Discussion:
TCM - Arcing / Jerking

Hello,



I recently bought an older TCM VFHM435-750 electric 3 wheel forklift from a company that went out of business. I use it in my shop at home for lifting engines, bodies, etc.

It just developed a problem where it will not move forward or reverse at first. After a few depresses of the accelerator, it will engage, but the motor arcs (I can see and hear it) and the unit jerks repeatedly as if it's engaging and disengaging. At full speed, the effect is less noticeable. This behavior is evident in both forward and reverse.

The battery is in good shape and holds a charge well. It lifts and tilts perfectly.


Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!


Thank you in advance.
  • Posted 3 Dec 2011 18:54
  • Modified 3 Dec 2011 18:55 by poster
  • By LinM
  • joined 3 Dec'11 - 3 messages
  • Virginia, United States
Showing items 1 - 8 of 8 results.
TCM forklift alarms need urgent FB.20
alarms 76,404,56
  • Posted 27 Dec 2011 08:30
  • By hysterbrazil
  • joined 10 Oct'11 - 101 messages
  • rio de janeiro, Brazil
Good for you, an easy fix.
  • Posted 9 Dec 2011 18:54
  • By 7777
  • joined 8 Mar'11 - 649 messages
  • New York, United States
thanks for the assistance. JCFORKLIFT@gmail.COM
Just as a help to others, the problem was the brushes. Two were stuck. One broke on the way out, so all were replaced. All better now. :)
  • Posted 9 Dec 2011 16:06
  • By LinM
  • joined 3 Dec'11 - 3 messages
  • Virginia, United States
You probably have 2 drive motors on that machine, you might want to check see. Chances are the other drive motor, if present, is also sick
  • Posted 4 Dec 2011 08:15
  • By 7777
  • joined 8 Mar'11 - 649 messages
  • New York, United States
thanks for the assistance. JCFORKLIFT@gmail.COM
Lots of dust, sparks, and some coagulated oil makes for a great mix. Yea, I think its a good idea to blow out the truck.
  • Posted 4 Dec 2011 08:10
  • By 7777
  • joined 8 Mar'11 - 649 messages
  • New York, United States
thanks for the assistance. JCFORKLIFT@gmail.COM
Interesting! This machine was used by a high end cabinet-maker. There were layers of dust all over it.

I can work on cars, semis, busses... but I've never worked on one of these. Always up for a challenge and learning something new, unless you folks feel it's time to call in a pro. :)

Should I start by trying to blow out the motor with compressed air? How would you recommend "washing it out"? Accessibility seems to be an issue from above, but I could give it a shot.

Thank you very much for your help!
  • Posted 4 Dec 2011 04:15
  • Modified 4 Dec 2011 04:16 by poster
  • By LinM
  • joined 3 Dec'11 - 3 messages
  • Virginia, United States
Agree with Forkingabout, it sounds like a motor issue - brushes or commutator
  • Posted 4 Dec 2011 03:16
  • By johnr_j
  • joined 3 Jun'06 - 1,452 messages
  • Georgia, United States
I take it this will be a DC machine, Have you checked the carbon brushes are not worn down on the traction motor?

Have you checked all the cable connections to the traction motor are clean & tight?

We sometimes used to get this issue on DC Cesab, it normally turned out to be the motor full of dust / debris & requiring a wash out or in rare cases the motor insulation breaking down.

We used to power wash out the motors to clean them, battery must be disconnected & they need to be fully dried out before use.
  • Posted 3 Dec 2011 19:01
  • By Forkingabout
  • joined 31 Mar'11 - 862 messages
  • england, United Kingdom

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