Hydraulic oil, engine oil and brake oil (brake fluid) are among the three fluids that need to be checked before operating a forklift. Let’s find out what you need to know about brake fluid to maintain performance and extend the life of your forklifts through the article below with Yale Forklifts Vietnam.
1. What is brake oil? How important is brake oil?
Brake fluid plays an important role in forklift operation, which helps transmit and force when the operator applies the brakes. Which helps the forklift stop accurately and safely.
Forklift brake oil is an important part among the 3 liquids of a forklift
When braking, there will be heat generated by friction in the brake booster system, the forklift brake fluid will reduce the heat generated by lubricating and at the same time prevent corrosion.
2. What are the common forklift brake oil types?
There are 4 common types of brake oil in the market as:
– DOT 3 brake oil
– DOT 4 brake oil
– DOT 5 brake oil
– DOT 5.1 brake oil
In particular, brake fluid DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 have a glycol-based composition, while DOT 5 has a silicon-based composition. The biggest difference between these two oil groups is the ability to absorb water: DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 have the ability to absorb water, and DOT 5 does not.
Compared to DOT 3, DOT 4 has a higher boiling point, which will be more suitable for forklifts that use a lot of brakes. DOT 5 has the highest boiling point among all types. Never use DOT 5 brake fluid for brake systems that are designed to use DOT 3 and DOT 4 because it will damage the braking system.
Customers should choose suitable forklift brake oil
However, Customers should ask their forklift dealer to receive some consultation about the suitable forklift brake fluid type.
3. When do you need to change the forklift brake oil?
Although brake fluid contributes greatly to the operating performance of the forklift, especially to ensure operating safety. It is often forgotten the most among the three important types of liquid oil in forklifts such as: engine oil, hydraulic oil and brake fluid.
The best way to know when to change forklift brake fluid is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Usually, the forklift’s manufacturer recommends changing forklift brake fluid every 1200-1500 working hours.
Customers should check and replace the brake fluid periodically
However, there are some manufacturers that do not give any recommendations about changing brake fluids. You need to check the forklift brake fluid regularly and perform additional or replacement in some of the following cases:
– Brake warning light comes on.
– Low level of brake fluid, discoloration or dirt.
– The feeling when stamping the brake pedal is soft and abnormal.
– Brake performance becomes low.
– Strange noises or smells when braking.
4. Common Q&A about forklift brake oil
Which brake fluid is suitable for your forklift?
The best way to know which brake fluid is suitable for your forklift is to read the forklift manufacturer’s guidance book or check the information on the brake fluid tank.
Is it possible to mix brake oils together?
Sometimes it is possible to mix brake oils together if you do not have the same brake fluid available. However, do not mix DOT 5 brake fluid with DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5.1 because they differ in their original composition.
Types DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5.1 can be mixed together because of the common glycol base, however, mixing is not recommended unless absolutely necessary because mixing can reduce the boiling point of brake fluid.
Why is forklift brake fluid reduced?
Forklift brake fluid is placed in a sealed container, but sometimes we see brake fluid levels getting low. What is the cause?
The most common reason is probably brake fluid leaking out on the ground where your forklift is parked.
Another common cause is brake fluid leaking into the brake booster so Customers need to check brake fluid level regularly and have a solution when detecting problems
Where to buy quality forklift brake fluid?
In Vietnam, there are many manufacturers and distributors of quality forklift brake fluid which help Customers have more diverse choices.
In order to choose the suitable brake fluid, aside from choosing the type of brake fluid recommended by the forklift manufacturer, Customer needs to test whether the new brake fluid is soluble with the brake fluid currently in use or not?
Please contact us via Hotline: 0896.461.728 for more information about forklift brake fluid or advice on forklifts such as: internal combustion engines forklift (diesel – gas – petrol), electric forklifts, hand pallet trucks, reach trucks… or forklifts service such as: Purchasing/rental service, forklift spare parts, repair maintenance service,…
