Telehandler / Boom Lift Truck
Telehandler Boom Lift Truck Guide
- Engine: Pull the dipstick and run oil through your fingers to check for grit. If the oil has a milky appearance, the machine likely has a bad head gasket that has leaked antifreeze.
- Turntable: Use a flashlight to check for leaks and loose bolts behind the main valve bank, where the gearbox meets the turntable bearing. Carefully study the turntable bearing’s teeth for any signs of bending or breakage. Test swing box wear by shifting the boom from side-to-side. Any movement beyond 1.5 inches is excessive – the result of broken gears or turntable slack.
- Hydraulics: Hydraulic leaks are the major concern on the chassis. Note any leaks on the drive motors, caused by loose-fitting or blown oil rings and indicative of impact damage. Also inspect the steering linkage and its hoses for any signs of leaks.
- Power Track: While the machine is running, extend the power track until cables and hoses from the upper control box are fully extended. This will expose any hydraulic hose leaks or broken links.
- Boom: Use a flashlight to spot leaks within the boom structure. If you find any paint cracks, check the boom for a bent appearance. Paint cracks and visible bends are both the result of basket overload. With one hand on the basket, bounce it up and down feeling for side-to-side movement. This will reveal the condition of the wear pads, located at the front of each telescoping section.