Discussion:
Free lift cylinder operation

I am trying to confirm whether or not I have a mast staging problem. The free lift cylinder lifts to within 3/4" of full stroke, then the main lift cyls. start to lift. If lift operation is stopped within a foot or two of main lift extension, the inner rail will drop slowly and extend the free lift cyl. the rest of the way, but the forks don't move. Does this indicate a problem in the free lift cyl. or could this be normal due to cushioning valving inside the cyl. The main lift cyls. were both just rebuilt and there is nothing binding in the mast.
  • Posted 24 Jun 2011 12:18
  • By kjjfry
  • joined 24 Jun'11 - 16 messages
  • Alberta, Canada
Showing items 1 - 1 of 1 results.
it indicates the cushioning valve or cylinder packing is allowing 'leaking by', and no it is not "normal" and it can be a considerable safety issue, since it removes the "free" from the free lift as it changes the overall height differently than the operator expects.
You should expect to repack the cylinder and replace cushioning valve in the bottom of the first stage ram.
  • Posted 24 Jun 2011 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.

PREMIUM business

GemOne
Telematics for industrial fleets. Fleet & safety management solutions: track vehicles, boost efficiency, operate safer, & avoid unexpected downtime.
Upcoming in the editorial calendar
WIRELESS CHARGING
Aug 2025
MANAGING MIXED FLEETS
Oct 2025
Hangcha CPYD30XH21F
Flesherton, Ontario, Canada
New - Sale
Toplift Ferrari TFC36-48
Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada
Used - Sale
USD1
Movers & Shakers
Jeannette Walker Jeannette Walker
CEO, MHEDA
President, European Rental Association (ERA)
Chief marketing officer, JLT Mobile Computers
Chief executive officer, East Penn Manufacturing
Fact of the week
The use of "hello" as a telephone greeting is attributed to Thomas Edison. He is said to have suggested it as a simpler alternative to other greetings, such as "Do I get you?" or "Are you there?".