A PM lift: here are two PM tips to keep in mind before you start forking and lifting.

Loose Fitting

An M4K forklift that can't lift a load isn't a forklift--it's NMC!

If your forklift lifts erratically, it probably has a hydraulic leak. The usual suspect is the elbow fitting that connects the hydraulic line to the main hydraulic lift cylinder.

Vehicle vibration loosens the fitting and lets hydraulic fluid leak out. A loss of fluid starves the vehicle's hydraulic pump. Then the forklift won't lift.

Before that happens, check out that elbow. Raise the forks a foot off the ground and put jack stands under them. Turn off the engine, then get on your hands and knees and eyeball the elbow fitting. It's directly under the forklift's lift rack.

If it's leaking, get your mechanic to tighten the fitting and add hydraulic fluid until the dipstick shows FULL.

No Step Here

The cylinder rod for the forklift's steering arm seems to make a handy step when you climb into the cab from the curbside.

Problem is, your boot can scratch the cylinder rod. A scarred rod ruins the wiper seal, causing a hydraulic fluid leak.

To save costly repairs and downtime, get on the forklift from the roadside and keep your feet off the cylinder rods.