posted 30 Dec 2023 07:19
  • By John50
  • joined 7 Sep'19 - 153 messages
  • Netherlands
I've had masts stick at full lift occasionally. Usually it's on trucks that are used for short lifts over a long period of time and the only time they go to full height is when I'm testing them for PM. I think it's gummy or dirty lift cylinder tubes in the section of the cylinders that hasn't been used for years.

What I do is load the forks by raising another forklift and laying the forks over the stuck forks then lowering. the weight of the second truck's carriage is often enough to get the stuck upright moving again. Once or twice I've had to use a load to push down even harder on the stuck forks. You want the hydraulics on the stuck truck all connected and the lower lever actuated while loading the forks. You don't want excessive slack in any of the chains.

This is all very dangerous stuff and I can't recommend doing it unless you have knowledge of how uprights normally operate and are in a safe area with no unnecessary people around. You have to keep the area under the forks clear and keep hands out of the mast.

If that works, you can free up the upright by lifting a thousand pounds or so up to full lift and back down maybe a dozen times. Strangely, I haven't had seal leaks in trucks I've done this to. I sorta would have expected at least some packing damage.

Again, you and your helper need to be very alert and aware of your surroundings if you try this.
  • Posted 29 Dec 2023 02:51
  • By lumberjack
  • joined 27 Jul'07 - 180 messages
  • Maryland, United States

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