Discussion:
Toyota 8FG32 Mast Down Very Slow?

I needed to start a new Discussion for this based on some other discussions for 8 series and another similar problem.

The Problem: We have a fleet of Toyota 8 series LPG forklifts, they are all 4 Tier Masts, and all but the clamp trucks are configured with sideshifters and double forks. The hours vary from 1200-2900, purchased April 2008. We now have begun to see a series of lifts that at first appear to be the safety down valve is malfunctioning.

The operator takes a load from the rack system at the third level, which is approx. 15 feet up, and weighs around a ton at the max, they take it, pull out, and then even if they feather the controls, it trips the down valve safety and the mast will come down very slowly, and can take more than 45 seconds to hit ground. This does NOT occur while unloaded. Also, this occurs at any tilt angle, from any height EXCEPT the first tier. Although we have another lift today where it DOES occur at the first tier.

Our lifts are managed by a maint. program that covers periodics...oil changes and so on, I am responsible for everything else, including damage, unusual wear and so forth.

For an example, this problem persists despite checking and adjusting mast wheel bearing tolerances, greasing the tracks, after cleaning them, checking the pressure with a gauge, replacing the safety down valve, bleeding the LH rear mast cylinder of air ((from the safety down valve change)), adjusting all electronics to factory specifications, and insuring that no other system such as SAS is tripping this down function to behave as it is.

Also for what its worth all lifts have the mini lever controls. My personal conclusions include the electronic hydraulic control selenoids have an internal part/spring failure, the safety down valve is incorrect despite being packaged with the correct Toyota PN.

This is NOT operator error, I have observed the operators while they are unaware of my presence and the lift is being operated as designed. If anyone has input or ideas on this complicated subject I am all ears, and thanks in advance.
  • Posted 18 Apr 2009 04:44
  • By tristan_m
  • joined 18 Apr'09 - 9 messages
  • Louisiana, United States
Showing items 1 - 5 of 5 results.
I have a theory as to why the springs break. It's likely a pressure overload that bottoms out a very delicate spring. I find it interesting to say the least that Toyota decided an accumulator wasn't needed. Likely a retrofit would be a good idea to prevent this condition again.
  • Posted 11 Dec 2009 00:39
  • By tristan_m
  • joined 18 Apr'09 - 9 messages
  • Louisiana, United States
Well Done Johnny G!!
  • Posted 10 Dec 2009 11:35
  • By Forkliftt
  • joined 13 Jul'09 - 321 messages
  • Louisiana, United States
your right the spring was busted, 6 lifts with the problem described all had broken springs, ive begun checking the lifts without problems and so far of the 10 additional lifts, 5 had fractured springs that were about to break.
  • Posted 9 Dec 2009 05:18
  • By tristan_m
  • joined 18 Apr'09 - 9 messages
  • Louisiana, United States
you need to pull control valve out and flip it over there is a spool under the one with the long cap it has a busted spring
  • Posted 8 Dec 2009 23:33
  • By johnny_g
  • joined 8 Dec'09 - 3 messages
  • Florida, United States
i have had a main hyd valve failure. suggest sending out for repair very complicated Rich
  • Posted 22 Apr 2009 07:39
  • By rich_k
  • joined 30 Oct'07 - 108 messages
  • Ontario, Canada

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